Session List

Wednesday 8:00a-4:30p Location: Classroom 103
Advanced Corrugated Program – Specific registration required
Rick Putch, National Steel Rule Co. and Steve Rote, Metsä Board Americas
The diecutting process for corrugated converters is often challenging and unpredictable due to any slight change in the combined board, tooling or machine condition influencing throughput, waste and profit. “One size does NOT fit all” when it comes to diecutting. Attending Odyssey Expo 2025 and this two-day corrugated program will allow you to recognize the pitfalls and set the path for more predictable results in your finishing operations.

Wednesday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 105
Session C004: From Machine to Die: Gathering Specifications for Soft Anvil Rotary Cutting Dies
Shaun Larson, Jonco Die Co Inc.
Learn the step-by-step process for extracting critical specifications from soft anvil rotary die-cutting machines to design and manufacture precision cutting dies. This presentation will guide you through key measurements, machine parameters, and communication techniques to ensure your dies meet exacting performance standards.

Wednesday 4:30p-5:00p Location: Techshop
Session T010: Corrugated Q&A
Rick Putch, National Steel Rule Co. and Steve Rote, Metsä Board Americas
Advanced Corrugated Program experts head to the Techshop stage to take questions from all show attendees. Bring your “jobs from hell” and get solutions to your problems

Thursday 8:00a-4:30p Location: Classroom 103
Advanced Corrugated Program – Specific registration required
Rick Putch, National Steel Rule Co. and Steve Rote, Metsä Board Americas
The diecutting process for corrugated converters is often challenging and unpredictable due to any slight change in the combined board, tooling or machine condition influencing throughput, waste and profit. “One size does NOT fit all” when it comes to diecutting. Attending Odyssey Expo 2025 and this two-day corrugated program will allow you to recognize the pitfalls and set the path for more predictable results in your finishing operations.

Thursday 4:30p-5:00p Location: Techshop
Session T030: Corrugated Q&A
Rick Putch, National Steel Rule Co. and Steve Rote, Metsä Board Americas
Advanced Corrugated Program experts head to the Techshop stage to take questions from all show attendees. Bring your “jobs from hell” and get solutions to your problems.

Friday 8:00a-8:45a Location: Classroom 105
Session C042: CAD DEMO: The DMA Plugin, The New Way to Program Rotary Corrugated Tooling in Impact
Andrew Carey, Arden Software
The DMA Plugin, which stands for Diemaking Add-Ons, is a newly released plugin designed for use within Impact, with a primary focus on rotary processes. With over 30 years of expertise in rotary technology, CimPACK’s legacy is seamlessly integrated into DMA, bringing that extensive knowledge and software capabilities to Impact. DMA in Impact now supports an even greater range of cylinders than CimPACK, offering enhanced functionality. Join us to discover what all the excitement is about.

Thursday 2:30p-3:15p Location: Techshop
Session T028: New Developments in Finishing
Panel: Jeff Bates, W.H. Leary Co.; Fawn Alleyne, IMPACK Folder Gluer Peripherals; and Doug Herr, Herr Packaging Solutions; Equipment: IMPACK Folder Gluer Peripherals GenieCut for a Folder Gluer
While the principles of folding and gluing remain constant, there continue to be new solutions to increase run speeds and quality, feeding and packing efficiency, and other value-added ideas. This session touches on new developments brought by industry experts.

Friday 10:30a-11:15a Location: Techshop
Session T045: Ask the Finishing Experts
Panel: Jeff Bates, W.H. Leary Co.; Doug Herr, Herr Packaging Solutions; and Chris Leary, Gietz-Vinfoil Americas; Equipment: IMPACK Folder Gluer Peripherals GenieCut for a Folder Gluer
Do you have a job that is particularly difficult to run on your folder-gluer? Are you looking for suggestions on how to improve changeover times or production speeds? This expert panel is ready to field your questions and offer proven industry recommendations, like tips for short-runs, first time running new jobs and when to justify using auto-packer.

Wednesday 8:00a-8:45a Location: Classroom 105
Session C002: Successful Dynamic Stripping
James Banister, Bobst North America Inc.
Learn effective methods to strip complex, irregular and thin slots successfully using dynamic stripping. This presentation will cover the critical inputs and the elements that are both in and out of the machine operator’s control.

Wednesday 2:30p-3:15p Location: Techshop
Session T008: Embellishment Expert Panel
Panel: Ross Hutchison, Universal Engraving, Inc; Tim Cain, Breit Technologies; and Chris Leary, Gietz-Vinfoil Americas
This session will touch on new trends and capabilities in the niche world of print embellishment brought by product, materials, and application specialists with ample time for Q&A.

Thursday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 105
Session C024: Steel Counters: Advantages and Best Practices
Steve Schroder, Brad Miske and Rick Harbaugh, Michigan Lasercut
This session will discuss the benefits of using steel counters and the best practices for making steel counters.

Thursday 2:30p-3:15p Location: Classroom 105
Session C027: Fishtailing & Cracking: Causes, Fixes and Control
Patrick Patzke, CITO Group
Creasing issues like fishtailing and cracking can impact product quality and efficiency. To prevent them, we must first identify their root causes, such as improper materials, rule selection, or pressure settings. By implementing the right solutions, including optimized tooling and process adjustments, these issues can be minimized. To ensure long-term quality control, systematic monitoring and checks are essential, preventing defects from recurring and maintaining high production standards.

