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2026 Fall Meeting

Wednesday, September 30, 2026 10:00 AM - Friday, October 2, 2026 12:00 PM (EDT)

Description

Paperboard Packaging Council

2026 Fall Meeting

September 30 – October 2

Hilton Lake Buena Vista @ Disney Springs
Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Book Your Room
Explore the Event

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Event OverviewWhat to expect at PPC Fall Meeting in Orlando

Join executives, thought leaders, and innovators from across the folding carton industry in Orlando for our premier annual event. Featuring keynote presentations, expert panels, valuable networking opportunities, and recognition of the 2026 Paperboard Packaging Competition and Student Design Challenge winners, PPC Fall Meeting in Orlando is a must-attend gathering for industry decision-makers.

Featuring an unforgettable evening at EPCOT®, including a private dinner and reception, an exclusive gathering in a stunning outdoor setting to enjoy a fireworks show, and a unique opportunity to experience EPCOT® in a way you won’t forget.

When
September 30 – October 2, 2026
Where
Hilton Lake Buena Vista @ Disney Springs
Featured Experience
Private evening at EPCOT®
Registration & PricingMember rates, deadlines, and sponsor information

Principal Member Registration

Super Early Bird Registration
Ends August 16, 2026: $995

Early Bird Registration
Begins August 17, 2026: $1,295

Late Registration
Begins September 2, 2026: $1,495

Associate Member Registration

Early Bird Registration
Ends September 1, 2026

  • 1st Registration: $1,295
  • 2nd and 3rd Registration: $1,695

General Registration
Begins September 2, 2026

  • 1st Registration: $1,495
  • 2nd and 3rd Registration: $1,895

No more than 3 individuals from a single Associate Member company may attend.

Registration Sponsor
Ink Systems, Inc. registration sponsor logo
Hotel & TravelHotel block, airport guidance, attire, and weather

Hotel Accommodations

Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista @ Disney Springs
1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

The hotel room block closes September 1.

Book Your Room

Please contact Kayla@paperbox.org for more information.

Air Travel

Orlando International Airport (MCO)

MCO is the primary airport serving the Orlando area and is located approximately 20–30 minutes from the hotel.

Transportation options include ride-share, shuttles, taxis, and rental cars.

Allow at least 2–2.5 hours before your flight for check-in, security screening, and potential delays.

Attire

Business casual is requested for committee meetings and general sessions.

Jackets/ties suggested for men and dressy attire for women at Wednesday’s awards dinner.

Casual attire recommended for Thursday night.

Weather

Late September through early October temperatures in Orlando are typically in the mid-to-high 80°F during the day and around 60–70°F in the evening. Humidity can be high and brief afternoon showers are common, so light, breathable clothing and a light jacket or umbrella are recommended.

Orlando ExperiencesDiscounted Disney tickets and exclusive local offers

Discounted Walt Disney World® Theme Park Tickets

Add a little Disney magic to your conference experience with specially priced Walt Disney World® Meeting/Convention Theme Park tickets, available exclusively to PPC attendees and their guests.

To purchase specially priced Walt Disney World® Meeting/Convention Theme Park tickets, use the link below or call 407-566-5600 and provide group code G10127528.

Purchase Disney Tickets

Whether it’s your first visit or your 100th, we recommend reviewing the Walt Disney World® Resort Experience Updates before your trip.

Exclusive Orlando Discounts

Looking to explore beyond the conference? Visit Orlando has curated exclusive offers available only to PPC attendees, including discounts on attractions, dining, shopping, entertainment, and more throughout the Orlando area.

Whether you’re visiting iconic attractions or discovering local favorites, these offers can help you make the most of your time in Central Florida.

