7:00AM–8:00AM • Breakfast

8:00AM–12:00PM • Morning Session

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. 

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

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

12:00PM–1:00PM • Lunch

1:00PM–5:00PM • Afternoon Session

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. 

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

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 
• Scott DeFife, President, Glass Packaging Institute

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 
• Sydney Harris, Policy Director, Upstream

6:00 PM • Reception and Dinner

7:00AM–8:00AM • Breakfast

8:00AM–11:45AM • Morning Session

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.  

Latest on PACK Act and Hill Visit Messaging

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.

11:45AM–12:30PM • Lunch

12:30PM–4:00PM • Capitol Hill Visits

Pre-registration is required and will be accepted until the day of. Any registrations made after Monday, June 8, will be added to existing meeting schedules and may not be personalized based on your personal or business address. Please contact Danielle Waterfield with any questions.