Wednesday 8:00a-8:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C001: CAD DEMO: A Practical Guide to Programming Real-World Ejection Rubber
Andy Caligiuri, Arden Software
While anyone can run Auto-Rubber, the real question is: what does it produce, and how effective is it in practice? In this session, you’ll learn how to program rubber that is not only usable but optimized for maximum efficiency. We’ll cover key techniques such as improving rubber breakdown to enhance nesting optimization and reduce material waste, targeting nicks with profile rubber, and optimizing the use of scrap rubber rather than simply relying on full sheets. Join us to discover valuable tips that will help you save material, boost quality and performance, and improve time efficiency.

Wednesday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C003: CAD DEMO: A Practical Guide to Programming Pinsetter Stripper Tooling
Elliott Banister, Arden Software
We will leave the detailed explanation of specific component placements to others, as that is not our focus. Our objective is to bridge the gap between theoretical concepts and practical application, showing you how to design and program tooling based on those principles. In this session, we will walk through real-world examples, demonstrating how to create functional, high-end stripping board tooling of various types.

Wednesday 2:30p-3:15p Location: Classroom 104
Session C006: RFID & Digital Transformation in Diemaking & Converting
Jeremy Butler, FactorySense
This session will explore how RFID technology is transforming tool tracking, inventory management and production efficiency in the diemaking and box converting industries. Attendees will gain actionable insights on eliminating misplaced tools, reducing material waste and integrating RFID with existing systems for a smarter, more connected operation. With real-world case studies and a roadmap for adoption, this session is designed to help manufacturers improve workflow visibility, minimize downtime and maximize profitability.

Thursday 8:00a-8:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C021: Rubber: Constantly Moving
Jeremy T. Guest, Diansuply, Inc.
Rubber is the only product on a cutting die that is constantly moving and this creates a lot of different challenges and variables to consider. Additionally, after years of status quo, there are many new ejection products in the market. We will explore the functionality of ejection rubber and what factors to use in your ejection selection.

Thursday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C023: CAD DEMO: Transitioning from CimPACK to Impact
Andrew Carey & Team, Arden Software
CimPACK’s 34-year history is coming to a close, as its end of life is just months away. Many customers have numerous questions regarding the transition to Impact and what that process will entail. Arden offers a comprehensive suite of software solutions, which we will introduce to you during this condensed session. We will highlight the key differences between CimPACK and Impact and provide clarity on what to expect in the future.
Additionally, we will discuss the software tools developed to facilitate this transition. This session is designed to address the concerns of CimPACK customers, and we will conclude with a Q&A panel featuring industry experts to provide further insights.

Thursday 1:30p-2:15p Location: Techshop
Session T025: Distrupters in Blanking
John Dickison, Bobst North America Inc.
Learn what’s new in the field of blanking. Today’s modern equipment requires precise tooling in order to achieve maximum machine efficiency. See what equipment and software are available for today’s designer and manufacturer. Look back in time; see what used to take days to design and manufacture that now takes just hours.

Thursday 2:30p-3:15p Location: Classroom 104
Session C026: Off Road or Autobahn? Why Clean Platens Matter!
André Angermeir, Karl Marbach GmbH & Co. KG
We all want performance – fast, precise cutting and zero downtime. But there’s one critical factor often overlooked: clean platens. In this session, we’ll explore why clean platens – and every layer involved – are essential for quick makeready and high-performance diecutting. You’ll learn how proper cleaning can extend the life of your cutting dies, improve machine longevity, and help you reach peak productivity.

Thursday 3:30p-4:15p Location: Techshop
Session T029: Challenge the Experts (Flatbed Diecutting)
Panel: Fernando Pires, Marbach America Inc.; Karl Davis, Zumbiel Packaging; Mark Grigsby, Dynamic Dies, Inc.; and Ross Hutchison, Universal Engraving, Inc. Moderator: John Dickison, Bobst North America Inc.
Bring your questions on diemaking, diecutting, printing, embossing or foil stamping related to folding carton. Our experienced panelists will share tips and successful solutions.

Friday 8:00a-8:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C041: Give Your Tools a Voice: The Next Evolution in Toolmaking
Jennifer Wolffe-Remolino, Bobst North America Inc.
While Internet of Things (IoT) has transformed how machines are monitored and optimized, one critical piece of the puzzle has been left behind – the tools themselves. In this session, we’ll spotlight the opportunity for tool makers to deliver smarter, connected tooling solutions. You’ll learn how tracking tool usage across machines and shop floors reveals valuable insights into performance, wear, and efficiency over a tool’s lifecycle. We’ll wrap with a practical example that shows the tangible ROI of connected tools – and how you can lead this next wave of innovation.

Friday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 104
Session C043: Ejection Excellence: The Science behind Quality & Performance
Andrew Powell, CITO Group
Focusing on quality of ejection materials, this presentation will cover the procedures needed to check the quality, like durometer, density, height reduction, rebound, etc. Learn how to measure these things and what diemakers and converters should be looking at instead of pricing. This is very important to the industry as machine output needs to be as high as possible and ejection materials have a great impact on the output.

Friday 9:00a-9:45a Location: Classroom 105
Session C044: Machine Maintenance: Proactive vs. Reactive Strategies
Rob McCann, Bobst North America Inc.
With time and successive production cycles, even the best machine in the world may experience a drop in performance or even failure. Learn the difference between proactive and reactive maintenance strategies, the pros and cons of each and which strategy is best for your situation. Can “run to failure” be successful? Determine what can and should be done in-house and when to use the OEM. Also learn how internet machine connections are changing equipment maintenance and whether you can take advantage of predictive technology to maximize your machine’s life cycle.