2026 Annual Summit
June 15–17, 2026 | The Willard InterContinental Washington D.C.
With packaging policy continuing to evolve at a rapid pace, including the ongoing implementation of extended producer responsibility (EPR) legislation and other emerging state and federal initiatives, this is a pivotal moment for the packaging community. AMERIPEN’s 2026 Annual Summit is designed to equip members with the insights, context, and connections needed to navigate what lies ahead.
Held June 15–17, 2026, in Washington, D.C., and open exclusively to members and invited guests, the Summit convenes industry leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts for timely, in-depth discussions on packaging policy developments, EPR implementation, and emerging regulatory trends.
In addition to engaging presentations, the agenda features an optional visit to Capitol Hill, where AMERIPEN facilitates meetings with federal legislators to advance a shared vision for effective and sustainable packaging policy.
Beyond the exceptional programming, the Summit offers invaluable opportunities to connect in person with peers across the packaging value chain and with policy makers. Whether your focus is government affairs, sustainability, package design or procurement, this is a must-attend event for anyone looking to keep a finger on the pulse of packaging policy.
We have a variety of sponsorship opportunities available to expand your impact and footprint at this year's Annual Summit. We're here to help you reach your 2026 marketing goals! Click here for more information.
Sponsorships can be purchased when you register for the Annual Summit or separately. Please contact Rob Keith at robk@ameripen.org with questions.
Registration
Early Bird Registration — ends February 23: $800
General Registration — ends May 14: $900
Late Registration — begins May 15: $1,000
The Annual Summit is open to members only or by special invitation. If you have questions, are a non-member interested in attending, or are an AMERIPEN member who has forgotten their login information, please contact Rob Keith at robk@ameripen.org.
AGENDA
Additional details coming soon
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM • AMERIPEN Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 PM • Welcome Reception and Dinner
Policymakers Panel
A highlight of every Annual Summit! Andy Hackman, AMERIPEN’s contract lobbyist, will moderate a discussion among state legislators and regulators on today’s key packaging issues, the policymaking process, and opportunities for engagement with AMERIPEN and its members.
- Panelists to be confirmed
Advocacy in Action
While AMERIPEN focuses on broader packaging policy, others have more specific policy challenges. Hear from several groups on their activities related to “recyclable” status, recycled content mandates, anti-dumping cases and more at the state and federal levels. Panelists will share their experiences, processes undertaken, stakeholders involved, and lessons learned.
- Jordan Fengel, Executive Director, Carton Council
- Adam Gordon, Esq., Managing Partner, Bristol Group
- Additional panelist(s) to be confirmed
Fireside Chat with Circular Action Alliance
Listen in to this second annual fireside chat with Circular Action Alliance CEO Jeff Fielkow and AMERIPEN President Lynn Dyer, who will discuss the latest on EPR implementation, impact on members and ongoing collaboration between the two groups.
PFAS, Phthalates and Microplastics, Oh My!
As scrutiny of chemicals used in packaging increases, hear from those influencing these deliberations, including current and potential future policy focus areas.
- John Fay, Program Manager, Toxics in Packaging Clearinghouse
- Representative from the American Chemistry Council
- Additional panelist(s) to be confirmed
Readying for Responsible End Markets
With growing interest in and inclusion of responsible end markets (REMs) in state laws, learn why these are important, what's being done to verify and develop them, as well as where REMs may end up in potential future EPR programs.
- Shane Buckingham, Chief of Staff, Circular Action Alliance
- Additional panelist(s) to be confirmed
Reusables in Practice and Policy
Hear about new opportunities to integrate reusables into corporate initiatives, plus consider how reusables can and are being included in EPR legislation and programs.
- Tim Debus, President & CEO, Reusable Packaging Association
- Additional panelist(s) to be confirmed
6:00 PM • Reception and Dinner
Annual Business Meeting
AMERIPEN President Lynn Dyer will provide her annual business update for members on the state of the association, including membership, financials and Board of Directors election results.
Member Workshop
AMERIPEN Staff will kick off an interactive members-only workshop to break down barriers between various roles touching packaging within a company leading to greater understanding, collaboration, risk management and success for companies.
Federal Focus on Packaging Policies
Mark Thompson, Partner at Keller & Heckman, will provide the latest updates on packaging policies at the federal level, touching on chemicals of concern, packaging as a consumer product, the potential threat of the MAHA movement on the packaging industry, and early warning signs from around the globe.
Hill Visits 101
AMERIPEN federal contract lobbyist Mark Bescher and Shannon Campagna of Portfolio Strategies will prepare members for the afternoon’s trip to Capitol Hill.