View Orlando Exclusive Offers
Conference ScheduleExpand each day to view the complete agenda
Wednesday, September 30
TimeSession
7:30 a.m.Registration Opens
9:00–11:30 a.m.Women in Packaging
Ann Bowers-Evangelista, Llumos, LLC
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.Associate Member Tabletop Set Up
10:30–11:30 a.m.Executive Committee Meeting
12:00–2:00 p.m.Board of Directors Meeting
1:00–2:30 p.m.Every Folding Carton Tells a Story Roundtable
Learn more about the PPC’s Industry Campaign
2:00–3:00 p.m.Industry Affairs Committee Meeting
Learn more about Industry Affairs
3:00–4:00 p.m.Industry Benchmarking Committee Meeting
Learn more about Industry Benchmarking
3:00–4:00 p.m.Associate Member Committee Meeting
5:30–6:30 p.m.Welcome Reception
6:30 p.m.Dinner & Awards Show
Thursday, October 1
TimeSession
8:00–8:45 a.m.Welcome Remarks
8:45–10:00 a.m.Creativity Protects You: How to Create Opportunities When Everyone Else Sees Obstacles
Nick Nanton, CEO, Astonish Entertainment
10:00–10:30 a.m.Film Fest & Networking Break
10:30–11:15 a.m.Paperboard Packaging Alliance Student Design Challenge Presentations
11:15–11:30 a.m.Package of the Year Presentation
11:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.PPC Annual Membership Meeting
Emily Leonczyk, President, Paperboard Packaging Council
12:00–2:00 p.m.Lunch
2:00–2:15 p.m.Independent Converter Spotlight: Spectrum Packaging Corporation
Mark Mills, President
2:15–2:45 p.m.Regulation to Revolution: What’s Next for Folding Cartons in Europe
Mike Turner, Managing Director, ECMA
2:45–3:15 p.m.A View From the Edge: Unfolding the Future for Cartons
Neil Osment, Managing Director, NOA Limited
3:15–3:45 p.m.Film Fest & Networking Break
3:45–4:45 p.m.Economic Update
Ron Hetrick, Principal Econimist, Lightcast
4:45 p.m.Closing Remarks
6:30 p.m.Buses Depart for EPCOT®
6:45–9:45 p.m.Evening at EPCOT®
Friday, October 2
TimeSession
8:30–9:00 a.m.Breakfast & Mimosa Bar
9:00–11:00 a.m.Member Workshop
10:45–11:00 a.m.Closing Remarks
11:00 a.m.Adjourn
Speakers & SessionsSelect a speaker to view session details and biography
How We Work. How We Lead. How We Grow.Ann Bowers-Evangelista • Wednesday, September 30 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.
Wednesday, September 30 | 9:00–11:30 a.m.

How We Work. How We Lead. How We Grow.

Ann Bowers-Evangelista
President
Llumos, LLC

LinkedIn

You’ve spent years mastering how to do your job well — how to move up, how to lead a team, how to hit the number. But how much time have you spent on the version of you underneath all of that?

Most of us move through our days in reaction mode. And the data backs up what it feels like: this year, 6 in 10 senior-level women report frequently feeling burned out — compared to 5 in 10 men at the same level, according to the 2025 Women in the Workplace report from LeanIn.Org and McKinsey & Company. Stress isn’t a personal failing. It’s the water we’re all swimming in.

This 2-hour, highly interactive breakfast session is your chance to pause and change that. Drawing on The Endurance Leader, we’ll dig into what actually creates career longevity — not another productivity hack, but a way to stay connected to what matters as you grow, lead, and move through uncertainty. Expect it to be personal, practical, and immediately useable — whether you’re 2 years in or 40.

Come build the version of your career (and yourself) that lasts.

About the Speaker
Ann ignites passion, purpose, and clarity in executives and teams to build long-term success. She has leveraged her experience as a psychologist, business and leadership expert, and endurance athlete for over two decades to maximize human potential and business results. Organizations seek Ann’s hiring proficiency to select and develop high-caliber talent and build great teams. As a coach, Ann’s reflective abilities and goal orientation help clients achieve outsized results. She is an expert on building sustainable, high-performing teams, change transformation, resilience, talent selection, development and engagement, conflict and negotiation, feedback, developing future talent, and The Endurance Leader™ model for leading for the long term. Her book, The Endurance Leader, was released in 2024. An Ironman triathlete and marathon runner, Ann brings her high-performance focus and results orientation to her work, family, and community. She is the proud spouse of a US Air Force officer and volunteers with several nonprofits that support DC’s underserved and marginalized communities.
Creativity Protects You: How to Create Opportunities When Everyone Else Sees ObstaclesNick Nanton • Thursday, October 1 | 8:45–10:00 a.m.
Thursday, October 1 | 8:45–10:00 a.m.

