In an engaging and inspiring keynote presentation, Steve Wiley, president and founder of the Lincoln Leadership Institute, used the Battle of Gettysburg as a metaphor for teaching leadership in the modern age. Specifically, he used examples from the battle to demonstrate the difference between “transactional leaders” who merely direct and coordinate, and more effective “transformational leaders” who create a vision of the future, model their values, and build a culture of confidence and commitment.
 
Today’s leader is strapped for time, and during the conference, Beth Ziesensis, author, speaker and professional nerd posed a solution: use technology to pack more productivity into each day. She took attendees through “a day in the life of a nerdy packaging professional” where free or low-cost apps help to increase productivity from morning to night.  For example, she introduced the x.ai app that provides an artificial intelligence personal assistant that can set up appointments. Evernote is the ultimate note-taking app, allowing users to capture all of their ideas throughout the day and have them available on any platform. Ziesenis also suggested the Operator app for quick personal shopping when one doesn’t have time to go to the store.
 
Attendees also heard from two distinguished industry leaders. Michael P. Doss, president and CEO of Graphic Packaging International shared insights into the company’s strategic objectives for growth. Later, Alon Bar-Shany, general manager of HP Indigo talked about the evolution of digital printing and the power of change. In many cases, he noted that it is more risky not to change than to remain stable yet static.
 
Other conference highlights included a forecast and discussion from economist Jeff Rosensweig of Emory University, the announcement of the winners of the 2016 North American Paperboard Packaging Competition, a panel discussion featuring some of the designers of the winning entries, as well as an exciting networking reception at San Antonio’s famed Buckhorn Saloon.
                                                                      
“PPC’s biannual meetings unite industry leaders from across North America in learning to better their businesses and support the industry as a whole,” said Ben Markens, PPC President. “Our latest meeting in San Antonio exceeded our expectations, and I hope to see everyone again for our next meeting in the spring!”
 
PPC’s next conference will take place on March 29-31, 2016 in Charlotte, N.C. For more information, visit paperbox.org/spring.