Springfield, MA – The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC) is proud to announce the return of PPC Next: Leadership Summit, taking place July 30–August 1, 2025, at the Omni Frisco at The Star in Frisco, TX. Open to both members and non-members, this immersive event offers a unique opportunity for professionals across the paperboard packaging industry to invest in their leadership development, regardless of title, company size, or prior participation in PPC programs.
Designed specifically for managers, team leaders, and mid-career professionals, PPC Next equips attendees with the confidence, tools, and community to step into greater responsibility. Now in its second year, the 2025 program builds on the success of the inaugural summit, introducing a broader lineup of sessions and workshops, deeper peer engagement, and more actionable insights tailored to the real challenges of leading in today’s packaging environment.
This year’s agenda will feature a hands-on Radical Candor Workshop, facilitated by Executive Coach Mike Pugh, based on the bestselling book by Kim Scott. The workshop offers a practical framework for giving feedback, leading with empathy, and building trust-based teams. Attendees will also explore what it means to lead with resilience in a session focused on sustaining performance under pressure and managing through long-term change.
This year’s keynote, “3 Habits of Consciously Intentional Leaders,” will be delivered by Dan Irvin, a nationally recognized speaker, author, and former CEO. Known for his high-energy approach and relatable style, Irvin will walk attendees through three powerful habits that help leaders cut through distraction, adapt to change, and lead with intention using his proven SMARTEST Goals framework.
The Summit also features “The Endurance Leader: Leadership Longevity in a World of Quick Wins,” led by Ann Bowers-Evangelista, Psy.D., MBA. Drawing on lessons from elite endurance athletes and two decades of executive coaching, Bowers-Evangelista will help attendees reframe their leadership strategies to focus on sustainability, resilience, and long-term performance. Attendees will learn how to prevent burnout, increase personal stamina, and lead with a mindset that withstands volatility and fosters long-term impact.
Additional highlights include a powerful panel on the realities of leadership and talent development in the packaging industry, offering insights into how top leaders have navigated career shifts, developed their leadership style, and overcome setbacks. These sessions are complemented by dynamic networking events designed to foster honest dialogue and lasting connections, allowing attendees to reflect on session takeaways in a more informal, peer-driven setting.
For those seeking to deepen their role-specific knowledge, breakout discussions will offer an insider’s look at what leadership entails in operations, sales, design, and plant management. These small-group conversations, paired with curated networking moments, will culminate in a collaborative main-stage session that helps attendees gain a deeper understanding of their colleagues’ roles and a broader perspective on industry operations.
“The future of our industry depends on strong, adaptive leaders who understand both people and performance,” said Emily Leonczyk, Executive Director and Vice President of PPC. “PPC Next is about more than inspiration. It’s about offering real skills and perspectives that leaders can apply immediately to elevate their work, their teams, and their companies. We’re proud to open this opportunity to the full industry, not just our members.”
The inaugural PPC Next in 2024 brought together participants for two days of genuine conversation, skill-building, and cross-functional collaboration. Feedback from attendees highlighted the event’s value in creating a safe and energizing space for professional growth and connection with others facing similar challenges. This year’s event will continue to build that sense of community while offering all-new content and speakers designed to meet today’s evolving workplace dynamics.
