Issue link: http://palletcentral.uberflip.com/i/1544601
1 4 Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 26 INSIDE WOODPACK CONT. A dedicated panel session tackled one of the industry's most pressing emerging threats: Extended Producer Responsibilit y (EPR) regulations. Krist yn Rankin and Dennis A lbiani joined moderator Senior Vice President Jason G. Ortega for a frank, expert- driven discussion on what EPR means for wood packaging companies, how the regulatory landscape is evolving, and what the industry must do to stay ahead of it. Kristen DeLack, PE, offered attendees an exclusive preview of the upcoming Crate Design Software (CDS), walking through its capabilities in a live demonstration before leading a dedicated focus group that gave members a direct voice in the software's development. e session generated strong interest and reinforced that CDS is one of the most anticipated tools Woodpack Global has in the pipeline. A highlight of the Women in Business Breakfast: Kim Hayes delivered a standout session on resilience and leadership, reframing resilience not as endurance but as the lasting impact you leave on the people around you. Her message that mentoring is a duty to the next generation resonated deeply throughout the room. e Mexico & LATAM Chapter meeting brought the region's growing community together, featuring María José Martínez Gutiérrez, Samuel Podlipsky, Fernando Lopez Bello, Paola Beltran Madrid, and the official welcome of Luisa López, with José Mallea of Forward Global providing context on the international panorama across the region. Beyond the sessions, a sold-out exhibit hall showcased companies from across the industry, giving attendees a firsthand look at the products, services, and innovations driving wood packaging forward. Networking continued through the Hispanic Council Social, the Future Leaders Member Social, and the PalletPAC reception, which included timely insights from Gaby Perozo, a political journalist, on the stakes and storylines shaping the 2026 midterm elections. e Pallet Foundation made a lasting impression through three signature fundraising events. Attendees took to the water for an exclusive yacht cruise, enjoying a memorable evening of 1 4 Pallet C e nt ral • May -Ju ne 2 0 26