The Naperville, IL-based Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP) and the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE) will present Flexible Packaging Conference 2004, a two-day conference delivering practical solutions and providing business opportunities to all segments of flexible packaging. Set for March 24-26, 2004 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Atlanta, the conference is the only complete conference, exhibition and networking event to examine leading edge, flex-pack technologies that have current commercial applications.

The event offers unique perspectives on the major segments of the flexible packaging business, including those who supply, produce, convert, package and sell products in this package form. At each stage, there are unique dynamics at work that impact all the others. In addition, the conference will assemble panels of the largest retailers to explain the forces at work in the marketplace that are driving conversion from rigid and semi-rigid forms to flexible packaging...and exactly what challenges this presents to producers, converters and packagers.

"Our goal is to offer a forum for learning and provide meaningful opportunities for business initiatives," says Stan Zelesnick, IoPP education director. "Together, IoPP and SPE have knowledge, experience, infrastructure and other related industry connections to produce an unparalleled flexible packaging event."

Flexible Packaging Conference 2004 is expected to attract 500 professionals involved with flex-pack production, converting and packaging. There will be three simultaneous but separate program tracks, each custom-designed. All flexible materials will be involved—paper, film, foil and combinations, but largely within wide- and medium-web widths.

There are other closely related "supporting organizations" that will add significant guidance, participation and exposure to the event. Converting is a media partner with IoPP/SPE for the conference.

Along with two full days of seminar sessions, there will be a minimum of 30 flex-pack supplier exhibits, two keynote speakers and two networking receptions. Advance member registration is $695; non-member registration is $895.