The Flexible Packaging Association will hold its 2012 Fall Executive Conference on Thursday, October 11, 2012 at the Hotel Intercontinental Chicago from 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Current trends and issues impacting the flexible packaging industry will be examined during the 2012 Conference, which will also offer great networking opportunities for senior management. Online registration is now open on the FPA Web site, www.flexpack.org. Hotel reservations can be made by contacting the Intercontinental directly at (800) 628-2112.

The agenda for the 2012 Conference includes presentations by Matthew Dowd, a well known and respected political consultant, commentator, and strategist; and, economist and financial analyst, Mark Zinder. Matthew, a political analyst for Bloomberg, ABC News and a columnist for the National Journal, will address FPA members and guests during the FEC Networking Luncheon, and share his insight on “Election 2012.” He will use his wealth of experience to provide FEC attendees with an insider’s view of American politics. Matthew is coauthor of the wildly popular Applebee’s America: What Political, Business, and Religious Leaders Can Learn from Each Other, which examines the tactics used by two great politicians and a ground breaking company to thrive in an era of immense change.

Mark, a seasoned financial professional, will examine the trends and ideas actively reshaping business today. During his address, Mark will discuss “What Happens Next?” and show how history does indeed repeat itself, and how past downturns have been followed by periods of unprecedented growth and innovation. A highly sought after speaker, Mark will provide insight into market history, investor behavior, and financial trends.

Additionally, the 2012 Conference agenda will include presentations from Lynn Dornblaser of Mintel who will discuss packaging opportunities for new product introductions; Nick Vafiadis of IHS, who will provide his bi-annual update on flexible packaging materials; a panel discussion on Social Media: Marketing, Technical and Legal Aspects. Panelist include Patrick Meyer of Wellx and FPA legal counsel Hogan Lovells; and the presentation of preliminary results of FPA’s market research study examining New and Existing Materials: Claims and Insights.

Special thanks is given to FPA members Dow Chemical Company, Ecologic, EFI Radius, Flint Group, Kuraray, Nordmeccanica, NA, and Sun Chemical Corporation for their generous sponsorship of the 2012 FPA Fall Executive Conference Networking Events.