FPA's 2002 Fall Executive Conference to focus on
"Creating Packaging Preferences"

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Linthicum, MD, August 1, 2002 - This year, the Flexible Packaging Association will deliver the information and inspiration needed to create packaging preferences for customers, retailers and consumers during its Fall Executive Conference on November 6, 2002 at the Hotel Inter-Continental, Chicago, IL. The all-day conference is open to both FPA members and non-member guests, but space is limited. Registration is available online. Additionally, brochures and registration forms can be obtained by calling the Flexible Packaging Association at (410) 694-0800.

Following are descriptions of the presentation topics that will be discussed during the conference.

Results of FPA Market Research on Consumer Packaging Preferences
FEC attendees will get an insider's look at which packaging features help create brand loyalty among consumers when Elliot Young, founder and chairman of Perception Research Services (PRI), presents the findings from the consumer focus groups which PRI conducted on behalf of the Flexible Packaging Association. Additionally, Young will explain the opportunities that exist for growth in the flexible packaging industry as evidenced by the research.

Trends in Global Packaging
Suzanne Vuolo, who is responsible for the Flexible Portfolio for Unilever HPC North America and an active participant on the Unilever Flexible Global Team representing North America, will explain how globalization is changing packaging. While consumer packaging preferences vary from nation to nation and region to region, similarities are emerging as consumers worldwide face the same types of time management issues.

People and Packages…Changing Behavior
According to presenter Kevin Liebell of Innovation Management, "A great innovative package should make you change the way you think about using a product." Liebell will discuss how to uncover the insights that lead to packaging innovation.

Consumer Preference Driven Innovation
Not surprisingly, packaging innovation can spur the development of new technologies in the packaging industry. Rory Wolf, TAPPI PLACE Marketing Committee Chair, will discuss how consumer preferences have led to the development of several new technologies.

End-Users' Wish List, A Panel Discussion
Moderated by BrandPackaging magazine's editor-in-chief Bob Swientek, this panel of marketing professionals from consumer packaged goods companies will discuss how they make decisions regarding the packaging of their brands as well as what they would like from their flexible packaging suppliers.

High Impact Packaging
PRI Eye Tracking research results indicate that of the time shoppers spend viewing a package, over two-thirds is generally spent on graphic elements. Matthew Bernasconi of Harper/Opaltone will explore the types of packaging graphics that attract consumers, and the technologies that can help attendees create packaging that "sells."

Consumer Driven Product Development
A recent survey found three out of four moms say it's a challenge to pack a fun, convenient and nutritious lunch their kids will eat. At the same time, 80 percent of consumers say packaging innovations make their life easier. Charlene Lee, Brand Manager Snacks Unit for ConAgra Foods Retail Products Company, Grocery Food Group, will explain how ConAgra developed Squeez 'n Go Portable Pudding in a shelf-stable flexible tube to address these issues.

Several of FPA's associate members including Energy Sciences, Inc., Flint Ink Corporation, Pliant Corporation, and Rohm and Haas Corporation will be enhancing the event's networking opportunities through their generous sponsorships of the FEC's morning and afternoon breaks, luncheon, cocktail reception and member/guest dinner. FPA thanks its FEC networking event sponsors for their support and commitment to the Fall Executive Conference.

The Flexible Packaging Association has served as the voice of the flexible packaging industry since the Association was established in 1950. Its members convert or supply the raw materials used to produce bags, pouches, labels, liners, wraps, rollstock, and other flexible products. Produced from paper, plastic film, aluminum foil, or any combination of those materials, flexible packaging is now the second largest segment of the U.S. packaging market. The $20 billion industry serves a multitude of end use markets including food, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, household goods, personal care products, pet food, lawn and garden supplies, and industrial applications.

For more information, please contact Lourdes Pogue, Director, Marketing & Communications at 410. 694. 0800 or lpogue@flexpack.org.