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10 Pallet C e nt ral • Janu a r y - Fe b r u a r y 2 0 26 INSIDENWPCA NWPCA ANNOUNCEMENTS & UPCOMING EVENTS NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference: Naviga ng Change. Building What Lasts. R egistration is now open for the NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference (ALC), March 25–27, 2026, at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort on the Fort Lauderdale waterfront. Centered on the theme "Navigating Change. Building What Lasts.", this year's conference is designed to help wood packaging leaders make sense of a shifting landscape, from economic and political pressures to evolving markets and a changing global footprint, while staying grounded in the values and story that define our industry. More than 300 attendees are already registered, and exhibit space has sold out quickly. Attendees will hear from economist Curtis Dubay of the US Chamber of Commerce on the political and economic forces shaping business decisions, Crystal Gauvin of Forest Economic Advisors on global lumber markets, and a keynote from Matthew Luhn on storytelling and branding—how to tell your story in a way that endures, even as the organization evolves. ese conversations reflect a pivotal moment for the association itself, as NWPCA prepares to unveil its new name and identity as Woodpack Global, signaling both change and continuity. Be sure to arrive for the Wednesday evening celebration and official unveiling of the Woodpack Global logo and brand identity, followed by a beachside celebration to close out the conference week. Learn more and register at palletcentral.com/nwpcaannualconference NWPCA Is Becoming Woodpack Global—Exci ng Changes Ahead! A fter extensive member feedback and a yearslong strategic review, the NWPCA Board decided that the National Wooden Pallet & Container Association is officially becoming Woodpack Global. e new name reflects the association's evolution, the expanding international reach of the wood packaging industry, and the legacy of leadership that started here at home. Members and partners have long noted that the previous name was lengthy, sometimes confusing, and didn't fully convey the association's global scope and mission. e new, shorter name is easier to recognize and positions the organization for continued growth. e rebrand coincides with a major internal investment. Over the past year, the association restructured and added six new staff members, representing a 50% increase. is growth strengthens Woodpack Global's ability to serve members, expand programs and services, and respond more effectively to domestic and global issues affecting the wood packaging supply chain. Together, the rebrand and staff expansion position Woodpack Global to deliver greater value through stronger industry connections, broader reach, enhanced member support, and increased influence, while maintaining the same dues structure. e new logo and brand identity will be unveiled on Wednesday evening, March 25, 2026, during the Annual Leadership Conference in Fort Lauderdale. In April, members will receive a complete logo package and usage guidelines, which will also be available online. Additional updates and milestones will follow in the months ahead as we make the complete transition. Stay updated at PalletCentral.com, and read more on page 16.

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