FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:
Brendon Holland
Communications Manager
International Molded Fiber Association
info@IMFA.org
413-285-8609

IMFA Announces Annual Conference Speaker Lineup
Featuring Huhtamaki’s Ann O’Hara as Keynote

Springfield, MA – March 26, 2025 – The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) today announced its lineup of speakers and sessions for its upcoming Annual Conference in Miami, Florida. The premier global event for the molded fiber industry, the conference brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers to explore advancements in molded fiber technology, sustainability, and regulatory developments.

This year’s conference will feature keynote speaker Ann O’Hara, President of Huhtamaki’s North America segment. In her presentation, Ann will explore how changing trends in packaging have shifted molded fiber’s place in the greater market. She will also outline molded fiber community priorities in terms of positioning molded fiber for the future – these partnerships ensure the benefits of molded fiber are fully realized.

“Our association is thrilled and honored to have Ann present as part of this year’s Annual Conference,” said Gary Visser, IMFA Executive Chairman. “Ann is a pillar of the packaging industry with experience across companies, products, geographies, and roles. Huhtamaki’s investment in our association is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the molded fiber community. We look forward to hearing what Ann will share with our members in Miami.”

In addition to Ann’s keynote presentation, IMFA’s Annual Conference will feature many other engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions from some of the most innovative and influential individuals in molded fiber, including:

• Christopher A. Stevens, President, Dalton Electric Heating Co.
  • Cycle Time Acceleration: Process Heat Techniques
• Manfred Habeck, Managing Director, Southern Pulp Machinery
  • Equipment Supplier vs. an Alliance: Your Choice!
• Francesco Favaro, General Manager, Americas, FTT S.r.l
  • The Green Revolution in Packaging: Understanding the Fiber Thermoforming Opportunity
• Susan Thoman, Managing Director, Compost Manufacturing Alliance
  • Food Scrap Recovery and Field Testing Molded Fiber Foodservice Products in Modern Composting Facilities
• Chris Lo, Managing Director, TAW Holdings Limited
  • Hot Press Streamline History and Alternatives
• Scott Machen, Product Manager Stock Prep, Triosim Corp.
  • Pulping and Detrashing Systems for Molded Pulp
• Bill Haskins, Sr. Technical Consultant, Fiber, Juno LLC
  • An Alternative to Newsprint in Molded Fiber Applications
• Katie Skaggs, Partner, Keller and Heckman LLP
  • The State of Affairs in State Regulations Impacting Molded Fiber Products
• Kelly Tiller, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Genera and Sam Jackson, Director, NSF Innovation Engine, HudsonAlpha Institute
  • Collaborative Research to Advance Science and Sustainability in Packaging

While the workshops from world-renowned experts and innovators may be viewed as the draw for IMFA’s Annual Conference, an equal amount of value comes from the opportunity to engage with peers from across the globe through the event’s opening reception, sponsored dinner, and other informal networking opportunities. 

IMFA’s 2025 Annual Conference is set for April 30 – May 2, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Registration is available for a limited time. In April 2026, the association will be returning to Europe for its annual conference for the first time in a decade. Full details about next year’s event will be announced at this year’s conference in Miami.

Photo Caption: Event attendees gather in San Diego for IMFA’s 2024 Annual Conference.

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The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) is the premier international trade association for the molded fiber industry, whose mission is to promote the global growth of molded fiber products and advocate for environmental sustainability. The Association represents the diverse scope of the molded fiber industry - from independent manufacturing owners to industry affiliates to large multi-product, international companies. The International Molded Fiber Association has been the principal source of molded fiber intelligence since 1997, established using the experience and expertise of its founders. IMFA is committed to serving members with trade representation, inquiry resources, and a yearly seminar dedicated to advancements in the molded fiber industry.