WASHINGTON, D.C.- The Society of the Plastics Industry (SPI) has organized NPE2012 “Super Sunday,” a day full of networking opportunities, social events and presentations by business leaders.

While the exhibit halls and concurrent conferences will open on Monday, April 2, the schedule for Super Sunday on April 1 includes a morning golf tournament and evening Opening Gala for which separate registration is required, plus three afternoon events open to all who have registered to attend NPE2012. A highlight of the Opening Gala will be the keynote address by Jon Huntsman, Jr., former Utah governor and U.S. ambassador and recent candidate for U.S. president.

Super Sunday will be a day of celebration for what is shaping up to be a successful NPE2012, according to Gene Sanders, senior vice president in charge of trade shows for SPI, which produces the triennial NPE.

“NPE2012 will be bigger and much more dynamic than our 2009 show, with significantly more exhibits, more machinery in operation, and greater attendance,” Sanders says. “At the same time, this show marks two historical milestones-the 75th anniversary of SPI and the first time NPE has been held in Orlando, after 40 years in Chicago.”

The events planned for Super Sunday include:

  • . This will take place at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Golf Club, whose courses have been used by LPGA titleholders. Scheduled from 8:00 am to 1:30 p.m., the event costs $250 per person, which includes fees and cart, breakfast and awards luncheon, on-course refreshments and sponsor giveaways. Profits will go to SPI’s Future of Plastics Foundation and an Orlando charity.
  • Brand-Owner Super Session with Panel Discussion. Following a welcome and overview by SPI president and CEO William R. Carteaux, there will be four presentations by representatives of prominent companies: Life through Plastics in the Electronic Age (for the electronics/wireless industry); What’s in Store for Plastics? (retail merchandising); Aerospace Horizons; and It’s a Wrap! Innovation through Plastic Packaging. Open to all NPE2012 registrants, the event will take place from 1:00 to 4:45 pm at the Chapin Theater in the West Hall of the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
  • American-Style BBQ. This will be held from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., outside the West building of the OCCC and is open to all NPE2012 registrants. Food and beverages are available on a cash-and-carry basis.
  • OCCC Orientation. Since the Orange County Convention Center will be new to virtually every NPE2012 participant, this event can assist in planning to make the most productive use of NPE show week. Held in the Chapin Theater in the West Hall of the OCCC, it will be open to all and immediately follow the Brand-Owner Super Session.
  • SPI’s 75th Anniversary Opening Gala and Plastics Hall of Fame Ceremony. This formal, black-tie-optional event will include a reception and banquet, keynote address by Governor Huntsman, and induction ceremony for ten new members of the Hall of Fame. Tickets cost $300 per person and $2,200 for a table of eight. The event will take place from 6:00 to 9:45 pm in the Sebastian J Ballroom of the Rosen Shingle Creek Hotel in Orlando, FL.

    Links to information and registration are available by visiting www.npe.org/attend and clicking on “Schedule at a Glance.”