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2025 NACD Annual Meeting

Join us in Grand Cayman for the NACD Annual Meeting celebrating 100 Years!

Monday, May 19, 2025 to Thursday, May 22, 2025

NACD's 2025 Annual Convention will take place at the The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, May 19–22, 2025.

For details on the schedule and optional tours, please click the tabs above. To reserve your room, use the link below.

Reserve your room here


THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!


Agenda

May 19
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM Board of Directors Meeting
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM IAC Meeting
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM First Time Attendees Reception
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Welcome Reception and Dinner
May 20
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Breakfast
7:00 AM - 7:30 AM Henry Hoffman Memorial Scholarship Board Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM General Session
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Speed Networking
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM - 5:30 PM Deep Sea Fishing Optional Excursion
2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Pickle Ball Tournament
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Reception and Dinner on the Beach
May 21
7:00 AM - 8:00 AM Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:30 AM General Session
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Speed Networking
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Member Meeting
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Benchmarking Meeting
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Group Off-Site Dinner
May 22
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Golf Tournament to benefit HHMSF
8:00 AM - 1:00 PM Sting Ray City Excursion
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM Packaging Awards Reception
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM Packaging Awards
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM Gala Dinner

2025 Annual Meeting Speaker Bios


Connie Podesta
Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't For Other People

Imagine what you could accomplish if you could decode the mystery of human behavior and truly understand what makes people do what they do and say what they say (including yourself!). Research shows that the #1 key to SUCCESS in any industry or organization is the ability to get along with other people, personally and professionally. Now that's something to really think about, right? That means with a deeper understanding of human behavior you could lead better. Communicate better. Sell better. Parent better. Live better. Negotiate better. The list goes on and on.

With laugh-out-loud humor, killer take-away strategies, powerful pops of psychology and her amazing insights into others (including a few who "drive you crazy"). Connie Podesta, an Expert in the Psychology of Human Behavior, will take you right inside the minds and personalities of the people you connect with every day both at work and home — bosses, colleagues, partners, customers, significant others, friends, and family -- so YOU can ACT, rather than REACT to whatever situations or people throw your way. In other words, you'll be able to read between the lines – making navigating conversations and negotiating your needs a thousand times easier. Want the secret communication insights and rare psychological know-how to build, maintain and grow your relationships and business to a whole new level? Then this is totally the session for you!

Aron Ralston

Aron Ralston's extraordinary story of survival after an 800-pound boulder trapped him in a remote Utah canyon captured global headlines in 2003. In his New York Times best seller, Between a Rock and a Hard Place, the Oscar-nominated film, 127 Hours, and on stage, Ralston takes audiences vicariously through those six days without water, means of communication, or hope of escape, to the ecstatic moments when he freed himself by severing his own arm.

Session Descriptions

Speed Networking

Membership Meeting

Benchmarking Meeting

The Courts at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman

Pickle Ball Tournament

Tuesday, May 20
2:00pm-5:00pm

Join us for the Pickle Ball Tournament, a competitive event offering a fun and social atmosphere for players to test their abilities against others.


Deep Sea Fishing

Tuesday, May 20
1:00pm-5:00pm

In Grand Cayman, fishing is a year-round activity for all types of fish. A boat will be privately chartered for groups of 6 or less anglers who will enjoy Cayman’s warm and well populated waters. The allure of going Deep Sea Fishing is you never know what might come up at the end of your line. Some of the more common native fish to the Cayman waters are Tuna, Wahoo,and Mahi-Mahi, who will all put up the exhilarating sport fishing fight that all anglers are looking for. Transportation to and from the boat is provided.


Stingray City Sandbar Tour

Thursday, May 22
9:00am-1:00pm

Stingray City Sandbar is a shallow sandbar, just 3-4 feet deep, in the middle of the North Sound. Legend has it, that fishermen used to gut their catch on the sandbar before heading in-land. With dish heads aplenty, the sandbar soon became the ideal feeding ground for the native Stingrays .These Southern Rays are very friendly and playful,. Guests will enjoy being able to touch, hold and kiss these stingrays and will create lasting memories by participating in this unique experience. Transportation to and from the boat is provided.


Golf Tournament to benefit the HHMSF

Thursday, May 22
8:00am Shotgun Start

Play at our Grand Cayman golf course with breathtaking views of the North Sound, abundant sunshine, and Caribbean breezes. Golfers will delight in the exquisite grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club where you can master the perfect swing.

