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2024 Fall Meeting

The Envelope Market – Diversifying, Adding Value, Preparing for the Future

SCHEDULE – Eastern Time Zone

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

9:00 am – 4:00 pm
8:30 am – 10:00 am
10:30 am – 12:00 pm
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Evening Free

Registration & Information Desk
Board of Directors Meeting*
Foundation Board of Trustees Meeting*
First-Time Attendee/New Member Mixer
Welcome Reception

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

7:30 am – 9:00 am
7:30 am – 11:45 am
8:30 am – 10:00 am
10:00 am – 10:15 am
10:15 am – 11:45 am
12:15 pm – 4:00 pm
6:30 pm – 10:30 pm
Continental Breakfast
Registration & Information Desk
Opening General Session – Keynote Speaker & Awards
Refreshment Break with Tabletops
General Session II – Postal Affairs/Public Policy
Attendee & Spouse Tours
Industry Partners Reception & Party

Thursday, October 24, 2024

7:30 am – 9:00 am
7:30 am – 11:45 am
8:30 am – 10:00 am
10:00 am – 10:15 am
10:15 am – 11:45 am
12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Evening Free

Continental Breakfast
Registration & Information Desk
General Session III – Management/Technology
Refreshment Break with Tabletops
General Session IV – Foundation Forum
Closing Business Session Lunch
Meetings & Content Committee Meeting

Friday, October 25, 2024

Departures
*Board members only

SESSIONS

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Opening General Session

KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Alex Banayan
There’s Always a Way

HOW TO CULTIVATE PERSEVERANCE AND PERSISTENCE DURING UNCERTAIN TIMES

The pace of change in the business world is faster than ever. It has never been more critical to an organization’s survival for teams to cultivate a DNA of resiliency, perseverance, and solution-oriented problem solving.

In this empowering keynote, bestselling author Alex Banayan masterfully decodes the most critical and elusive insights needed for any organization to cultivate the mindsets of exponential growth, particularly during times of rapid change and uncertainty.

After interviewing Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, and dozens more of the world’s most iconic leaders, Banayan uncovered that there are fundamental skills that every organization needs—but that most people don’t talk about—to achieve their biggest goals during disruptive times. This keynote covers it all, with lessons including:

  • How do you transform persistence from being an esoteric word to being a living, breathing part of your day-to-day culture?
  • What are the unspoken dangers of over-persistence and how can you prevent them at your organization?
  • Why is the opposite of success not failure—and how does that shift in mindset help your employees take more risks and grow exponentially?
  • What’s the surprising difference between fearlessness and courage— and why does that critical distinction lead to consistent breakthroughs in organizations of all sizes?

If you care about elevating your business—if you care about your employees being more resilient, more courageous, and more capable of making smart, innovative decisions—this keynote is what you’ve been waiting for.

10:15 am – 11:45 am

General Session II: Postal Affairs/Public Policy

Politics, Policy, and Postal: 2025 and Beyond

Even amid an uncertain political landscape, EMA is planning for the future of postal policy. This session will touch on how EMA is working to achieve its policy objectives inside and outside the Beltway. Former Congressman Kevin Yoder will discuss the efforts of KeepUSPosted and how EMA, along with advocates for an affordable and reliable U.S. Postal Service, are collaborating to shape the future of postal policy. Also, a panel of policy and postal experts will discuss how to get attention and action on our shared postal and policy priorities.


Thursday, October 24, 2024

8:30 am – 10:00 am

General Session III: Management/Technology

From Drupa to EMA – “What was Seen and Why it Matters”

In the session “From Drupa to EMA – What We Saw and Why it Matters,” attendees will explore the latest advancements in print technologies showcased at Drupa and their implications for the envelope manufacturing industry. Key topics include innovations in Flexographic Printing that simplify the process, and the growing role of Digital Printing as a viable alternative to traditional Flexographic and Offset methods. Additionally, the session will delve into how AI is reshaping technical support models, enhancing machine operability, and reducing costs. The discussion will also cover potential business opportunities for envelope manufacturers, such as venturing into Folding Carton & Print Finishing, producing custom short-run bags and e-commerce mailers, and leveraging Digital overprinting to add value to pre-manufactured products. Lastly, innovative uses of existing envelope machines, such as creating Snap-mail, self-mailers, and other non-envelope marketing mail, will be explored.

10:15 am – 11:45 am

General Session IV: Foundation Forum

Mailbox Mastery: Unlocking Marketing Potential

Discover innovative strategies to market mail effectively in today’s dynamic landscape. This session will explore cutting-edge techniques and insights to meet evolving customer demands. Featuring David Hussong, Senior Director – Insights and Research at Competiscan, along with other leading direct mail marketing experts, you’ll gain valuable knowledge to enhance your marketing efforts and drive results.

