Membership Benefits and Application
If you have any questions about benefits, fees or the application process, please contact Staff (info@nacd.net).
The National Association of Container Distributors is the packaging distribution industry's home for business-building relationships, education, and recognition. Here's what membership gets you. Two Major Trade Shows NACD's Spring and Fall Trade Shows bring together 700+ distributors and suppliers across both events. Meet dozens of suppliers in one place, discover new product lines, and create new partnerships. Annual Convention The industry's premier gathering draws 150+ packaging leaders, including the CEOs and presidents of the leading packaging distributors. This is where the decision-makers connect. Zoom Speed Networking Free for members. Get matched with distributors and suppliers for focused, face-to-face conversations without the travel. On-Demand Education Access 50+ archived webinars covering packaging, sales, and sustainability, AI, and more. Recent sessions include a three-part Sandler Sales series (prospecting, sales management, and creating urgency), plus webinars on cyber threats, recycling-ready packaging, bottle bill effectiveness, and sustainable packaging in action. Weekly Newsletter Packaging industry news, education opportunities, and association updates delivered to your inbox every week. Industry Recognition The Bernies — NACD Packaging Awards Supplier of the Year Awards Distinguished Service Award What Members Say "The most significant benefit I see in the NACD is the bond between member companies and participating suppliers. In a world where we are so used to Zoom meetings and emails, the NACD reinforces the importance of relationships and provides multiple opportunities to network and interact face-to-face. There is simply no substitute for that." — Kristie Smith, President, WB Bottle Supply "Since becoming a part of the NACD, we've established connections with new suppliers, leading to increased business opportunities with our customers. The ongoing events throughout the year have enabled us to maintain a structured and productive dialogue with these important business partners." — Jay Gample, President, Paramount Global
42 awards across 15 categories celebrating outstanding work in packaging distribution. Recognize your employees, your customers, and the work that sets your company apart.
Two awards honoring the suppliers who go above and beyond for NACD distributors.
Recognizing exceptional, long-term contributions to the association and the industry.
Distributor Member
In order to qualify for membership, a company must confirm that the business entity is regularly engaged in the distribution of glass, plastic, and/or metal containers; flexible packaging; and/or related components (“Containers”) , with said business accounting for at least 50% of a member company’s business or representing at least $10 million of the company’s sales.
Distribution is defined as the buying and reselling of packaging materials and related components from manufacturers or companies that supply Containers. A distributor can be a wholly owned subsidiary, but not the sales arm for a manufacturing company or manufacturers representative of a company.
Upon election of membership, annual membership dues of $4,430 will be invoiced. Renewal membership dues will be billed annually.
Suppliers of Excellence
Companies must sell packaging materials and/or packaging-related services to distributors and fit any of the criteria below.
- A company that manufactures items used in the container industry and sells them to member distributors.
- A significant portion of business is sold to distributors in the container industry – at minimum 20% or $25 million in Annual Sales to container distributors.
- Must sell to at least 5 members and willing to sell to 50% of the membership.
For any company that does not meet any of the supplier criteria, you can apply to become a member or work with the member companies outside of the framework of the NACD organization. Once you meet the criteria they can reapply to be a supplying company to the NACD organization.
Supplier of Excellence Benefits:
- Free Participating in Online Speed Networking
- Invitation to attend select sales and packaging webinars organized by the NACD
- Invitation to fill open seats on the Industry Advisory Council
- Invitation to exhibit at NACD Trade Shows
- More than 50% off the non-member exhibition fee
- Invitation to the NACD Annual Convention
- Recognition on the NACD Website
- Submit news to the NACD New and Knowledge newsletter mailed to 1,500 packaging professionals
- Eligible for Supplier of the Year Awards
- Eligible for Distinguished Service Award
- Access to key metrics from the distributor benchmarking report
- Your logo is included at the beginning of every NACD webinar along with an explanation of the Supplier of Excellence program
- Opportunity to record "What's New” Webinars: 10-minute sales pitch webinars that are emailed to our distributor members
- Logos on prominent Excellence signage at Expos and Annual Meeting
- Excellence Ribbons and Buttons (Gold) at all Expos
- Priority space draw at NACD Trade Shows
- Use of the Excellence logo on your marketing materials and website
- In-booth Excellence signs at Expos
- Free banner ad placement rotating in our email newsletter. Your company is the exclusive advertiser during your ad weeks.
- Your company recognized on the Supplier of Excellence Poster mailed to all distributor members.
- Priority for presenting NACD educational webinars.
- Priority invitation to present education sessions at in-person Expos.
The cost to become a Supplier of Excellence is $4900 per year due immediately upon approval. All employees of your company have membership benefits.
Participating Supplier
Companies must sell packaging materials and/or packaging-related services to distributors and fit any of the criteria below.
- A company that manufactures items used in the container industry and sells them to member distributors.
- A significant portion of business is sold to distributors in the container industry – at minimum 20% or $25 million in Annual Sales to container distributors.
- Must sell to at least 5 members and willing to sell to 50% of the membership.
For any company that does not meet any of the supplier criteria, you can apply to become a member or work with the member companies outside of the framework of the NACD organization. Once you meet the criteria they can reapply to be a supplying company to the NACD organization.
Participating Supplier Benefits:
- Free Participating in Online Speed Networking
- Invitation to attend select sales and packaging webinars organized by the NACD
- Invitation to fill open seats on the Industry Advisory Council
- Invitation to exhibit at NACD Trade Shows
- More than 50% off the non-member exhibition fee
- Invitation to the NACD Annual Convention
- Recognition on the NACD Website
- Submit news to the NACD New and Knowledge newsletter mailed to 1,500 packaging professionals
- Eligible for Supplier of the Year Awards
- Eligible for Distinguished Service Award
- Access to key metrics from the distributor benchmarking report
The cost to become a Participating Supplier is $2625 per year due immediately upon approval. All employees of your company have membership benefits.