Creativity Protects You: How to Create Opportunities When Everyone Else Sees Obstacles

Nick Nanton
CEO
Astonish Entertainment

LinkedIn

The world has changed. Artificial intelligence, economic uncertainty, and constant disruption have left many leaders wondering what skill will matter most in the future. Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, and 24-time Emmy winner Nick Nanton believes the answer isn’t technology, talent, or even experience—it’s creativity.

In this inspiring and practical keynote, Nick shares unforgettable stories from his extraordinary career, including directing more than 75 documentaries, interviewing some of the world’s most influential leaders and stars (Dolly Parton, Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Tony Robbins, Richard Branson, Kathy Ireland and many more), participating in human trafficking rescue operations, producing and directing Broadway shows, and building multiple successful businesses. Through humor, vulnerability, and actionable business principles, he reveals a powerful truth: creativity isn’t reserved for artists—it’s the ability to create options when life removes them.

Audiences will leave with a renewed confidence in their own ability to navigate uncertainty, solve complex problems, build stronger relationships, and turn obstacles into opportunities. More than a keynote, Creativity Protects You is a call to rediscover the creative thinking that has been quietly guiding you all along—and to use it intentionally to build a life and business that can thrive in any environment.

About the Speaker
Nick Nanton is an Emmy Award-winning filmmaker, entrepreneur, songwriter, and attorney who has spent his life creating options where none seemed to exist.

Over the course of his career, he has directed more than 75 documentaries, won 24 Emmy Awards, produced and directed 3 Broadway shows, had his songs recorded by global recording artists, built multiple businsesses, and interviewed some fo the world’s most accomplished leaders, entertainers, athletes, and entrepreneurs- including Larry King, Dolly Parton, Bruce Springsteen, Richard Bransom, Kris Jenner, Magic Johnson, Kathie Lee Gifford, Keith Richards, Post Malone, Mariah Carey, Mark Cuban, and many others.

But Nick’s story isn’t about celebrity, entertainment, or even businesses. It’s about creativity.

An immigrant from the small Caribbean island of Barbados, raised in Central Florida, Nick learned early that when resources are limited, creativity becomes your greatest asset. Long before he had a name for it, he relied on creativity to solve problems, build relationships, navigate setbacks, and find opportunities where others saw obstacles.

Today, Nick serves as founder of Astonish Entertainment and the Difference Business Bourbon (co-founded with Chris Voss), while continuing to create films and experiences that help people see new possibilities for their lives and work.

Nick has many honors that he is proud of, but a few of his favorites are:

Serving as a Deputy Sheriff doing undercover anti-trafficking work, being awarded a star on The Las Vegas Walk of Stars, knighted by The Order of Saint James in Holland, serving as a judge for Miss America 2025 finals, currently ranked in the top 5% of songwriters globally, and being awarded a Global Humanitarian Award by the Attorney General of Utah alongside Jackie Chan. He lives in Florida with his wife and three children, where he remains endlessly curious about people, stories, and the remarkable ways creativity continues to protect us all.
Independent Converter Spotlight: Spectrum PackagingMark Mills • Thursday, October 1 | 2:00–2:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 | 2:00–2:15 p.m.

Independent Converter Spotlight: Spectrum Packaging

Mark Mills
President
Spectrum Packaging

LinkedIn

Session Description Coming Soon

About the Speaker
Mark Mills is President of Spectrum Packaging Corporation (SPC) in Orlando, Florida, where he has been privileged to lead and grow the company alongside an outstanding team since 2010. He is deeply grateful for the talented, dedicated people who make SPC successful every day and believes his greatest role is empowering them to do their best work.

