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AMERIPEN'S

2026 ANNUAL SUMMIT

Annual Summit Agenda

Monday, June 15
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM • AMERIPEN Board of Directors Meeting

Location: Grant Suite


6:00 PM • Welcome Reception and Dinner

Location: Willard Room

Tuesday, June 16
7:00AM • Breakfast/Registration

Location: Buchanan/Pierce


8:00AM • Introductory Remarks

Location: Ballroom


8:10AM Fireside Chat with Circular Action Alliance 

Location: Ballroom

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. 


9:10AM • Networking Break

Location: Ballroom Foyer


9:25AM • Readying for Responsible End Markets 

Location: Ballroom

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
  • Dylan de Thomas, VP of Public Policy & Government Affairs, The Recycling Partnership
  • Chris Snow, Director of Public Policy, US Composting Council

10:30AM • Networking Break

Location: Ballroom Foyer


10:50AM • PFAS, Phthalates and Microplastics, Oh My! 

Location: Ballroom

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 
  • Crystal Bayliss, Interim Executive Director, US Plastics Pact
  • Dr. Kimberly Wise White, Vice President, Regulatory & Scientific Affairs, American Chemistry Council 

12:00PM • Lunch

Location: Buchanan/Pierce


1:00PM • Policymakers Panel 

Location: Ballroom

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. 

  • Edward R. Phillips, MA House Representative
  • Rick Lopes, CT Senator
  • Brian Kennedy, RI House Representative

2:00PM • Networking Break

Location: Ballroom Foyer


2:15PM • Advocacy in Action 

Location: Ballroom

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 
  • Scott DeFife, President, Glass Packaging Institute

3:30PM • Networking Break

Location: Ballroom Foyer


3:45PM • Reusables in Practice and Policy 

Location: Ballroom

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 
  • Sydney Harris, Policy Director, Upstream

6:00PM–9:00PM • Reception and Dinner

Location: Courtyard/Breezeway

Wednesday, June 17
7:00AM • Breakfast

Location: Buchanan/Pierce


8:00AM • Annual Business Meeting

Location: Ballroom

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. 


8:30AM • Member Workshop 

Location: Ballroom

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. 


9:30AM • Networking Break

Location: Ballroom Foyer


9:45AM • Federal Focus on Packaging Policies 

Location: Ballroom

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.  


10:45AM • Latest on PACK Act and Hill Visit Messaging

Location: Ballroom

AMERIPEN federal contract lobbyist Mark Bescher of Legacy Public Policy and Shannon Campagna of Portfolio Strategies will provide attendees with the latest on the PACK Act and prepare them for the afternoon’s trip to Capitol Hill.


11:30AM • Boxed Lunch

Location: Buchanan/Pierce


11:45AM–4:00PM • Capitol Hill Visits

The bus will depart promptly at 12:00

Location: F Street Entrance - Board Bus & Depart for Capitol Hill

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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