WestPack conference

Learning Labs at this year's WestPack expo allow attendees to create their own flexible schedule and choose from more than 60 hours of educational content. Each focused session runs for two hours over the course of three days. 

Select from 30 Learning Labs across various topics including: Medical, Packaging, Automation Design & Manufacturing. More than 80 speakers will be presenting. Book just one Learning Lab for $299, or buy a Flexi-Pass, to come and go as you please, for only $449. Sign up here.

Track 1: Healthcare Packaging & Human Factors
Tues., Feb. 11; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

• Human Factors of Smart Pack­aging
Speaker: Paul van der Pol, director R&D, Noble Inc.

• Peelable Technology for Medical Device Packaging
Speaker: Brian Ingraham, product development manager, Amcor Flexibles Healthcare

Track 2: Packaging that Sells
Tues., Feb. 11; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• A review of evolving purchasing trends and how to entice your customer
Speaker: Kevin Marshall, creative director of design, Microsoft

• Leveraging an existing retail brand identity and not lose share with a product re-launch for a global solution
Speaker: Matt Alford, packaging director, boys entertainment, Mattel

• Achieving improved package usability through engineering
Speaker: Glenn Ventrell, consultant, iNSIGHTS2iNNOVATION3

Track 3: Connecting with Customers Through Smart Packaging
Tues., Feb. 11; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• Building a roadmap for utilizing electronically enabled packaging
Speaker: Lee Nicholson, R&D director, PepsiCo

• Strategies for Interactive Packaging
Speaker: Malcolm Keif, professor, Graphic Communication Department, California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

• The Future of Interactive Packaging
Speaker: Mary Greenwood, director, new technology and business development, Avery Dennison

Track 4: Package Tracking & Vision Systems
Tues., Feb. 11; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• Lessons learned from track-and-trace programs across multiple industries
Speaker: Jim Warner, founder and principal industrial designer, JimWarner3D, LLC

• New Technologies In Machine Vision Systems: Improving Quality, Efficiency, and Flexibility
Speaker: David Dechow, manager, Aptúra Machine Vision Solutions

Track 5: Innovations in Materials for Packaging
Wed., Feb. 12; 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

• Expanded uses and new applications for alternative packaging materials
Speaker: Oliver Campbell, Director, Worldwide Procurement, Packaging & Packaging Engineering, Dell

• Creating value in packaging through printed electronics
Speaker: Ramin Heydarpour, managing partner, Flex R&D Inc.

• The large scale mineralization of paperboard plastic coatings: The next step in eco-technology for food and other barrier sensitive products
Speaker: Chris Tilton, chief technology officer, smart planet technologies

Track 6: Food & Beverage Packaging: Convenience Solutions
Wed., Feb. 12; 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

• Packaging design innovation: Value and Process to Success
Speaker: Nick LaTorre, consultant, package & product development LLC

• Packaging trends and innovation for convenience
Speaker: Sal Pellingra, director of innovation, Ampac

• Transitioning to flexible pack­aging: Design and engineering considerations
Speaker: Kevin Kelley, CEO, Emerald Packaging Inc.

Track 7: Designing Reusable & Recyclable Packaging
Wed., Feb. 12; 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

• How to use the latest recyclable materials in your packaging concepts
Speaker: Jim Hanna, director, environmental impact, Starbucks

• Sustainability considerations for the entire product packaging lifecycle and beyond
Speaker: Julie Corbett, CEO/founder, Ecologic Brands

• Superior packaging from responsibly sourced plant or renewable materials: Certification and traceability
Speaker: Neil Darin, senior global innovation program manager, HAVI Global Solutions

Track 8: Packaging Line Optimization
Thurs., Feb. 13; 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

• Strategies for equipment and operational performance in packaging
Speaker: Corey Morton, director of technology solutions, B&R Automation

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