Sessions
- Plastic Product Decorating Summit
- Sugar Land (Houston), Texas
- September 1-3, 2026
Keynote
Presentation
Day One
Speaker:
Laurie Harbour, Partner, Wipfli
Operational Efficiency, Economic Pressure & Market Demand: How to Succeed in Plastics
Plastics industry expert Laurie Harbour returns to the stage to share perspectives on how all those involved in plastics decorating – molders, label printers and decorators – can succeed in an industry buffeted by pricing pressures; global economic, tariff and regulatory uncertainty; and changing consumer demands. This session will provide a comprehensive look at the key macroeconomic and industry-specific factors shaping the future of plastics manufacturing and provide key indicators for audience members to look for in their own 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:
Derek Moeller, CognitionWorks
Deploying Generative AI in Plastics Molding and Decorating: Case Studies
Learn how plastics processors and decorators are applying generative AI to improve efficiency, from first steps to sophisticated agent deployments. Specific topics will include: upskilling employees by capturing tribal knowledge, automating work instructions with video training, capturing shift meeting trends, AI-learned maintenance history, connecting ERP systems to automate supply chain and production analysis, AI analysis of machine process data, predictive quality, and creating durable competitive advantages by automating quoting, scheduling, customer service, product introductions and other activities with AI agents.
General Sessions
All Attendees
Packaging Trends with IML: Recycled Resins, Scannable Technology and More
Speakers: Erik Johnson, Churchill Container; Christian Bruey, PureCycle
In this session, panelists will discuss innovative consumer drinkware applications that integrate recycled resin technology, scannable tracking systems and decorative options to enhance shelf appeal, functionality and sustainability goals. In-mold labeling enables these tech and decorative additions, which are transferrable to other packaging types.
Beyond Laser Marking: How Laser Surface Texturing is Expanding the Role of Plastics Decoration
Speaker: Rob Wilder, RAYN Technology
Laser technology has long been associated with permanent part marking and traceability. Today, advances in laser processing are enabling manufacturers to create decorative and functional surface textures directly on molded plastic components – without inks, labels or secondary processes. In this session, we explore how direct-to-part laser texturing differs from conventional laser marking, where it adds value and why it is becoming an increasingly attractive option for product designers and manufacturers.
The Value of Pad Printing Components & Consumables
Speaker: Micah Swett, Diversified Printing Techniques; Brian Bishop, Automark
This breakout session will discuss the importance of using the proper consumables (pads, ink cups, ink, etc.) as well as other complimentary equipment (plate making, surface treatment, ink cup cleaning, etc.) that will assist in creating a quality pad printing work environment. Hear from pad printing equipment and supply providers, Micah Sweat (Diversified Printing Techniques), and Brian Bishop (Automark) will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of specific consumables and other components available in the marketplace. This will be an open conversation for questions and answers.
Diversification in Plastics Labeling & Decorating: Good for Business, Good for Customers
Speaker: Jim Naatz, Sussex IM
Most molders aren’t offering just one decorating process – it’s not good business practices for them or for their customers. In this session, an injection molding company shares information on its decorating process capabilities (both in-mold and direct-to-object), the benefits of offering multiple processes; the internal and external resources needed to offer multiple processes; and what it looks like to work with a customer to find the right fit.
Why Decorating Projects Fail, and How to Set Them Up for Success
Speaker: John Kaverman, Pad Print Pros
In manufacturing, product decoration often becomes a critical bottleneck. When planning is inadequate, projects frequently stall, exceed budget or fall short of quality requirements. After years of consulting in this field, experience shows that most failures can be traced to three root causes: 1) No clear project ownership, 2) Insufficient investment in the right resources, and 3) Unrealistic or undefined timelines. These issues are preventable with the right approach and mindset.
Technology Focus: Expanding What’s Possible with Direct-to-Object Digital Printing
Speaker: Gregory Harwood, Inkcups
As demand grows for customization, shorter production runs and faster turnaround, digital printing is creating new opportunities in product decoration. This session will explore how Inkcups digital technology enables high-quality, full-color graphics across a wide range of plastic products while supporting greater flexibility, consistency, and production efficiency. Attendees will also learn how integrated workflow and automation features can help simplify setup and streamline the decorating process.
Solving Design and Production Challenges with IML & IMD
Speakers: Keith Farthing, PolyFab; Peter Parker, Taghleef
In-mold technologies are used as problem-solvers in both durable goods and packaging applications. From converting a metal part to plastic – without losing the metallic appearance – to increasing the longevity (and consumer safety) of the refillable water bottle alcoves seen in all sorts of public spaces, in-mold decorating is the right solution for products in automotive, home and consumer goods. In the packaging space, in-mold labeling is tackling recyclability challenges by finding ways to create lighter containers, thinner labels and metallization that enhances consumer appeal while also passing through scanning equipment at recycling centers. Learn more as the panelists talk about using IMD and IML to solve design and production challenges.
The Significance of Electrostatics in Decorating and Labeling Processes
Speakers: Travis Baker, Muller Technology; Paul Uglum, Uglum Consulting
This panel discussion addresses the positive and negative impacts of the electrostatic charge that develops on all decorated plastic parts. The session includes a short introduction as to why molders and decorators have to deal with static charges. Issues of how to control and measure the charge on parts will be discussed, as well as how to reduce the negative impacts and how to manage the positive use of static to enable high-speed in-mold manufacturing processes.
Smart Selling: How to Set Your Company Up to Meet Sales Goals
Speaker: Shelly Otenbaker, WayPoint Marketing Communications
In today’s uncertain manufacturing environment, every sales opportunity matters. As buying cycles become longer and competition increases, companies need a smarter, more focused approach to business development. This interactive discussion will explore best practices for identifying your ideal customers, clearly communicating what makes your company different, aligning marketing and sales, and leveraging AI and technology to support the sales process. Through a facilitated discussion participants will exchange ideas, learn what’s working, and leave with practical strategies to strengthen your sales efforts.
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.
UltraFresh pail with large IML: Brian Roske, MCC Global IML; M&M Industries
Medical Vials and Digital Heat Transfers: Eric Steinwachs, CDigital
Honeywell NOTIFIER Alarm Panel: Jeff Davison, InMold Solutions
Digital Inkjet Application: Engineered Printing Solutions
Advantages of Molding Simulation in IML/IMD
Speaker: Kevin Rottinghaus, Beaumont Technologies
Surface Activation for Direct-to-Object Decorating
Speakers: Inhance Technologies