While the official theme of the Flexible Packaging Assn.'s 2001 Fall Executive Conference may have been "Collaborating for Success," the group's underlying agenda definitely included getting members focused again on business, and specifically the flex-pack business.

More than 100 converting professionals made the trip to Chicago for the October 17 event, and heard about flexible packaging trends from both a national and international standpoint during the morning sessions. Speakers included Robert Esse of Esse Technologies, who presented some interesting end-use market research on the U.S. flex-pack market, and Joe Dollens of Dollens & Associates, whose presentation dealt with worldwide flex-pack trends, complete with pictures and commercial videoclips.

The afternoon sessions dealt with the process of collaborating to bring innovative flexible packages to market. Several presentations were co-hosted by converter/end-user partners who spoke about their team efforts to research and create new flex packs to answer specific needs. For example, Karl Deily of Sealed Air's Cryovac division, and Dan Emery of Pilgrim's Pride collaborated on a successful whole-bird chicken package for retail case-ready applications. Their project resulted in a leak-proof shrink bag, using a vacuum-packaging system, which pleases retailers and enhances higher-profit whole-bird sales.

During lunch, dinner, and breaks, members seemed pleased and relieved to engage in conversations on subjects other than terrorism. As they networked, they were surrounded by flexible packaging displays that point to the amount of success flex packs have enjoyed on the retail level in recent years. Retort pouches for tuna, pre-made contoured flexible bottles, slider/zipper bag closures, and the ubiquitous standup pouch for everything from cookies and grated cheese to waffle fries and cereal were touted as evidence that flex-pack converters, partnering with marketers, are responding to consumer preferences for freshness, convenience and wonderful graphics. All in all, it was a successful day in which FPA members could think about getting back to business.