A University of Minnesota graduate (1992), Mark first fell in love with sales and people while selling vacuum cleaners door-to-door to pay for college. He began his printing career in Minnesota at PGI, where owner Jeff Brower mentored him in building a customer-driven culture. He later gained valuable experience in operational excellence and smart risk-taking at Travel Tags under Bill Cahill. In 2001, he moved to Florida and has never looked back.

Mark’s true passion is creating a workplace where great people love coming to work every day — a place with no silos, shared core values, and a team united in making a positive impact on customers and the industry. Guided by the belief in finding the best people and getting out of their way, he focuses daily on adding value, continuous improvement, and living the 95/5 rule from Unreasonable Hospitality: run the operation with excellence and use the margin to generously invest in employees and customers.

Outside of work, Mark is a devoted family man — husband to his best friend Melissa, father of four, and proud new Papa. He coached soccer for 23 years, has been active in his local church, served on school boards, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Florida Graphic Alliance. He’s also a member of the Shareholders Society, blending networking with a bit of bourbon. During his free time, you can find him on his boat with his family and friends watching sunsets, tubing, and making memories.
Regulation to Revolution: What’s Next for Folding Cartons in EuropeMike Turner • Thursday, October 1 | 2:15–2:45 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 | 2:15–2:45 p.m.

Regulation to Revolution: What’s Next for Folding Cartons in Europe

Mike Turner
Managing Director
European Carton Makers Association (EMCA )

LinkedIn

Mike’s presentation will offer a fresh update on the legislative landscape in Europe and its influence on the European folding carton sector. He will cover the latest regulatory changes, industry trends, and key legislative developments that are driving change and will consider whether sustainability is still a differentiator for folding cartons—or just the cost of entry now.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how these laws and policies are sparking innovation and driving growth. As we look ahead to future legislative trends, Mike will provide crucial insights to adapt and thrive in our ever-changing industry.

About the Speaker
Mike Turner is the Managing Director of the European Carton Makers Association (ECMA) who are the ‘voice’ of the European carton sector, representing 900+ companies with 80,000 staff, he was until recently, Chair of the ‘Fibre Packaging Europe’ coalition and represents the Packaging Converters on the Steering Committee of fibre packaging’s ‘4evergreen Alliance’. Mike is a 30+ year veteran of the European fibre packaging industry having previously worked at Graphic Packaging International, International Paper and Metsa Group.
A View From the Edge: Unfolding the Future for CartonsNeil Osment • Thursday, October 1 | 2:45–3:15 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 | 2:45–3:15 p.m.

A View From the Edge: Unfolding the Future for Cartons

Neil Osment
Managing Director
NOA Limited

LinkedIn

This presentation will explore the European folding carton market amid the dual pressures of the cost-of-living crisis and growing environmental demands on packaging. It will examine how these forces are creating new growth opportunities for folding cartons across Europe.

Attendees will gain insights into the green transition, key sustainability drivers, and the evolving regulatory landscape shaping the future of paper packaging. The session will help folding carton converters better understand emerging market opportunities and how to position themselves for future growth.

About the Speaker
Neil Osment is the founder and owner of NOA Ltd. Before forming NOA, Neil enjoyed a successful 25-year career in the packaging industry working for multi-national Paper, Print & Plastics businesses such as LINPAC, DS Smith, Alcoa, SAICA & Smurfit-Westrock in roles that included operating at European Sales Director, Commercial Director & General Manager level.

Neil sits on the committee for the SPA (UK Sheet Plant Association) as well as the Marketing and Communications Committee for the CPI (Confederation of Paper Industries).

NOA is a business development and market research consultancy specialising in the European paper packaging industry. NOA has been assisting businesses to grow their sales, their market profile and develop their leadership skills since 2005.
Economic UpdateRon Hetrick • Thursday, October 1 | 3:45–4:45 p.m.
Thursday, October 1 | 3:45–4:45 p.m.

