Hub Forum – Where learning meets inspiration

11:00 - 11:45 | Panel Discussion: The Future Is Writable: Why Writing Instruments, Notebooks, and Planners Remain Irreplaceable Even in AI-Dominant Work Environments

Despite the rise of AI and digital tools, writing instruments, notebooks, and planners continue to play a vital role in creativity, focus, and productivity. This session explores why analog tools remain irreplaceable in today’s tech-driven work environments.

11:45 - 12:30 | Presentation: Compliance & Certification: What Brands Need to Know

Explore essential compliance requirements and certification standards brands must navigate to succeed in global markets, ensuring product safety, sustainability, and regulatory alignment.

12:30 - 13:30 | Presentation: Gifting with Purpose: Building a Culture of Sustainability Through Everyday Touchpoints

13:30 - 14:15 | Fireside Chat: Future of Print vs Digital Coexistence

Join industry leaders as they discuss the evolving relationship between print and digital media, exploring how both can coexist and complement each other in a hybrid future.

14:15 - 15:00 – Presentation: Screen to Shelf: Entertainment Brands Driving Retail Value

15:00- 15:45 – Presentation: Modern Marketing: Tools, Trends & Tactics for Brand Growth

An insightful session covering the latest marketing technologies, strategies, and trends that help brands grow and stay competitive in today’s fast-paced landscape.

15:45 - 16:30 | Fireside Chat: Bridging Tradition and Innovation: Leading the Paper & Stationery Industry Forward

Discussing leadership strategies to manage legacy business models alongside emerging market trends.

16:30 - 17:15 | Panel Discussion: Sustainable Packaging Trends in the MEA Region: A Case Study of Corrugated Boxes, Paper Bags and Honeycomb Padded Mailers

Examine key sustainability trends in packaging within the MEA region, with a focus on innovative use of corrugated boxes and paper bags to meet eco-friendly goals.

11:00 - 11:45 | Presentation: Capacity Expansion and Localization Strategies in the MEA Paper Industry

Explore how companies in the MEA region are scaling up production and localizing operations to meet growing demand while enhancing supply chain resilience.

11:45 - 12:30 | Presentation: How to Pitch for Corporate Gifts Business

Learn effective strategies and key tips for successfully pitching and winning corporate gifting contracts in competitive markets.

12:30 - 13:30 | Panel Discussion: How AI Tools Are Transforming Product Development, Procurement, and B2B Buyer Journeys

Learn how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way companies develop products, manage procurement, and engage B2B buyers, driving efficiency and innovation.

13:30 - 14:15 | Panel Discussion: Made in MENA: Connecting Paper Manufacturers, Traders & Packaging Leaders for Regional Growth

This session invites paper manufacturers, traders, and packaging experts from across the MENA region to come together for a meaningful conversation about the future of our industry. As the global market shifts and the demand for sustainable, locally made solutions rises, there’s never been a better time to collaborate. We’ll explore how working together—while navigating regulations, meeting customer expectations, and scaling regional capabilities—can help us build a stronger, more competitive paper and packaging ecosystem rooted in the MENA region.

14:15 - 15:00 | Panel Discussion: What Distributors, Wholesalers & Retailers in 2026 Expect

Gain insights into the evolving expectations and demands of distributors, wholesalers, and retailers to stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace.

15:00 - 15:45 | Fireside Chat: New Export Markets: Exploring Opportunities for Paper and Stationery

Uncover emerging global markets ripe for export growth and learn how to navigate entry strategies for paper and stationery products.

15:45 - 16:30 | Panel Discussion: Insights from Brands Leading the Eco-Movement

Hear from trailblazing brands committed to sustainability, sharing best practices and innovations driving the eco-conscious transformation of the paper industry.

16:30 - 17:15 | Presentation: The Business of Licensing: Unlocking Brand Potential

Understand how licensing deals can expand brand reach, diversify product lines, and create new revenue streams within the paper and stationery sector.

11:00 - 11:45 | Panel Discussion: E-commerce Evolution in Stationery and Book Retail

Explore how digital platforms are transforming the stationery and book markets—shaping customer behavior, streamlining distribution, and driving direct-to-consumer growth like never before.

11:45 - 12:30 | Panel Discussion: Influence of Youth and Education: Market Drivers

Discover how shifting educational trends and the preferences of younger generations are fueling innovation, demand, and brand loyalty in the stationery and paper sectors.

12:30 - 13:30 | Panel Discussion: Building Sustainable Foundations: Key Initiatives and Future Directions in Paper & Stationery

Explore how the paper and stationery industry is laying the groundwork for a sustainable future. This session highlights key initiatives driving environmental responsibility today and examines emerging trends and innovations that will shape the sector’s path forward. Learn how companies can balance eco-conscious practices with business growth to meet the demands of an evolving market.

13:30 - 14:15 | Panel Discussion: Personalization at Scale: The New Era of Customer-Centric Retail

Unpack the strategies and tools enabling brands to deliver hyper-personalized products at scale—enhancing loyalty, boosting engagement, and transforming the retail experience.

14:15 - 15:00 | Presentation: Wrapped in Wellness: The Rise of Mindful Gifting

Mindfulness meets merchandising in this session exploring how wellness-focused stationery and gift products are reshaping consumer expectations and gifting trends.

15:00 - 15:45 | Panel Discussion: Navigating the MENA Opportunity: Insights for Market Success

Gain a strategic view of entering and thriving in MENA markets, with insights on cultural nuance, consumer behavior, and regional distribution dynamics.

15:45 - 16:30 | Panel Discussion: Innovations in Recycling: How Technology Enhances Reduce and Reuse Efforts

From AI sorting to chemical recycling, discover how new technologies are advancing the recycling of paper and packaging—bringing the reduce-reuse-recycle model to life.