AI Insights, Plant Tour & Industry Connection at AICC Northeast Summit

AICC, The Independent Packaging Association, recently brought more than 100 independent packaging professionals together for its Northeast Summit, a two-day event focused on practical business strategies, emerging technologies and stronger industry connections.

Held at Crystal Springs Resort, the Summit combined education and networking with an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of President Container Group’s Middletown, New York, super plant, as well as a golf tournament and opportunities for attendees to connect with peers from across the region.

A major focus of this year’s educational program was one of the most talked-about topics in manufacturing today: artificial intelligence.

Sessions explored how packaging manufacturers can begin putting AI to work in real-world operations. Presentations covered practical AI applications for box companies, what manufacturers should expect from their ERP partners, emerging technologies and their impact on manufacturing, tax law considerations for business succession and estate planning, and broader economic, political, workplace and technology trends affecting the industry.

Turning AI Conversation Into Action

One of the Summit’s most engaging sessions was an AI panel discussion featuring Christopher Blizzard of Acme Corrugated, Tom Trinchi of Jamestown Container, Nick Perkins of Unicorr, and Jason Alvarez of Break the Uncertainty/President Container.

Instead of looking far into the future, the panel focused on questions manufacturers are facing right now: Where should companies begin with AI? What will implementation cost? How can organizations avoid expensive technology projects that fail to deliver results? And how can they take advantage of AI while protecting company data?

Panelists encouraged companies to take a practical, measured approach that starts with people and processes. This helps establish a strong data foundation and standardize technology platforms while corrugated converters pursue incremental improvements that can create lasting operational value.

Two Days of Education, Networking and Industry Insight

Beyond the educational sessions, the Summit gave attendees an opportunity to see manufacturing operations firsthand at President Container Group and build relationships with fellow independent packaging professionals.

In a written announcement recapping the event, said Larry Grossbard, AICC Northeast Regional Director and co-owner of President Container Group, said, “We were extremely pleased with the response to this year’s Northeast Summit.” Specifically, Grossbard cited the participation of independent box makers, strong plant-tour attendance, speakers, sponsors, and the AICC team with making the event a success.

Mike D’Angelo, President of AICC, emphasized the combination of networking, plant-floor learning and practical business intelligence, noting that attendees left with information they could turn into action within their own operations.

That focus on immediately useful ideas was central to the Summit. Attendees returned to their companies with new industry relationships, resources and practical approaches they can apply as technology and market conditions continue to evolve.

AICC provides education, tools and information designed to help independent packaging manufacturers and their employees succeed in the paper packaging industry. Learn more about AICC at AICCbox.org.