Momentum in Motion: PPC’s 2025 Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference Sets a New Standard in Indianapolis

PPC members reconnect and kick off the conference with an unforgettable Welcome Reception at the Indianapolis Zoo’s Dolphin Exhibit.

With momentum as both the theme and the driving force, more than 200 leaders from across the paperboard packaging industry came together in Indianapolis for the Paperboard Packaging Council’s (PPC) 2025 Spring Outlook & Strategies Conference. Held April 23–25, the event delivered three days of fresh thinking, bold leadership, and industry-defining conversations, ranging from workforce engagement and cybersecurity to sustainability and the evolving economic landscape.

From the moment attendees arrived at the Indianapolis Zoo for a one-of-a-kind Welcome Reception at the Dolphin Exhibit, it was clear this meeting would be something special. New ideas sparked, old friends reunited, and an unmistakable energy carried through every session.

“This Spring Meeting embodied the best of PPC: community, candor, and collaboration,” said PPC President Ben Markens. “The conversations we had about talent, AI, sustainability, and the economic forecast weren’t just theoretical. They were practical, honest, and deeply relevant to the challenges and opportunities our members are navigating right now.”

Opening remarks came from Eric Frank, SVP of Koenig & Bauer and PPC’s Diamond Sponsor, who reminded attendees that while AI and emerging tech are transforming how we work, human creativity, storytelling, and ingenuity remain irreplaceable. His message was echoed by PPC Board Chair Steve Scherger, EVP & CFO of Graphic Packaging International, who encouraged members to lead with clarity and confidence even amid uncertainty. “Momentum isn’t something we passively receive,” Scherger said. “It’s something we build. It’s what happens when we stay focused, rise to the occasion, and lead with purpose.”

Lisa Pruett, President of RRD’s Packaging and Label Segment, opened with a compelling case study on culture-driven transformation. After stabilizing operations, her team realized that true progress required deeper investment in people and culture. From a global Culture Scorecard to plant-level roundtables and service projects, RRD’s shift resulted in double-digit improvements in both revenue and retention.

Jessica Rosen, Esq., Partner at Greenwald Doherty LLP, delivered a legal roadmap for navigating emerging risks related to AI and DEI programs. Her session, Avoiding Costly Employment Lawsuits, emphasized the importance of proactive policy audits and the value of strong cross-functional risk response teams.

Sustainability expert Paul Nowak, Executive Director of GreenBlue, came to the stage to emphasize that “collaboration is no longer optional—it’s a responsibility.” From the impact of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws to the potential of eco-modulation to reshape costs, Paul offered a candid look at what lies ahead—and how the paperboard packaging industry can lead.

Chris Kuehl, Managing Director at Armada Corporate Intelligence, offered a high-energy economic forecast, urging companies to stay agile, double down on workforce development, and lean into capital investment. Despite geopolitical tensions and a looming labor shortage, Chris reassured attendees that the fundamentals of retail, manufacturing, and consumer spending remain strong.

In one of the event’s most dynamic sessions, Beth Z, Author and Your Nerdy Best Friend, showed members how to embrace AI strategically, not fearfully. From tools like Microsoft Copilot to real-time fact-checking platforms like Perplexity, Beth encouraged members to streamline low-value tasks, sharpen prompt engineering skills, and protect their intellectual property.

PPC also debuted breakout sessions, offering attendees a deeper, more interactive opportunity to engage on critical topics. From building proactive safety cultures and strengthening team engagement to defending against cyber threats and preparing for sustainability regulations, these roundtables sparked some of the most thoughtful conversations of the event.

The Spring Meeting also celebrated the achievements of PPC members through two signature awards. The Chair’s Safety Award went to Graphic Packaging International’s Queretaro Plant for achieving the most hours worked in a year without a recordable OSHA incident. The Volunteer Leader Award was presented to Andy Johnson of Graphic Packaging International for his outstanding service, mentorship, and leadership in PPC’s sustainability initiatives.

“This was more than just a meeting,” said Scherger. “It was a moment. A moment of learning, listening, and leading together. We proved once again that this industry is full of momentum—and it’s ours to carry forward.”

PPC extends sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees for making this year’s Spring Meeting our best yet. Special thanks to PPC sponsors, including Koenig & Bauer, Clearwater Paper, Komori, Metsa Board, Bobst, Kallima Box, RM Machinery, Sappi, Billerud, Charta Global, Heidelberg, and Manroland. We invite members to continue the momentum by joining us at the upcoming PPC Next Leadership Summit in Frisco, TX, and PPC’s Fall Meeting & Leadership Conference in Vancouver, BC.