Economic Update

Ron Hetrick
Principal Economist
Lightcast

LinkedIn

Session Description Coming Soon

About the Speaker
Ron was a senior and supervisory economist for 8 years with the Bureau of Labor Statistics in Washington D.C. and had a 20-year stint as an advising economist for the largest staffing company in the U.S. He has been with Lightcast for 6 years as a Principal Economist.

Quoted by CBS, CNBC, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes and numerous nationally syndicated news channels and magazines on a regular basis, Hetrick has provided analysis for prior Fed Chairman Alan Greenspan, The Council of Economic Advisors to the President, Congress, and numerous Fortune 100 companies and trade associations.

Ron was primary author for The Demographic Drought (2021), Who Is Going to Do the Work? (2022), and, The Rising Storm (2024), and is a co-author of Fault Lines (2026). He keynotes at conferences around the country on the current labor situation.

Ron’s childhood and young adult life was centered around the paper and corrugated box industry as his father was a production and general manager. Ron worked in a paper mill in the lime kiln and as a utility worker on the boilers.
Social Media ToolkitReady-to-use attendee, speaker, sponsor, and student captions

Your presence at PPC’s Fall Meeting is an opportunity to strengthen your visibility, reinforce your leadership position, and engage with colleagues across the folding carton industry.

This toolkit is designed to make that easy. Our Fall Meeting Toolkit has ready-to-use social media captions tailored for attendees, speakers, and sponsors so you can share your involvement, highlight your perspective, and invite peers to connect with you in Orlando.

Posting your participation and excitement helps:
  • Reinforce your company’s role in the industry conversation
  • Highlight your perspective on the issues that matter
  • Open the door to meaningful connections before you arrive

Use the captions below alongside official PPC graphics, and personalize your posts with your perspective on why you’re attending, speaking, or sponsoring.

In every post, include the core details:
PPC Fall Meeting | September 30-October 2 | Orlando, Florida

To use a graphic, open it in full size, save it, and pair it with a caption from the sections below: I’m Attending | I’m Speaking | We’re Sponsoring | General Messaging.