Jay Alber
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Jay Alber President/Owner Illing Packaging
Jatin Arora
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Jatin Arora Vice President Sales and Marketing PGP Glass USA Inc.
Gary M. Burns
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Gary M. Burns President & CEO Empire-EMCO, Inc.
Emily Chamblee
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Emily Chamblee Regional Business Director Berry Global
Kathleen Gogola
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Kathleen Gogola Pretium Packaging
William Hayes
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William Hayes Chief Executive Officer & President, Berlin-Global Berlin Packaging
Keith Hemmig
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Keith Hemmig Director of Integrated Business and Brand Strategy Illing Packaging
Tom Hoar
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Tom Hoar Cincinnati Container Company
Paul Hoffman
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Paul Hoffman Keystone Cap Company
Lauren Johnson-Lake
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Lauren Johnson-Lake President Cincinnati Container Company
Jason Kitowski
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Jason Kitowski Vice President of Sales Radius Packaging
Rich McCain
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Rich McCain President Arkansas Glass
Corey McCarthy
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Corey McCarthy Management General Bottle Supply Company
Frances McCarthy
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Frances McCarthy Vice President General Bottle Supply Company
Sean McCarthy
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Sean McCarthy President & CEO General Bottle Supply Company
Therese Melick
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Therese Melick Vice President Vendor Relations Kaufman Container Company
Veronica Millon
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Veronica Millon Director of Sales Resilux America LLC
Mark O'Bryan
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Mark O'Bryan Chief Operations Officer TricorBraun
Tom Sander
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Tom Sander VP of Operations Cincinnati Container Company
Gautam Savkar
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Gautam Savkar PGP Glass USA Inc.
Roger Seid
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Roger Seid Chief Executive Officer Kaufman Container Company
Tom Tredway
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Tom Tredway President Erie Molded Packaging
Karl Unger
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Karl Unger Sales Director, Distribution & Pharmacy Berry Global
Rod Vilencia
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Rod Vilencia General Bottle Supply Company
Jennifer Wickhem
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Jennifer Wickhem Purchasing General Bottle Supply Company
Jake Wilson
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Jake Wilson Vice President Distributor Sales & Customer Techni MRP Solutions
Josh Wilson
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Josh Wilson CFO Illing Packaging
15 Other Registered Attendees

Immerse yourself in luxury at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, inspired by the Cayman Islands' natural wonders and cultural richness at this sun-filled Caribbean haven. The thoughtful design of this iconic Grand Cayman luxury resort truly enlivens the senses with its elegant suites, reimagined culinary experiences, and the unmatched beauty of Seven Mile Beach.

Reserve Your Room

Registration Options

Credits Price
2025 Pickle Ball Tournament
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 2:00-5:00pm. Take a quick lesson with the local pro and then face off with other attendees in a friendly tournament. Light snacks included. 
$75.00
2025 Deep Sea Fishing Excursion
Tuesday, May 20, 2025 from 1:00-5:00pm. Transportation to and from the boat is provided. More details to be communicated through e-mail to participants.

In Grand Cayman, fishing is a year-round activity for all types of fish. A boat will be privately chartered for groups of 6 or less anglers who will enjoy Cayman’s warm and well populated waters.
$690.00
2025 Golf Tournament
Thursday, May 22, 2025 8:00am Shotgun Start. More details will be communicated through e-mail to participants.

Play at our Grand Cayman golf course with breathtaking views of the North Sound, abundant sunshine, and Caribbean breezes. Golfers will delight in the exquisite grounds of The Ritz-Carlton Golf Club where you can master the perfect swing.
$415.00
2025 Sting Ray City Sandbar Tour
Thursday, May 22, 2025 from 9:00am-1:00pm. Transportation to and from the boat is provided. More details will be communicated through e-mail to participants.

Stingray City Sandbar is a shallow sandbar, just 3-4 feet deep, in the middle of the North Sound. Guests will enjoy being able to touch, hold and kiss these stingrays and will create lasting memories by participating in this unique experience.
$335.00

We can't wait to see you in the Caymans!  There will be great entertainment throughout the event! Please read below for more details!

Monday Welcome Reception
Nathan Herrera

Nathan Herrera is an accomplished guitarist who spent many years playing in New York City. He has been hired by multiple celebrities to play for their events, including Alicia Keys and Sarah Jessica Parker. Every year, he is invited to Spain to play flamenco guitar, and he is often booked by overseas clients.


Tuesday Beach Party
Alejandro Lemus

Alejandro Lemus is an extraordinarily talented musician, able to easily switch between a variety of instruments, creating the perfect atmosphere for our beach party.


Thursday Awards MC
Andy Pitz

Andy is a lifelong fan of comedy and has been doing standup professionally since 1990. He has been on TV a number of times, highlighted by appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. Andy has been the MC for the NACD Packaging Awards and is a hit with our members. 

Thursday Gala Dinner
Latin Balance

6pc, high-energy group that used to just specialize in Latin/Cuban music, but also now plays a great selection of classics and top hits. Latin Balance has become one of the island’s best party bands with a terrific energy.

For More Information:

National Association of Container Distributors Logo 630.942.6585

We understand that circumstances may change, and sometimes cancellations are necessary. Please review our cancellation policy below to ensure that you are fully informed of our guidelines.

More than 30 days before the event:
Cancellations made at least 30 days before the event are eligible for a full refund, minus a $50 processing fee.

15–30 days before the event:
Cancellations made between 15 and 30 days before the event will receive a 50% refund of the registration fee.

Less than 15 days before the event:
No refunds will be issued for cancellations made less than 15 days before the event.

Substitutions:
If you are unable to attend but wish to send a substitute, please notify us at as soon as possible so that we can update attendee lists and name badges. You are responsible for switching names on any hotel reservations.