AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, has officially opened Super Early Bird registration for its 2026 Spring Meeting, giving industry professionals a chance to lock in the lowest registration rate well ahead of April. The Super Early Bird deadline is Friday, February 13.
Set for April 13–15, 2026, the Spring Meeting heads to the Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California. Over three days, converters, suppliers, and industry partners will gather to share ideas, challenge assumptions, and reconnect with peers, something AICC meetings have long been known for. Equal parts education and conversation, the Spring Meeting continues to be a place where real industry dialogue happens.
The 2026 theme, “Legacy in Action – Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders,” was selected by Terri-Lynn Levesque, AICC’s 2025–2026 Chair. The theme reflects a moment many companies find themselves in today: honoring the practices and values that built this industry while actively preparing the next generation to lead it forward. Rather than choosing between tradition and innovation, the focus is on blending the two—pairing fresh thinking, new tools, and emerging leadership styles with the experience, discipline, and work ethic that have given corrugated and paper packaging its staying power.
That balance carries through the event’s programming, which is designed to be practical, relevant, and timely. Sessions will dig into leadership succession planning that actually works, how artificial intelligence is beginning to reshape business operations, and ways to build resilient, high-clarity teams during periods of constant change. Attendees can also expect discussions around cybersecurity threats in packaging, emotional intelligence as a leadership skill, economic conditions affecting paper and packaging, and updates on sustainability, greenwashing, and evolving regulatory pressures.
The speaker line-up comprises a diverse group of thought leaders and industry experts, including:
Jim Carroll: Futurist, Business Trends, Leadership & Innovation Expert
Ross Bernstein: Inspirational Business Speaker & Best-Selling Sports Author
Matt Eichmann: Founder & Leadership Advisor, Catalyst Point Leadership Advisors
George Staphos: Managing Director, Bank of America Merrill Lynch
Jules VanSant: Executive Director, Two Sides North America
Todd Zielinski: Managing Director/CEO, Athena SWC
With its mix of insight, conversation, and connection, the 2026 AICC Spring Meeting is shaping up to be a meaningful stop on the industry calendar.
To register, visit www.aiccbox.org.
