Oct 15-17, 2025
Hyatt Regency, Greenville SC
2025 Agenda
Compact
Select Date:
WED OCT 15
THU OCT 16
FRI OCT 17
08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Welcome Remarks
Ballroom Main Stage
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder, Packaging School
09:00 AM - 09:30 AM
BMW Keynote: Sheer Driving Pleasure – Electrified
Ballroom Main Stage
Dan Belbey
Head of Packaging Development, BMW
Jose Parra
Packaging Specialist at BMW, BMW
09:30 AM - 10:00 AM
EV Battery Safety: Lithium Battery Transport & Storage Regulatory Landscape
Ballroom Main Stage
The increase in electric vehicles (EVs) has heightened the awareness of the dangers associated with large format lithium ion batteries. To mitigate these risks, regulators have implemented a set of complex – not to mention constantly changing – rules governing transport and storage of these batteries. This presentation aims to highlight the recent significant changes in the regulatory landscape affecting high energy lithium ion batteries.
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Mike Pagel
Senior Consultant HazMat Safety, HazMat Safety Consulting
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Break: Networking, Coffee and Snacks
Prefunction Area and Exhibitor Hall
10:30 AM - 11:20 AM
Breakout Session: Speed Networking
Conference Room Redbud
An exciting 40-minute speed networking event designed to quickly connect you with top-tier suppliers. Maximize your time, discover innovative packaging solutions, and expand your network—all in one engaging session. When: October 16, 2025 Time: 10:30 AM Duration: 40 minutes Location: Hyatt Regency Downtown Greenville,, Conference Room Redbud Pre- Registration is required. Why Should You Participate? Maximize Your Time: Quickly connect with potential partners in a structured and efficient format. Discover New Solutions: Explore innovative packaging ideas tailored to your needs. Expand Your Network: Build relationships with top-tier suppliers in the automotive packaging industry. Questions: Reach out to Bianca@packagingschool.com
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Vidya
Senior Buyer, Volvo Group NA
Alex
Regional Commodity Lead – Americas, Magna Mechatronics, Mirrors & Lighting
Soukaina
Commodity Purchasing Leader for Returnable Packaging, OPmobility
Cameron
Manager Packaging Engineering, Rivian
Cody
Manager, Packaging Engineering, Rivian
Chris
Manager, Logistics Purchasing, Rivian
Joshua
Sr. Purchasing Manager, Rivian
Erica
Sr. Purchasing Manager, Rivian
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Case Study - Armor VCI
Ballroom Main Stage
This session will feature a collaborative, on-stage presentation between an OEM or Tier 1 Supplier and a Solution Provider. Focused on education and real-world application, the case study will showcase a relevant example that highlights innovation, problem-solving, and industry impact
10:40 AM - 10:50 AM
Case Study - PakFab
Ballroom Main Stage
This session will feature a collaborative, on-stage presentation between an OEM or Tier 1 Supplier and a Solution Provider. Focused on education and real-world application, the case study will showcase a relevant example that highlights innovation, problem-solving, and industry impact
10:50 AM - 11:00 AM
Case Study - Goodpack
Ballroom Main Stage
This session will feature a collaborative, on-stage presentation between an OEM or Tier 1 Supplier and a Solution Provider. Focused on education and real-world application, the case study will showcase a relevant example that highlights innovation, problem-solving, and industry impact
11:00 AM - 11:20 AM
Table Activities
Ballroom Main Stage
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder, Packaging School
Jeremy Galanty
Sustainability Analyst, GM
11:20 AM - 11:50 AM
Eliminating Packaging Waste with Returnables
Ballroom Main Stage
In this presentation, we will discuss how deploying Returnable Packaging is enabling Cummins to meet its Destination Zero Packaging Waste Reduction Targets. Todd will also be discussing the journey in establishing a corporate wide Returnable Packaging Program in a global, heavy industrial manufacturing company.
Todd Farwell
Global Packaging Director, Cummins, Inc
11:50 AM - 01:00 PM
Lunch & Networking Break
Prefunction, Exhibitor Hall and Ballroom Networking
01:00 PM - 01:10 PM
Case Study: Improving Sustainability via Process Time Reduction through Materials Improvement
Ballroom Main Stage
Volatile Corrosion Inhibiting packaging continues to be a mainstay in automotive corrosion-mitigation strategies. The incorporation of VCI chemistry into packaging film allows for safe delivery of individual and multi-packed metal components. The speed at which parts can be packed and shipped directly affects sustainability through energy/time used. This case study will show the process improvement and time savings of automotive parts packaging by using a fast-seal plastic, VCI film.
Jonathan Brekan, Ph.D.
Vice President, Technology, Daubert Cromwell
01:10 PM - 01:20 PM
Case Study - Guardian
Ballroom Main Stage
This session will feature a collaborative, on-stage presentation between an OEM or Tier 1 Supplier and a Solution Provider. Focused on education and real-world application, the case study will showcase a relevant example that highlights innovation, problem-solving, and industry impact
01:20 PM - 01:30 PM
Table Activities
Ballroom Main Stage
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder, Packaging School
Jeremy Galanty
Sustainability Analyst, GM
01:30 PM - 02:30 PM
Breakout Workshop: From Sustainable Packaging to Sustainable Supply Chains
Conference Room Crepe Myrtle
The Surgere team will discuss how the decision to use returnable and sustainable packaging assets sets the stage for a bigger impact with sustainable supply chains. See examples of how automotive OEMs and other industry-leading manufacturers have invested in returnable packaging, applied IoT tracking technologies, integrated with other company systems, and ultimately generated highly accurate data that provides meaningful, sustainable impact. Cost savings, truckload maximization, CO2 impact, and other key metrics will be discussed along with a 3-step plan to start down the path of sustainable supply chains for the automotive manufacturing industry.
Thomas Strain
VP, Technology, Surgere
Michael Schwabe
Global Head of Marketing, Surgere
01:30 PM - 02:00 PM
Sustainable Materials, Recycling, and Composting for a Greener Future
Ballroom Main Stage
James Sternberg
Assistant Professor of Sustainable Packaging, Clemson University
02:00 PM - 02:30 PM
Driving Transformation Panel: Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Packaging
Ballroom Main Stage
Rick Potter
Global Project Manager - Packaging, RESRG Automotive
Xavier Ovize
CEO North America, conTeyor International nv
Chris Boyd
Global Supply Manager Packaging , Lucid
Matt Baron
Supply Chain and Packaging Group Leader, OPmobility
02:30 PM - 03:00 PM
Break: Networking, Coffee and Snacks
Prefunction Space and Exhibitor Hall
03:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Table Activities
Ballroom Main Stage
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder, Packaging School
Jeremy Galanty
Sustainability Analyst, GM
03:30 PM - 03:50 PM
Presentation TriEnda
Ballroom Main Stage
Nate Franck
Vice President of Sales, TriEnda
David Kruger
President , TriEnda
03:50 PM - 04:20 PM
Afternoon Keynote: Integrating Packaging Engineering into New Vehicle Programs
Ballroom Main Stage
In this presentation, Todd will discuss proven strategies and effective tactics for integrating packaging requirements and optimizing packaging efficiencies in Ford's new vehicle programs.
Todd Chesna
Manager - Packaging Engineering, Ford Motor Company
04:20 PM - 04:45 PM
Closing Remarks
Ballroom Main Stage
Dr. Andrew Hurley
Founder, Packaging School
05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Closing Reception
Prefunction Space
Enjoy drinks and hors d'oeuvres at our closing reception

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