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Agenda

The panel topics for the 2025 program have been announced! 

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Registration, Networking and Continental Breakfast
Welcome and opening remarks by L.E.K. Consulting
Thilo Henkes, LEK, and Ciaran Little, Smithers
Opening Keynote
Networking and Coffee
Panel #1 – 2025 was the target year for packaging sustainability goals – here we are, now what?
Panel Details
In this presentation, our experts will discuss: 
  • The evolving role of converters in helping brand owners achieve sustainability goals
  • Macroeconomic and tariff impacts on sustainability
  • The pros and cons of multi vs. single substrate strategies
  • Upstream supply considerations and the impact of scaling sustainable packaging solutions
Panelists:
Networking and Lunch Break
Panel #2 – What is the outlook for packaging M&A?
Panel Details
In this panel, our experts will discuss:
  • The current backdrop of packaging M&A, and expectations going forward
  • Drivers of mega M&A and continued tuck-in M&A over the past 12 months
  • The role of underlying packaging volume volatility, interest rate and debt burden, and valuation multiples on packaging M&A
  • Trends in the design of packaging M&A processes and leading approaches to getting a deal done
  • Forward looking discussion on potential impact of tariff scenarios on the packaging M&A markets
Panelists: 
Networking Break
Panel #3 – How can operators drive out-sized value creation across the cycle?
Panel Details
In this presentation, our experts will discuss:
  • Supply Chain & footprint optimization
  • Procurement best practices for building scale
  • Sourcing implications from 2025 tariffs
  • Labor challenges
  • Increasing operational efficiency
  • Innovation as a lever to drive share gains



Panelists: 
Closing Remarks and Panel Wrap-Up with Ciaran Little, Smithers
Evening Reception - The Gallery