- charlotte, north carolina
- 3-5 September 2025
Plastic product decorating summit
Sessions
Keynote
Presentation
Day One
Speaker:
Laurie Harbour, Partner, Wipfli
Market Trends and Economic Factors Affecting the Plastics Industry
The plastics industry continues to face a rapidly changing landscape driven by shifting market dynamics, global economic uncertainty and evolving customer demands. This session will provide a comprehensive look at the key macroeconomic and industry-specific factors shaping the future of plastics manufacturing. During the session, data will be shared that is collected from the 2025 Manufacturing Benchmarking Study conducted by Harbour IQ powered by Wipfli and discuss current trends and best practices across the plastics industry. The discussion also will examine the latest trade and tariff policies shaping the competitive landscape, including recent developments that may affect global supply chains and domestic operations. Attendees will leave with a clearer view of where the plastics industry is headed, what forces are driving change and how to adapt to stay competitive in today’s fast-moving environment.
Keynote
Presentation
Day Two
Speaker:
Vanessa Martins, KURZ
Design Trends in Decorating
General Sessions
All Attendees
Selling the Savings in Decorating Technology
Speakers: Bob Travis, InkWorks Printing; Paul Strunk, InkCups; Lindsey Dimon, Falcon Plastics
In this session, panelists will discuss the advantages of both in-mold and direct-to-object decorating from a value proposition standpoint. What do these technologies bring to the table in terms of product longevity, cost efficiencies, decorating flexibility, etc?
Efficient Operations with Automation
Speakers: Michael Sansoucy, ARBURG; Mark Patterson, FANUC America Corporation
Automation continues to drive plastics manufacturing and plastics decorating processes, whether in-mold or secondary decorating systems. Questions for the panelists will dive into the technology in molding and decorating that can affect the bottom line, including remote/lights-out operations, automation, robotics, digitization, job scheduling, etc. Learn about market areas that are incorporating automation, limitations with adding automation/robotics, and the training involved with incorporating an automated system.
Advantages of Digital Inkjet: Best Applications for 3D Decoration
Speakers:Vaughn Pollman, Innovative Digital Systems; Ken Stack, Engineered Printing Solutions
Digital inkjet printing for three-dimensional plastic parts and containers continues to grow. Our expert panel will discuss what advancements have taken place to spark this growth and the advantages that digital inkjet has over other direct-to-object decorating applications. The panel also will discuss applications well suited for digital inkjet and where there has been growth in specific markets. Limitations and what changes they expect in the future also will be discussed.
Innovations in IML: New Technology for Expanded Applications
Speakers: Mike Licata, IMDA Board of Directors; Maurizio Carano, MCC Label; Bill Fogg, ALPLA
Innovations in IML expand the way we think about typical label applications and uses. From new product opportunities to efficient application methods to developments in product security, innovation has the ability to significantly affect the bottom line.
Decrease Waste and Increase Productivity with Surface Treatment and Cleaning
Speaker: Wilson Lee, Enercon Industries Corporation
Learn how leading manufacturers use plasma surface preparation to reduce cost and improve productivity by ensuring proper bonding of inks, adhesives, and coatings. Specific industry examples will be shared including ink jet printing process improvements, a plasma-aided bonding application that significantly reduced warranty claims, and how companies automate their processes to remove human error and eliminate hazardous primers.
Circularity with Recycled Resins
Speakers: Tamsin Ettefagh, PureCycle
AI Vision Systems: Quality Control & Cost Reduction for Molding and In-Mold Labeling Operations
Speaker: Edward Schneeweiss, Krevera
Learn how a plug-and-play AI vision cell gives in-mold labeling presses 100% real-time inspection, flags label defects instantly and even auto-tunes machine settings.
Brand Perspectives: The Dollars & Cents Behind IML and IMD
Speaker: Peter Kirchoff, Church & Dwight; Josh Hanson, Serigraph
Join us to understand what consumer goods brand owners and durable goods OEMs are assessing when making packaging and decorating decisions. Where do in-mold technologies have the edge, and where are they edged out by other decorating techniques? In this panel, Peter Kirchoff, packaging program manager for Church & Dwight, and Josh Hanson, Serigraph, will share their insights into the economics of IML and IMD, the advantages when compared to other decorating options and the developments they’d like to see.
Storyteller SEssions
An inside look at how innovative decorating objectives were achieved
Learn how innovative containers and commercial durable parts were created and decorating challenges were overcome.
Durable Cold Foil IML cup application: Bart Lavrijsen, iPB Printing
Rebel IMD Canister: Keith Farthing, PolyFab, and Bob Travis, InkWorks Printing
16oz Run It BackTM Cup: Erik Johnson, Churchill Container
Hard Hat Application: Micah Swett, Diversified Printing Techniques
Roundtable discussions
day two
All Attendees
Attendees will choose one per time slot.
Continuing Conversations: Plastics Industry Updates
Laurie Harbour and Lisa Lehman, Wipfli
Still have questions after yesterday’s keynote? Continue discussions with the team at Wipfli and ask your questions about the plastics industry, market direction and operational efficiency.
Applying Automation and Robotics for Efficiency & Cost Savings
Micah Swett, Diversified Printing Techniques; Mark Patterson, FANUC America Corporation
Join this roundtable discussion on how automation and robotics can positively impact plastics decorating processes, saving labor costs, decreasing scrap and streamlining workflow.
Attendees will choose one per time slot.
From Recruiting to Retention: How Marketing Communication Can Help Win the Talent Battle
Shelly Otenbaker, Waypoint Marketing Communications
In this session, we’ll explore how strategic marketing and communications can play a powerful role in shaping the employee experience—from first impressions to long-term engagement. Attendees will learn how to apply proven marketing tactics to build a strong employer brand, create compelling recruitment messaging, and connect with the next generation of workers. We’ll cover strategies for promoting career pathways, strengthening on-boarding through intentional communication, and improving internal messaging to boost morale and retention.
Choosing the Right Direct-to-Object Decorating Process
Eric Steinwachs, CDigital; Chris DeMell, ITW IDS
This roundtable will explore the different direct-to-object decorating processes available and discuss the type of information needed to make an informed decision on the right process. This includes digital inkjet, hot stamping, heat transfers, screen printing, pad printing and more. Attendees can discuss specific applications and what processes will create cost-effective and quality results.