Navigating the Future: A Preview of Paper Distribution Conference (PDC) 2024

As 2023 draws to a close and exciting opportunities lie ahead in the new year, executives, suppliers and distributors are eagerly anticipating the 2024 Paper Distribution Conference (PDC), taking place Jan. 16–18, 2024, at the Ritz Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida. It’s a hallmark event that promises insights, networking and a preview of the industry's future. NPTA staff sat down with Greg Lovensheimer, PDC 2024 chairman, for a look at what makes the conference a must-attend event for executives in the paper trade industry.

The exclusivity of the PDC Conference, being an invitation-only event, adds a special element to the gathering. "What you find is it's a much more intimate setting and allows the attendees to have more unfettered access to industry executives, whether it's customer support, peers or suppliers," Lovensheimer said. This exclusivity creates an environment where executives can connect on a deeper level, fostering meaningful conversations that set the pace for the upcoming year.

Diving into the key themes and topics, the conference will play a pivotal role in driving the industry's growth into the future and providing a platform for exploration. External forces will be shaping the industry, and understanding is key.

“We're all in as individual industry participants, and we're all in our little silos, working on our businesses and the things that we can control. And what we've tried to do with PDC is provide a platform where potential external forces can be represented so that folks can take them into account,” Lovensheimer said. Notably, the future of print stands out as a central theme, prompting industry participants to ponder the trajectory of print technologies and applications.

Direct mail, traditionally considered a stalwart in the industry, faces uncertainty due to postal rate increases driven by changes at the postal service. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy will join to share insights on the U.S. Postal Service and their impact on the paper distribution channel. The session is positioned as a standout feature of PDC 2024, offering attendees a unique perspective on the challenges faced by the postal service.

“The opportunity for the postmaster to join the talk is to give everybody a chance to see that service through a different lens. And then maybe because you have a different view that gives you a reason to take slightly different action, to think of it differently or to position your business differently,” Lovensheimer said. This presents a rare opportunity for attendees to engage in a dialogue that bridges the gap between decision-makers and industry practitioners.

Artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as another pivotal theme, challenging industry participants to explore the power of AI in shaping the future. Lovensheimer expresses excitement about pushing the limits and encourages participants to think about AI as a tool to enhance their businesses. "The fact that AI will impact all industries and businesses is a challenging reality, and as such, learning how to leverage the technology and develop a plan to engage is crucial," Lovensheimer said.

Jonathan Bein, from Distribution Strategy Group, will discuss the current state of AI in the industry, offering insights into its diverse applications across sectors. Attendees can gain inspiration for innovation and problem-solving within their organizations. “The session aims to remove barriers and generate excitement for member companies to embark on their own AI journey,” Lovensheimer said.

Related to the conference's role in fostering discussions and addressing challenges throughout the year, PDC offers a unique networking experience, as the paper industry relies heavily on personal connections. "Our industry does more with a handshake than probably any other industry that I've ever been associated with,” Lovensheimer said. "At PDC, because it is a much tighter audience and group, you're able to find time during a break, coffee, dinner, cocktail hour or golf tournament to have a real conversation with folks. And it's unmatched in my mind in terms of networking," Lovensheimer said.

Also notable is the presence of the NPTA Emerging Leaders group, which will create valuable mentorship opportunities, showcasing the industry’s dedication to both attract and retain talent in the industry. “Having the Emerging Leaders group on site is extremely powerful. We're helping to arm and equip the next generation with access to some of the senior leaders that they may have otherwise never gotten a chance to cross paths with. We all need to change the perception of the paper industry as a stodgy, declining field, encouraging emerging leaders to see the potential for growth and innovation, all the while being very sustainable,” Lovensheimer said. The community-building aspect of the conference cannot be underscored, as the collaborative nature of the paper industry is crucial for growth.

PDC 2024 serves not only as a conference but also as a catalyst for change, providing participants with a roadmap to actionable insights. "Hopefully, we're drawing people to PDC that can then walk away and are forever changed, whether that's knowing things about the future of print that they didn't know before, or understanding the postal service and where it's headed and feeling like their viewpoint was heard," Lovensheimer said. It's an anchor session that promises to reshape perspectives and drive positive transformation within the industry.