Tips for sharing:
  • Tag PPC (LinkedIn: Paperboard Packaging Council | Facebook: Paperboard Packaging Council | Instagram: @paperboardpackagingcouncil)
  • Engage with fellow attendees byliking,commenting, sharing and reposting PPC updates and member posts. When helpful, add a simple call to action such as “See you in Orlando, “Looking forward to the conversations,” or “Let’s connect onsite.”
  • Share what matters most to you: the economic outlook, sustainability discussions, leadership development, benchmarking insights, or peer conversations shaping the folding carton industry.
Attendee Captions
I’m looking forward to being in Orlando for PPC’s Fall Meeting this September! It’s always a valuable chance to step back, reconnect with colleagues across the folding carton industry, and talk through what’s next for our business. Hope to see you there. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingLeadership
I’ll be heading to Orlando September 30-October 2 for PPC’s Fall Meeting, and I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow converters, suppliers, and industry partners. These conversations always help sharpen perspective and bring new ideas back to the team. If you’re attending, let’s connect! https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingIndustry #PaperboardPackaging
PPC’s Fall Meeting is coming up, and I’m excited to join industry leaders in Orlando this September. It’s always a meaningful few days focused on strategy and growth. See you there! https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingLeadership #PaperboardPackaging
I’m looking forward to joining industry peers at PPC’s Fall Meeting in Orlando this September. One of the highlights each year is celebrating the creativity, craftsmanship, and innovation at PPC’s Annual Paperboard Packaging Competition. I’m excited to see this year’s winners and connect with the people behind them! https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingInnovation
Speaker Captions
I’m honored to be part of the speaker lineup at PPC’s Fall Meeting in Orlando this September. I’m looking forward to sharing my perspective and hearing how others across the folding carton industry are navigating change. Hope to see you there! https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingEvents
If you’re attending PPC’s Fall Meeting, I hope you’ll join my session on [presentation topic]. I’m especially looking forward to the discussion and learning how other leaders are approaching similar challenges. Let’s continue the conversation in Orlando. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingLeadership #PaperboardPackaging
Sponsor Captions
We’re proud to sponsor PPC’s Fall Meeting in Orlando this September. Beyond supporting the program, we’re looking forward to spending time with colleagues across the folding carton community and being part of the conversations shaping our industry. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingCollaboration
[Company Name] is proud to sponsor PPC’s Fall Meeting, September 30 to October 2 in Orlando. We’re looking forward to reconnecting with peers, meeting new faces, and supporting an event that brings the folding carton industry together. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingIndustry #PaperboardPackaging
General Messaging
PPC’s Fall Meeting brings folding carton leaders together each year to share insights and strategies and to prepare for what’s ahead. I’m looking forward to being in Orlando this fall! #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingLeadership
I’m looking forward to PPC’s Fall Meeting in Orlando this September. It’s when our industry steps back from day-to-day operations to focus on strategy, market forces, and leadership priorities. I hope to see you there! #PackagingIndustry #PaperboardPackaging
Orlando is the place to be this fall for folding carton leaders! I’m attending PPC’s Fall Meeting and looking forward to connecting with peers, hearing fresh perspectives, and taking part in the conversations shaping what’s next for our industry. I hope to see you there. #PackagingLeadership #PaperboardPackaging
Student Design Challenge Participant Captions
I’m excited to be heading to Orlando this September as part of [University Name]’s participation in the Paperboard Packaging Alliance’s Student Design Challenge. I’m looking forward to sharing my team’s work and connecting with industry leaders! https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingDesign #PaperboardPackaging
I’m honored to be attending PPC’s Fall Meeting as part of the 2026 Student Design Challenge! I’m proud of the work our team has put into this year’s project and excited for the opportunity to present our design, gain industry feedback, and connect with professionals from across the paperboard packaging community. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PaperboardPackaging #PackagingDesign
I’m honored to represent [University Name] at PPC’s Student Design Challenge this fall! Working alongside my teammates to develop and present our design has been an amazing experience, and I’m looking forward to showcasing our project and meeting others who share a passion for packaging. https://members.paperbox.org/ap/Events/Register/v5FKdVWtaFyCm #PackagingInnovation #PackagingDesign
View Existing Toolkit Page
Film Fest & SponsorshipParticipate, submit a video, or align your brand with PPC

Film Fest

Associate members are invited to submit a 1-2 minute video highlighting their company’s unique attributes and special distinctions. Don’t worry about making it professional—the best videos are made in just a few hours with an iPhone! The only requirement is to have fun and be creative.

Submit the form here to show your video at future PPC Annual Conferences. Videos will be displayed at upcoming meetings in the order they are submitted, as time allows.

Submit Your Film Learn More

Sponsorship

Other sponsorship opportunities are available for PPC Associate Members.

Visit paperbox.org/sponsorship, or submit your request below!

Submit Your Request View Sponsorship Opportunities
Pricing

Principal Member Registration Pricing

Super Early Bird Registration (Ends August 16, 2026): $995

Early Bird Registration (Begins August 17, 2026): $1,295

Late Registration (Begins September 2, 2026): $1,495


Associate Member Registration Pricing

Early Bird Registration (Ends September 1, 2026):

1st Registration: $1,295 

2nd and 3rd Registration: $1,695

General Registration (Begins September 2, 2026):

1st Registration: $1,495

2nd and 3rd Registration: $1,895

No more than 3 individuals from a single Associate Member company may attend.
Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista at Walt Disney OWrold
1751 Hotel Plaza Blvd
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830 United States
Event Contact
Kyra Slocum
(413) 686-9191
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Wednesday, September 30, 2026 10:00 AM - Friday, October 2, 2026 12:00 PM (EDT)
Registered Guests
242 See Attendee List
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