SPA 113th Conference Celebrates Industry Excellence, Youth Talent and Inspiration at Silverstone
View the Image Gallery
Watch the Conference Presentation Videos
Download the PowerPoint Presentations
The SPA 113th Conference, held at the iconic Silverstone Circuit, brought together more than 260 delegates from across the UK and international corrugated packaging supply chain, reinforcing its position as one of the most influential networking and knowledge-sharing events in the industry calendar.
Attendees included senior representatives from SPA sheet plants, supplier companies, industry bodies, the trade press, alongside two celebrity professional motor racers and a strong contingent of students exploring future careers in the paper-based packaging sector.
Feedback from delegates was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as the best SPA Conference to date:
“What a brilliant evening. A real buzz in the room – probably the best industry event I have attended. Well done Team UK Sheet Plant Association.”
“I just wanted to pass on my congratulations to all involved in the Conference – the best one ever. Brilliant venue, the content was the best yet, and it was so well organised and efficient. Awesome work UK Sheet Plant Association.”
These comments reflected a wider sentiment of appreciation for everyone involved in delivering such a high-quality event, from speakers and sponsors to the SPA Committee and team.
A Strong Programme Reflecting Industry Priorities
The Conference opened with a warm welcome for first-time attendees from the SPA Committee, followed by an overview of the corrugated converter industry from SPA Chairman Tim Gray, setting the context for a wide-ranging and highly relevant agenda.
Key industry updates were delivered by Alex Veitch of the Confederation of Paper Industries (CPI), outlining CPI activity and future priorities. Later sessions from EUWID and NOA provided valuable insights into the European paper market and the UK corrugated industry outlook, ensuring delegates left well informed on both domestic and international trends.
Throughout the day, there were numerous spotlight sessions, all excellently delivered, which added pace, variety, and practical insight to the programme.
Innovation, Technology, and Risk Management
Technology and risk management were central themes. Sessions on Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Security, delivered by Nick Baxter and Stefan Liversidge (OPSWAT), highlighted both the opportunities and the real-world risks facing modern manufacturing operations.
The Conference also placed emphasis on governance and compliance through the SPA Initiatives Ring of Defence, with updates covering:
Health and Safety
R&D Tax Credits
These sessions provided delegates with practical, immediately applicable takeaways for day-to-day business operations.
Talent, Leadership, and the Future Workforce
One of the most widely praised aspects of the Conference was the presence of students and tutors, which many delegates described as a coup d’état. The inclusion of the next generation sparked conversation throughout the day, with widespread agreement that it was a powerful and positive move for the industry.
Ben Edmonds (Cardboard Ninja) delivered a presentation that resonated in multiple ways. In addition to presenting the “Think Inside The Box” Student Design Awards, celebrating innovation from students at Northampton College and Sharnbrook Sixth Form, Ben challenged businesses to take a simple but meaningful action: to consider what waste materials they have, such as cardboard offcuts, that local schools could value and reuse. This message struck a chord with many delegates and reinforced the industry’s role in community engagement and sustainability.
A truly standout moment of the Conference was the presentation from Nic Hamilton. His humble, honest, and deeply inspiring story of resilience, hard work, and determination captivated the room. Nic’s journey, achievements, and mindset left a lasting impression and was widely regarded as one of the most powerful sessions of the day, delivered by an incredible young man whose story transcends motorsport boundaries.
The future of talent was further explored in Jo Stephenson’s session on young people in the print and packaging industry. Jo highlighted initiatives such as Young People In Print (YPIP) and emphasised the importance of collaboration across industry bodies. Delegates were informed that the SPA will be actively involved in a meeting later this month to explore an allied, cross-industry approach to tackling the ongoing challenge of attracting young talent into print and packaging.
The Conference also proudly congratulated graduates of the UK Sheet Plant Association Emerging Leaders Programme, recognising their achievements and commitment. At the same time, the SPA warmly welcomed 19 new candidates who began their two-year programme the day after Conference, underlining the Association’s long-term commitment to leadership development. Truly inspirational content and a clear signal of confidence in the future of the industry.
In total, 20 students and tutors attended the Conference, engaging directly with industry professionals and gaining insight into the wide range of career opportunities within the paper-based packaging sector. The SPA Committee has confirmed that student participation is a trend it intends to pursue and expand, including at the UK Corrugated Industry Trade Show this Autumn in Telford.
Interactive Zone and Supplier Showcase
Beyond the main Conference programme, delegates made extensive use of the Interactive Zone, which featured:
SPARK Robotics, showcasing industrial automation and robotics, including KettyBot
A sponsor Supplier Showcase
These interactive elements encouraged discussion, practical learning, and informal networking throughout the day and evening.
Headline Sponsorship and Evening Networking
The Conference was proudly supported by headline sponsor Amtech Software. The SPA extends huge thanks to Amtech for their valuable support and is delighted that the team enjoyed the event. Their involvement, including a sponsored bar, played a significant role in the success of the day and evening.
Full delegates enjoyed an excellent three-course dinner, whilst being entertained by a magician and caricaturist. During the Conference, Francesco Caricatures created a live illustrated canvas capturing key moments, speakers, and themes, providing a unique and lasting visual record of the event.
A Respected and Influential Industry Gathering
With over 260 delegates, representation from more than 50 SPA sheet plant members, international suppliers, industry bodies, and the next generation of talent, the SPA 113th Conference once again demonstrated the strength, relevance, and influence of SPA events within the corrugated packaging sector.
Further information on SPA initiatives, future events, and SPA membership for 2026 is available from the SPA Office.
Presentations from SPA 113th Conference are available to SPA Members via the "Resources" area of member's website.
Images and videos of presentations will be added to the SPA Member-Only:VIDEO VAULT over the next week
Delegate Feedback is invaluable to the SPA - if you attended Conference, please take 2 minutes to feedback to the SPA Committee HERE:
