IMFA Announces Annual Conference Speaker Lineup Featuring Huhtamaki’s Ann O’Hara as Keynote

Published: March 26, 2025

The International Molded Fiber Association (IMFA) has announced its lineup of speakers and sessions for its upcoming Annual Conference in Miami, Florida. The premier global event for the molded fiber industry, the conference brings together manufacturers, suppliers, and researchers to explore advancements in molded fiber technology, sustainability, and regulatory developments.

This year’s conference will feature keynote speaker Ann O’Hara, President of Huhtamaki’s North America segment. In her presentation, Ann will explore how changing trends in packaging have shifted molded fiber’s place in the greater market. She will also outline molded fiber community priorities in terms of positioning molded fiber for the future – these partnerships ensure the benefits of molded fiber are fully realized.

“Our association is thrilled and honored to have Ann present as part of this year’s Annual Conference,” said Gary Visser, IMFA Executive Chairman. “Ann is a pillar of the packaging industry with experience across companies, products, geographies, and roles. Huhtamaki’s investment in our association is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the molded fiber community. We look forward to hearing what Ann will share with our members in Miami.”

In addition to Ann’s keynote presentation, IMFA’s Annual Conference will feature many other engaging presentations, interactive workshops, and breakout sessions from some of the most innovative and influential individuals in molded fiber, including:

• Christopher A. Stevens, President, Dalton Electric Heating Co.
  Cycle Time Acceleration: Process Heat Techniques
• Manfred Habeck, Managing Director, Southern Pulp Machinery
  Equipment Supplier vs. an Alliance: Your Choice!
• Francesco Favaro, General Manager, Americas, FTT S.r.l
  The Green Revolution in Packaging: Understanding the Fiber Thermoforming Opportunity
• Susan Thoman, Managing Director, Compost Manufacturing Alliance
  Food Scrap Recovery and Field Testing Molded Fiber Foodservice Products in Modern Composting Facilities
• Chris Lo, Managing Director, TAW Holdings Limited
  Hot Press Streamline History and Alternatives
• Scott Machen, Product Manager Stock Prep, Triosim Corp.
  Pulping and Detrashing Systems for Molded Pulp
• Bill Haskins, Sr. Technical Consultant, Fiber, Juno LLC
  An Alternative to Newsprint in Molded Fiber Applications
• Katie Skaggs, Partner, Keller and Heckman LLP
  The State of Affairs in State Regulations Impacting Molded Fiber Products
• Kelly Tiller, Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, Genera
  Sam Jackson, Director, NSF Innovation Engine, HudsonAlpha Institute
  Collaborative Research to Advance Science and Sustainability in Packaging

While the workshops may be viewed as the conference draw, an equal amount of value comes from the opportunity to engage with peers from across the globe through the event’s opening reception, sponsored dinner, and other informal networking opportunities.

IMFA’s 2025 Annual Conference is April 30-May 2, 2025 in Miami, Florida. Registration is available for a limited time. In April 2026, the association returns to Europe for its annual conference for the first time in a decade. Full details about next year’s event will be announced at this year’s conference in Miami.

Photo courtesy of IMFA