On behalf of the IAPD Board of Directors, I am honored to invite you to celebrate with us the association’s and the IAPD Annual Convention 70th Anniversary scheduled from September 28 – October 1, 2026, at the Starling Atlanta Midtown in Atlanta, GA. 70 years ago, a group of like-minded distributors came together with a simple idea: that our industry is stronger when we are together. That idea is exactly why we gather in Atlanta this fall.

This anniversary milestone gives us a chance to look back on everything IAPD and its members has built; and to look ahead at where we are headed. Whether you have attended every convention for decades or this will be your first, Atlanta is where the performance plastics supply chain comes together to do business, build relationships, gain market intelligence, celebrate performance plastics and prepare for what’s next.

Here’s what you can expect in Atlanta:

• MEET THE INDUSTRY LEADERS YOU DO BUSINESS WITH — AND THE ONES YOU SHOULD. With dedicated Supplier Meetings throughout the week 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 STRATEGIES FROM VOICES THAT MATTER TO DISTRIBUTION AND MANUFACTURING LEADERS. Brad Caplan of Werkatlas LLC starts our break-out educational sessions with Uncovering Hidden Costs Across Your Supply Chain. Lisa Fey’s Wednesday keynote, The Human Compass, followed by a panel session of IAPD member-company CEOs, explores the leadership and connection skills that matter most as AI reshapes how we work. Artificial intelligence expert Sam Richter returns with a hands- on session on putting AI to work in your business. And Connor Lokar, ITR Economics, closes the week with a forward-looking economic outlook for 2027 and beyond.

• STAY AHEAD OF PUBLIC POLICY AND INDUSTRY SHIFTS. IAPD’s government relations team at OGR returns to brief attendees on the federal legislative and regulatory developments in Washington, D.C. that could impact your business and our Sustainability and Workforce Development Task Forces will share where their work is headed next.
• BUILD THE RIGHT CONNECTIONS, ALL IN ONE PLACE. From the Welcome Reception to the Closing Party, and every supplier meeting and hallway conversation in between, the IAPD Annual Convention remains the most efficient way to meet with a critical mass of your customers and partners in one location.
• STAY WHERE THE ACTION IS. Book your room at the Starling Atlanta Midtown, our official convention hotel, and you’ll be steps from every session, meeting and reception all week — no rideshares, no lost time between the hotel and the action. Book a stay of three nights or more at our group rate and save on your registration.

Thank you for being part of this industry and anniversary milestone year. See you in Atlanta — let’s celebrate 70 years and build the next 70 together.

IAPD President
2025-2026