4:00PM • Hill Visit Check-In (open until 5:30PM)

Please note pre-registration is required by Monday, June 2. Please contact Rob Keith for more information. Prior lobbying experience is not required. Registrants will have the opportunity to join an optional, informational webinar prior to the visit.

Location: Marble Foyer | Hilton Alexandria Old Town

6:45AM • Hill Visit Check-In & Registration

Location: Marble Foyer | Hilton Alexandria Old Town

7:15AM • Depart for Hill Visits

Location: Hotel Lobby

8:00AM • Hill Visits

Location: Capitol Hill
Pre-registration is required by Monday June 2. Please contact Rob Keith at robk@AMERIPEN.org for more information.

11:00PM • General Registration Opens

1:00PM • Networking Lunch

Sponsor: Ring Container

2:30PM • Welcome & Opening Remarks

3:00PM • Fireside Chat with Circular Action Alliance

Presenter: Jeff Fielkow, Chief Executive Officer, Circular Action Alliance

AMERIPEN Executive Director Lynn Dyer will chat with Jeff Fielkow, CEO of Circular Action Alliance, on what to expect now that states are kicking off EPR programs, what is needed from a policy perspective and how supply chain partners can work together to drive system change

4:00PM • Subject Panel: Validating Recyclability

Panel: Scott Byrne (Sonoco), Molly Blessing (HCPA), John Richard (FPA), Frazier Willman (AF&PA)

As States seek to implement recycling lists and, in some cases, define the use of recyclability claims we will hear from a panel of consultants, and material or recycling organizations who are working to ensure various packaging formats are considered. Learn what data points they are using, how their dialogue with states are going and what insights they've learned along the way.

5:00PM • Welcome Reception

Sponsor: Pratt Industries

Timing subject to change

7:30AM • Registration

7:45AM • Networking Breakfast

8:30AM • Welcome & Opening Remarks

Presenter: Lynn Dyer, AMERIPEN Executive Director

8:45AM • Subject Panel: Municipal and County Perspectives on Implementing EPR

Panel: Angie Marzano (Lane County, OR), Hilary Near (City of San Francisco, CA), Nathan Reinbold (Pope Douglas County, MN)

States pass EPR but it’s up to the local solid waste districts to manage its implementation. Join a panel of solid waste planners discuss their experiences, concerns and lessons learned as they work with CAA and others to implement EPR.

9:45AM • Subject Panel: EPR Compliance & Enforcement Panel

Panel: Geoff Inch (CAA), Erin Raden (CBA), Jason Bergquist (RecycleME), Matthew Boes (RePurpose)

As Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws for packaging roll out across the U.S., producers face a fast-evolving regulatory landscape. This panel brings together key voices from the Circular Action Alliance, the Consumer Brands Association, and industry consultants from RecycleMe and rePurpose, to explore how brands can achieve compliance efficiently and strategically. Panelists will discuss the latest developments in EPR implementation, producer obligations, the role of PROs, and how stakeholders can work together to shape practical and effective compliance pathways. Join us for an interactive discussion on turning policy into action and ensuring your organization is prepared for what’s ahead.

10:45AM • Networking Break

11:00AM • Keynote: Smithers Packaging Consultancy – Packaging into 2050 what to expect from demographic and service shifts

Presenter: Ciaran Little, Global VP of Business Development, Smithers

One of the top consultancies in the packaging space, Smithers will walk us through global demand for packaging, what materials are advancing or facing challenges, the role of policy on packaging design and how omni commerce is shifting design.

12:00PM • Networking Lunch

Sponsor: Ring Container Technologies

1:00PM • Legislator Perspectives Panel 

Panel: Senator Campbell (Tennessee), Senator Augustine (Maryland)

With increasing legislative activity surrounding packaging, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and sustainability, this session offers attendees a unique opportunity to hear directly from lawmakers about their priorities, challenges, and vision for the future.

2:00PM • Interactive Workshop: Part 1: End Market Development Panel Discussion

Panel: Matt Flechter (Michigan EGLE), John Kreckel (REMADE), Charlotte Craff (RE3D)

Increased packaging recovery goes hand in hand with commercial end markets. Ideally, demand matches supply but in many cases with packaging, supply exceeds demand. What strategies are being out in place to help spur end market development to ensure we have a domestic recycling economy for packaging? Join a panel of experts in this area to hear the variable needs and unique strategies being applied. 

3:00PM • Networking Break

3:30PM • Interactive Workshop: Part 2: Supporting End Market Development for Packaging

Tabletop discussions to explore end market development from conceptual R&D all the way to commerciality. What are the policy interventions and support networks needed to support success?

4:40PM • Closing Remarks

Presenter: Kelly Smith, Vice President, Head of Institutional Affairs, Ferrero USA and AMERIPEN Board President

6:00PM • Member Night: Punch Bowl Social Arlington

Sponsor: NOVA Chemicals

Timing subject to change

Please note Thursday programming is only open to AMERIPEN Company & Associate Members.

8:00AM • Networking Breakfast 

9:00AM • Annual Business Meeting 

10:00AM • Annual Member Workshop

11:30AM • Board of Directors Meeting & Lunch

Open to AMERIPEN Board members only.

Timing subject to change