Fall 2026 Conference

PRE-CONFERENCE EVENTS

The following activities are available only to members of the Foam Recycling Coalition (FRC) and Paper Recovery Alliance/Plastic Recovery Group/Paper Cup Alliance groups of (PRA/PRG/PCA) of FPI.  (This is separate from standard FPI membership.)  To verify your company’s membership in the group, please check for your company name on this page. If your company is not a member of the FRC or PRA/PRG/PCA and would like more information, please contact us.

Tuesday, October 27

1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.              Foam Recycling Coalition Facility Tour: Mecklenburg County Densifier Tour & Demonstration

Wednesday, October 28

9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.              PRA/PRG/PCA Meeting (breakfast and lunch served)    

No scheduled evening function                                             

MAIN CONFERENCE EVENTS

Thursday, October 29

8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.            Board of Directors Meeting (Board members only)          

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.           Government Relations Committee Meeting (PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED / for converter and supplier members only, that are active participants in the committee)

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.            Welcome Lunch                                                                                 

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.              General Session

• State of FPI/Industry/Government Relations, FPI Staff
• Material Updates:
  • Plastics Update: Peter Feng, Chemical Market Analytics

Peter Feng is the Vice President of Aromatics & Fibers. He is responsible for the North American Aromatics Service and covers the styrene, polystyrene and expandable polystyrene markets in the Americas for Chemical Market Analytics. With over 35 years of experience in various assignments, Peter has a breadth of knowledge in multiple disciplines and products. Peter is a key resource for understanding and insight into the aromatics sector of the petrochemical industry.

• • Aluminum Update: Zaid Aljanabi, CRU Group

Zaid is head of aluminium products at CRU, leading a global team of analysts. Prior to joining the aluminium analysis team, Zaid spent six years with CRU’s consulting division as a principal consultant, leading the aluminium consulting practice area.

• • Paper Update: Soile Kilpi, AFRY Management Group

Soile is a Director with the Americas team at AFRY Management Consulting. She has over 35 years of experience in advising clients related to strategy, operations, investments, and technology. She helps executives and boards to define sustainable futures for their businesses. Her area of expertise covers the bioindustry value chain from fiber to consumer products. Soile has worked on engagements in the US, Canada, China, India, Europe, and Latin America. Education: M.Sc. Business Economics (Aalto University, School of Economics)

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.              Reception & Dinner                                                                                                                       

Friday, October 30

8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.              Egg Packaging and Food Packaging Tray Divisions Breakfast Meeting

                                                      (For egg packaging and meat tray manufacturers)                          

 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.              Supplier Division Breakfast Meeting

                                                      (For raw material and machinery suppliers)

 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.              Breakfast for All Other Attendees

9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.            General Session

• Foodservice Trends in Colleges and Universities, Elizabeth Riede, Executive Director of Campus Dining, Appalachian State University

Elizabeth Riede is the Executive Director of Campus Dining, Catering, and Hospitality at Appalachian State University, where she leads a self-operated dining program serving more than 8,500 meal plan holders and over 21,000 students campus-wide. She oversees strategic planning, operations, and guest experience across multiple venues, aligning dining services with student success, sustainability, and community engagement. With nearly two decades of experience in retail and foodservice, spanning QSR, hospital foodservice, and higher education, Elizabeth focuses on building collaborative, high-performing teams and creating experiences that connect people through food. She is a passionate advocate for innovation in campus dining, workforce development, and student engagement. She speaks frequently on the intersection of hospitality, technology, and human connection, encouraging leaders to balance operational efficiency with meaningful guest engagement. Elizabeth currently serves on the Board of Trustees for the National Association of College and University Food Services (NACUFS) and IFMA The Food Away From Home Association’s College and University Foodservice Leadership Council.

                                                   FPI Semi-Annual Member Meeting

Members will receive a financial update and hear how FPI is progressing with its key focus areas for 2026. All are welcome to attend.  FPI requests that at least one person per member company remains to participate in this session.

 Adjourn

* Please note speakers and schedule are subject to change.