We are looking forward to welcoming you to the 69th IAPD Annual Convention + connecX, taking place September 29 – October 2 in Chicago, IL. This isn’t just another industry event, it’s the premier gathering of the performance plastics distribution supply chain and your once-a-year opportunity to build meaningful connections that drive real business growth.

At a time when strategic relationships and timely insights matter more than ever, the IAPD Annual Convention offers unmatched access to the people and perspectives shaping our industry.

If you’ve been waiting to see who else is attending, be the reason they attend.

Here’s what you can expect in Chicago:

• Meet the Industry Leaders You Do Business With – and the Ones You Should
  With expanded Supplier Meeting Room hours and the connecX trade show, you’ll have more flexibility than ever to connect directly with key manufacturers and distributors, reinforce critical partnerships and explore new business opportunities.
• Actionable Business Strategies from Experts Who Know Distribution
  This year’s educational sessions are tailored specifically to the needs of distribution professionals in performance plastics. Highlights include:
  • Sam Richter, a returning IAPD favorite, will show you how to use the latest AI tools and data strategies to boost your sales outreach, deepen customer relationships and stand out in a competitive market.
  • Ian Heller, founder and chief strategist of Distribution Strategy Group, will deliver a keynote that’s all about you — uncovering fact-based, practical strategies that distributors can use to gain market share and lead through disruption.
  • IAPD’s government relations team at OGR returns to brief attendees on the latest developments in Washington, D.C. that could impact your business including trade policy, regulations and plastics legislation.
  • A high-level sustainability panel will feature real-world examples of how companies across the supply chain are adapting to new environmental expectations and incorporating sustainability into their business models.
• Build the Right Connections, All in One Place
  Why spend time and money traveling to dozens of individual meetings throughout the year? With everything under one roof in Chicago, this is your most efficient and high-impact way to network with peers, suppliers and potential partners. From welcome receptions and small-group meet ups to informal hallway conversations, the IAPD Annual Convention is where relationships turn into results.

Peter DelGado
Curbell Plastics, Inc.

IAPD President
2023 – 2025