FIBCA CONFERENCE LINEUP

OCTOBER 8-10, 2025
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA

Tariffs Discussion Session: Insights & Member Perspectives

• Overview of the Tariff Changes (countries affected, effective dates, percentages, etc.)
• Panel Discussion
  • How are companies adjusting supply chains?
  • What is the biggest challenge you’re facing right now?
  • Have customers been receptive to price adjustments?
  • What strategies are working (or not)?
• Open Floor Q&A
  • Members can ask questions and share their experiences.

Why 10x is Easier than 2x

Shannon Waller

Strategic Coach

The idea of growing your business 10x might sound daunting at first, but it’s actually simpler and easier than aiming to only double your growth. It means getting simpler instead of more complicated. It means freeing yourself up instead of adding more to your plate.

By implementing the Strategic Coach® strategy of Who Not How™—finding the right people to help you achieve your goals rather than doing everything yourself—you free yourself up to focus on what you do best and to be even more productive and create greater value. Because you need to simplify before you can multiply.

In this presentation, our Strategic Coach Speaker will explain how thinking in terms of 10x expands your freedom of time, money, relationships, and purpose and share ways to implement the Who Not How approach into your business.

Navigate the Economy: Prepare for Takeoffs and Landings

Jeremy Bess and

Patrick Luce

Principal Economists

In a world where uncertainty is the only constant, navigating the complexities of the economy can lead to decision-making paralysis. Amidst the information overload and click-bait headlines, understanding economic realities becomes increasingly challenging.

This session is designed to empower attendees with data-driven insights to cut through the noise and provide actionable management solutions for navigating what is going on today and plan for what’s ahead. This presentation will connect the microeconomic dynamics of the Flexible Intermediate Bulk Container (FIBC) markets with the core economic phenomena that you deal with every day.

Join us for outlooks from experts who will explore these critical areas, providing clear, unbiased perspectives on the current economic landscape. Equip yourself with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions in an ever-evolving economic environment.

Connected Intelligence: Practical Applications in AI for Packaging, Logistics, and Beyond

Paul Wallace, President and CEO

and

Scott Albretsen, Vice-President and Director of Technology

Nightforge Systems

This fast‑paced, tightly timed session demystifies AI with three crisp foundations—what AI can and cannot do, where it delivers the most value today, and where it’s headed to benefit your business. We’ll move from talk to action with three progressive, hands‑on demos: crafting effective prompts, using AI to structure and solve real problems, and turning outputs into measurable business value. Finally an advanced showcase will illustrate vision‑to‑execution and then you’ll be invited to imagine your own advanced prompts and participate in an interactive Q & A.

Mastering FIBC Testing: UN Certification, ISO 21898, and Expert Insights

Paul Mathson

TEN-E Packaging Services, Inc.

Join Paul Mathson of TEN-E Packaging Services—the first UN-approved third-party laboratory in the United States—for an in-depth look at the critical testing requirements for Flexible Intermediate Bulk Containers (FIBCs). With over 30 years of hands-on experience testing packaging, Paul will guide you through the complexities of UN certification for hazardous materials/dangerous goods and the recently revised ISO 21898 standard for non-dangerous goods. Whether you’re navigating regulatory compliance or ensuring product safety, this session will equip you with the knowledge and insights needed to meet the highest testing standards. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s experts.

FIBC Import & Export Data

Lewis Anderson, FIBCA

Get up-to-date on the latest FIBC import and export trends. Lewis will share key statistics and market insights to help you understand the shifts shaping the industry today.

Conference Gold Sponsor Presentation

Element International Trade Inc.

Erhan Etiz, CEO

Our Gold Sponsor will showcase their products and services, highlighting how they are bringing value and innovation to the industry.

Cindy Finley Memorial Scholarship

Lindsey Jeffreys

Global-Pak, Inc.

The committee will update the attendees on the 2025 winner, the latest donations, and more!

REIMAGINATION – Reimagining the world of Tomorrow – rPET Bottle to rPET FIBC Bag

Punit Gopalka

Packem Umasree

This session will look at the development of FIBCs made from recycled PET (rPET) bottles and how they compare with conventional polypropylene (PP) FIBCs.

Key insights include:

• Market drivers accelerating rPET adoption, including brand commitments and global regulations.
• Comparative advantages of rPET over PP, such as higher UV resistance, abrasion resistance, form stability, and print quality.
• Real-world testing results proving rPET’s durability and performance in demanding conditions.
• Strategic outlook for 2025–2030

Attendees will gain a practical view of where rPET fits within the broader FIBC landscape.

FIBCA Member Awards

The success of FIBCA is due to our members’ years of dedication and support. At the conference, awards were presented to members who have reached FIBCA membership milestones. 

In addition to the great presentations and committee reports, attendees also enjoyed numerous opportunities to network with fellow FIBCA members.

• Two Open Bar Receptions
• Breakfast Buffet
• Lunch Buffet
• Golf Tournament

Schedule of Events, Sponsors and Registration Details