RIPA 2026 Spring Technical Conference
Sunday May 3 – Tuesday May 5, 2026
Savannah, Georgia DeSoto Savannah Hotel
RIPA members gathered May 3-5 in the picturesque, southern city of Savannah, Georgia to conduct the 2026 RIPA Spring Technical Conference.
The conference kicked off with the traditional Suppliers Welcome Reception. For quite a number of years now, RIPA’s Suppler Members have supported the Technical Conference in particular. Additionally, several Suppliers sponsored individual events such as a luncheon or a coffee break. Many thanks to all the RIPA Supplier Members for their continued support.
Monday morning featured a presentation from the head of DOT’s Office of Hazardous Materials Safety, Mr. Bill Quade. Bill provided a comprehensive look at a wide range of regulatory topics. Attendees were impressed with his vast knowledge and an apparent willingness to work with the industry to achieve practical results.
Mr. Stephen Olds, Founder of the firm Exegistics, spoke about “collaborative robotics” in certain workplace settings. Mr. Matt Eichmann, Founder of the firm Catalyst Point, spoke about leadership training and team building. RIPA President Paul Rankin spoke about a RIPA program in development that will address U.S. EPA’s concerns with container residues and the potential for mixing incompatible materials. RIPA Counsel Rick Schweitzer gave an update on trucking and driver regulations, including laws now being enforced which tie Commercial Divers Licenses (CDLs) to some proficiency in English.
Monday afternoon featured the Board of Directors meeting which was well attended by several member observers. Monday evening featured the Chair’s Reception at a nearby historic mansion that played host to several important Civil War events.
The Conference wrapped up with a tour of the nearby Port of Savannah, the third largest and busiest point of entrance for goods coming into the U.S. It was quite impressive.
Next up is the International Conference on Industrial Packaging (ICIP) in October in Las Vegas. You can read more about that event elsewhere on the RIPA website.
As always, thank you for your support and participation!