This in-person event covers all six (6) courses required to obtain your ISTA Packaging Dynamics Professional (PDP) Certification. Once you complete these courses and pass the exam, you will receive your certification as an ISTA Packaging Dynamics Professional.
PDP 101: Principles of Distribution Packaging is an introduction to various topics that affect distribution package design. â¯Topics include understanding the various levels of packaging, corrugated fundamentals, sustainability, and the implications of packaging decisions. â¯The hazards of supply chains, transportation modes, and different commerce channels will also be discussed. The training objectives for this course include:
A better understanding of the roles of the different layers of packaging in distribution
An understanding of the fundamentals of corrugated and making sustainable packaging decisions
An understanding of the importance of preshipment testing and the role ISTA plays in the development & implementation of test standards
An understanding of various commerce and supply chain channels
A better understanding of the decision-making process related to packaging design and sustainability
PDP 101 is the first of 6 courses in ISTA’s Packaging Dynamics Professional (PDP) certification program.â¯
PDP 101 is followed by 5 additional 200-level courses:
PDP 201: Atmospheric & Compression Hazards in Transit
PDP 202: Shock & Drop Hazards in Transit
PDP 203: Vibration Hazards in Transit
PDP 204: Test Laboratory Operations & Instrumentation
PDP 205: Test Procedures & Enhanced Simulation Testing
PDP 201 through 205 build on what is learned in PDP 101 to examine the hazards packages experience in our global distribution environment.⯠The morning session will focus on packaging design, optimization and testing challenges associated with atmospheric, compression, shock, drop & vibration hazards in transit.⯠The afternoon session will examine the importance & process of using test procedures in the lab to simulate shipping hazards in the environment.⯠PDP coursework will emphasize techniques to get accurate & reliable data using test instrumentation. â¯Finally, trainees will learn about the latest technology in test planning & reporting. PDP 201 through 205 are the continuation of ISTA’s Packaging Dynamics Professional (PDP) certification program.â¯
In order to receive ISTA’s Packaging Dynamics Professional (PDP) Certification, trainees must participate in all six (6) PDP trainings on April 07, 2026 as well as take and pass the exams for all six (6) of these courses. â¯
Instructor: Larry Dull, ISTA Lead Instructor
Rates to attend: With Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $1050
Non-Member Rate: $1650
Student Rate: $950 (Students may register for PDP 101 on for $75)
Without Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $1350
Non-Member Rate: $1950
Student Rate: $1,200 (Students may register for PDP 101 on for $75)
Introduction to the Shipping Qualification Process Flow
Lessons learned on selecting test labs and suppliers (labs, packaging, recording devices, etc.)
Additional fee to attend. Registration is available through the Forum registration. Registration includes breakfast, lunch, and breaks.This course qualifies for 15 points towards ISTA PDP recertification.
This course will be instructed by industry expert and ISTA Pharma Committee Officer, Carolyn Williamson.
Schedule:
Registration & Breakfast: 7:30am – 8:00am
Mid-morning break: 10:00am – 10:30am
Lunch: Noon – 1:00pm
Rates to attend: With Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $450
Non-Member Rate: $575
ISTA Member Discounted Rate | Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $850
Non-Member Rate| Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $995
Without Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $495
Non-Member Rate: $625
ISTA Member Discounted Rate | Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $950
Non-Member Rate| Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $1200
The How of Cold Chain – Taking the fundamentals of the first class and putting it into practice
How to create a robust URS
Highlight both major and minor attributes of a URS
How to design and implement your OQ process
Highlight the design qualification tests
Execution of an OQ protocol
Documentation
Test Protocols and Reports
Temperature Recording Device Settings
Operational SOP/WIs
Staff training
How to select and implement a pre-qualified shipper
Navigating Change Control to Implement your Qualified System
Lessons Learned on Implementing a Qualified Shipping System
Case Studies
Additional fee to attend. Registration is available through the Forum registration. Registration includes lunch and break. This course qualifies for 20 points towards ISTA PDP recertification.
This course will be instructed by industry expert and ISTA Pharma Committee Officer, Carolyn Williamson.
Schedule:
Lunch: Noon – 1:00pm
Instruction: 1:00pm – 3:00pm
Mid-afternoon break: 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Instruction: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Rates to attend: With Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $450
Non-Member Rate: $575
ISTA Member Discounted Rate | Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $850
Non-Member Rate| Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $995
Without Forum Registration:
ISTA Member Discounted Rate: $495
Non-Member Rate: $625
ISTA Member Discounted Rate | Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $950
Non-Member Rate| Both Introduction to BioPharma Cold Chain AND URS to OQ: $1200
The ISTA Educational Foundation (ISTAEF) is hosting a special fundraising event on April 7, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Tickets are $150. The ISTAEF is a tax-exempt 501(C)3 charitable organization dedicated to the support and service of the packaging community by raising and distributing funds to foster educational growth in the transport packaging space. This registration is for both attendees and sponsors.
We need Sponsors for this event! Consider sponsoring the event to support our cause by helping cover the costs associated with the dinner. Sponsorship of the event is $2,800. Beyond supporting the ISTAEF’s overall mission, sponsoring the fundraising dinner offers several benefits:
Elevated Brand Exposure: Visibility through logo placement across all event marketing materials, including social media promotions, press releases, and on-site event signage.
Networking Opportunities: Every sponsor receives 4 complimentary registrations for the dinner. Bring colleagues, guests, customers, or anyone of your choosing to engage with a diverse audience comprising students, educators, industry professionals, thought leaders, and community stakeholders—expanding your network and forging invaluable connections.