12:15 pm – 1:30 pm

Closing General Business Session Lunch

Join us for the Closing Business Session Lunch, a pivotal moment of the 2024 Fall Meeting where we will reflect on the accomplishments of the past year and look ahead to the future. Savor a delicious lunch while connecting with colleagues and gaining valuable insights from our leadership.

  • Derek P. Waterhouse, EMA Chairman and President of Worcester Envelope Co., will deliver his outgoing chairman’s remarks, recognize the outgoing Board of Directors, and present the nominating committee report.
  • David Mitchell, President & COO of MackayMitchell Envelope Company, will offer his incoming chairman’s remarks and outline his goals for the Association over the next two years.
  • Marie Clarke, EMA President, will provide the President’s Report.

This session promises to be an inspiring and informative conclusion to our meeting. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from our esteemed leaders, celebrate our collective achievements, and enjoy a delightful meal with fellow attendees.

Attendee & Spouse Tours (Open to all attendees)

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

12:15 pm – 2:30 pm

Arrowhead – Home of the KC Chiefs Tour – $130 per person
Step into the home of the Kansas City Chiefs and explore the storied history and electrifying atmosphere that make this one of the most iconic stadiums in the NFL. This 90-minute guided tour will take you through key areas of the stadium, including the Chiefs Locker Room, Press Box and Conference Room, Hall of Honor, Community America Club Level, Broadcast Area, Founder’s Club, and even the Field, where you can stand at the 50-yard line and imagine the roar of the crowd on game day.

1:00 pm – 2:30 pm

Private J. Rieger Distillery Tour – $125 per person

Discover the history of our brand, from its founding in the 1880s to its premature demise at the dawn of Prohibition and eventual revival nearly a century later. This hour-long tour will give you a behind-the-scenes look at our production and barrel aging facilities and concludes with a flight of the first four spirits offerings from when the brand was resurrected in 2014. The tasting, led by one of our knowledgeable guides, includes our flagship Kansas City Whiskey, Midwestern Dry Gin, Premium Wheat Vodka, and Caffè Amaro.

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Kansas City Tour – $120 per person

A 3-hour narrated tour throughout Kansas City – Visiting the most historic areas, cultural and artistic hot spots, as well as hidden gems unknown to most residents and locals.   

1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Kansas City Tour – $120 per person

A 3-hour narrated tour throughout Kansas City – Visiting the most historic areas, cultural and artistic hot spots, as well as hidden gems unknown to most residents and locals.   

Industry Partners Party – 80’s Neon Glow Party

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

6:30 pm – 10:00 pm

Get ready to travel back in time to the most vibrant decade with our 80’s Neon Glow Party! Inspired by iconic movies like Top Gun and The Breakfast Club. Come dressed in bold neon colors, track suits, shoulder pads, high-waisted denim, colorful leggings, Members Only jackets, and parachute pants. Accessorize with neon glasses, black Ray-Ban sunglasses, Swatch watches, big hair, and scrunchies. Dance to the decade’s biggest hits from Michael Jackson, Madonna, Prince, and Bon Jovi. Entertainment for the evening includes:

  • Photographic memories with iconic 80s props for added fun.
  • Arcade gaming classics like Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Terminator Salvation, Big Buck Safari, and two driving games.
  • Take home a unique and fun keepsake with a personalized caricature.
  • Dance the night away to live music that will keep the 80s spirit alive.

Put on your neon gear, tease up your hair, and get ready to glow at the 80’s Neon Glow Party. It’s going to be a night to remember!

NETWORKING

Tuesday, October 22, 2024

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm

First Time Attendee/New Member Mixer

New members, prospects, first-time attendees, and spouses are invited to attend this event. During the mixer, you will get a chance to meet your host as well as mix and mingle with EMA leadership, Committee Chairs, and staff.  This event is designed especially for newcomers, providing an excellent opportunity to meet fellow attendees, learn about the various committees within EMA, and discover how you can actively get involved. If this is your first EMA Meeting, we strongly encourage you to attend!

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Welcome Reception

All attendees are invited to the Welcome Reception. This is a great way to begin your meeting experience, meet colleagues and make new contacts.

2024 FALL MEETING SPONSORS

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Online Registration
Registration form

Hotel Reservations

The InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza
401 Ward Parkway Kansas City, MO 64112
816-756-1500

EMA Guestroom Rate:

$199.00+Tax 

    • Type in the dates of your stay (Oct 21 – 25) and it will give you our negotiated group rates and room availability.
    • Special Note – Right above the room rate, you should see EMA 2024 Fall Meeting
    • Pre/post-shoulder nights and special requirements must be booked directly through the In-House Reservations Desk.
  • Call the Reservation number at 816-756-1500
    • When making your reservation, refer to the EMA 2024 Fall Meeting Room Block. 
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