This post was written by Sie Roe, Senior National Account Executive at Comgraphx. Sie is a member of the PPC’s Communications Committee.
As the Petroleum Packaging Council approaches its Diamond Jubilee 75th Anniversary year, the association has seen an influx of growth from a wide swath of companies taking notice of the council’s outreach and mission. Through social media channels, the council’s website, bi-annual meetings and word of mouth, the vision and message of the council is increasingly resonating with professionals in the petroleum packaging and related industries. As a reader of this post, you yourself may have been told about the PPC by a colleague or have seen social media by the council and are interested in learning more.
The best way to experience all the council has to offer is to attend one of the bi-annual meetings. Having now attended three meetings myself, and registered for the upcoming Spring 2025 meeting, I have continued to find increasing value from each successive participation. Although going into the first meeting I was completely unsure as to what to expect, by the end it had been a tremendous experience leaving me excited about the next meeting.
If you’re exploring the idea of attending a Petroleum Packaging Council meeting, here’s six reasons to attend a meeting.
Mission and Vision of the Council
The purpose of the Petroleum Packaging Council at its core is to provide the petroleum packaging industry with leadership, technical education, and networking opportunities. To be the most relevant global resource for innovation, production efficiency, safety, health, and sustainability throughout the petroleum industry.
There is simply no other petroleum industry related organization providing such a collectively wide focus on ensuring sustainable growth for the industry.
Networking
The degree of concentrated accessibility to C-level executives, company Presidents, buyers and other key contacts within the petroleum packaging industry and supporting companies is unparalleled. With many networking receptions and sessions, breakout times, luncheons, reservable meeting rooms, tradeshows and more, the opportunity to connect with other industry professionals is plentiful.
Education
Being a primary tenant of the council’s mission, continuing education is a cornerstone of the association’s value to the petroleum packaging industry. Through the council’s Technical Education Committee, topics that impact the petroleum packaging industry such as EPR, sustainability, recycling, AI, legislation / regulations and more are presented and discussed through informational presentations / sessions, guest speakers, and panel discussion.
Additionally, the Petroleum Packaging Council offers the PPC College, a technical certificate program, as an in-house education platform to member companies and their employees.
Shared Knowledge Base
As a 75-year-old professional association, the collective knowledge base of the Petroleum Packaging Council is unparalleled as a whole. With not only member companies ranging from bottles/containers to line equipment machinery, to labeling, to warehouse / logistics support; but also, members from seasoned professionals with decades of experience to industry newcomers, someone has come across, seen or experienced just about anything within the industry.
Relationships
Attend any PPC meeting and the most prevalent theme to be observed is the degree of camaraderie shared between attendees. Many tenured members will attest to the relationships and friendships that have developed with customers and competitors alike within the petroleum packaging industry. The degree of open access and professional decorum of the association members is welcome and refreshing in comparison to many other industries and related associations.
Get Involved
With so many things in life, what you get out of it is what you put into it. Numerous members have and continue to serve in various capacities in committees, as a board member, or simply an advocate and ambassador at large for the association within their personal circles of influence. It’s the people that provide any organized group with its merit. We have tremendous members and a wonderful organization. We invite you to come and see for yourself.