The RFID industry continues to evolve quickly, and staying connected to the trends, standards, and real-world applications shaping the market has never been more important. That is why we wanted to bring the community together for RFID Community Connect, a two-day virtual event designed to deliver practical education, industry perspective, and valuable cross-sector insight.

The event takes place May 19–20 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM EDT each day.  We are pleased to be bringing together solution providers, end users, standards leaders, and industry stakeholders for a focused program of concise, high-value sessions. From adoption trends and interoperability to sector-specific use cases and implementation lessons, attendees will leave with a better understanding on how RFID is creating measurable impact across industries.

This year’s program features two standout keynote presentations. On Day 1, Mark Roberti, Founder of RFID Strategies, will open the event with “The State of RFID in 2026: Trends and Market Momentum,” offering a timely look at where RFID adoption is accelerating and the forces shaping the market. On Day 2, Brian Marflak of FedEx will present “Driving 99% Accuracy: How FedEx Leveraged RFID to Boost Productivity by 20%,” sharing a compelling real-world example of how RFID is delivering measurable operational results at scale.

Beyond the keynote presentations, RFID Community Connect will feature a strong lineup of sessions designed to give attendees practical insight into where RFID is delivering value today and where the technology is headed next. While the event agenda includes a wide range of conversations across the RFID ecosystem, here is a look at just a few of the sessions attendees can expect, with more highlights to be shared in the coming weeks. The full agenda is available on the event website.

One of the featured discussions will focus on RFID standards and interoperability, an important topic as adoption continues to expand across industries and use cases. Chuck Evanhoe, Chairman of AIM will moderate a panel featuring those in the know on standards in Chris Brown of TSC, Aileen Ryan of the  RAIN Alliance, and Claude Tételin of GS1.  They will explore how standards help create consistency across data, systems, and deployments, while supporting the scalability and reliability organizations need for long-term success. For attendees looking to better understand the broader framework that makes RFID deployments work across the ecosystem, this session will provide valuable context around how standards continue to enable adoption, alignment, and confidence in the technology.

Another standout session will be  “How Embeddable RFID is Transforming Tire Traceability, Maintenance, and Circularity,” which will offer a unique look at one of the most innovative applications of RFID today. Randall Grein of Hana RFID and Peter Ramirez of Michelin will bring insights on how embeddable RFID is moving beyond traditional labels and into the tire itself, enabling persistent digital identities and full lifecycle traceability. From manufacturing through maintenance, retreading, and recycling, the session will highlight how connected tires can improve safety, support compliance, strengthen maintenance visibility, and advance circularity goals. It will also explore how digital twins are beginning to reshape operations for manufacturers, fleets, and service networks.

The program will also include “Spot-On Delivery: Baldor Specialty Foods, RFID and Precision in the Fresh Food Supply Chain,” featuring Avery Dennison’s Patrick Sheets in discussion with Suresh Palanisamy of Baldor Specialty Foods. This session will highlight how RFID is being applied in an environment where timing, accuracy, and product integrity are especially critical. Fresh food operations demand strong visibility and precision, and this discussion will provide attendees with a practical example of how RFID can support more accurate tracking, improved delivery confidence, and better execution across the supply chain. It is a strong example of RFID moving from concept to measurable operational value in a fast-moving and highly demanding sector.

Another session attendees will not want to miss is “Replace the Beep: How RFID Integrators Win Adoption Through Experience, Not Technology,” presented by John Wirthlin of Sonaria. This session will focus on an often-overlooked factor in successful RFID deployments: user experience. Rather than centering only on the technical capabilities of RFID, the discussion will examine driving stronger adoption by creating workflows and interactions that feel intuitive, practical, and easier to embrace than some traditional processes. As more organizations evaluate RFID as part of broader digital transformation and operational improvement strategies, this session will offer a useful perspective on what helps implementations gain traction in the real world.

The agenda will also feature “RFID in Challenging Packaging: Practical Lessons from Bottle Digitalization,” presented by Lou Parker of Checkpoint Systems and Paul Whitney of AsReader. RFID has long faced performance challenges when applied to liquid-filled and difficult-to-tag items, making bottle-level visibility a persistent hurdle across industries such as beverages, wine and spirits, cosmetics, health and beauty, and automotive. This session will explore  approaches to bottle digitalization that are helping overcome those barriers and opening the door to more reliable item-level traceability for products that have historically been difficult to identify and track. Attendees will learn how specialized RFID tag designs for liquid products, including shrink-wrap form factors, can support improved readability, inventory accuracy, and end-to-end visibility from production through distribution and retail. The session will also highlight real-world examples involving automotive fluids, cosmetics, health and beauty products, and wine and spirits, while exploring how handheld, wearable, and mobile RFID readers can be used in practical workflows to capture data efficiently on these items.

Together, these sessions reflect what makes RFID Community Connect especially valuable; a program built around practical deployment stories, emerging use cases, and the broader technical and strategic conversations that continue to shape the RFID industry. This is just a preview of a few of the conversations planned for the event, and AIM will be highlighting additional sessions and speakers in the coming weeks. For the full agenda and registration details, visit the event website.

Register now for RFID Community Connect

A special thank you to the sponsors supporting RFID Community Connect. Their support helps make it possible to bring together education, expertise, and meaningful industry collaboration in a format that serves the RFID community at a time when connection and shared learning matter more than ever.

We look forward to seeing you online May 19–20!

AIM membership connects organizations directly to the work shaping the future of AIDC. Through AIM’s industry groups, advocacy efforts, and standards engagement, members gain opportunities to help influence how technologies are adopted and understood across the market. In 2026, AIM continues to support work tied to important initiatives such as the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), Digital Product Passport and other emerging traceability requirements like the comments submitted by AIM North America  to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All of this work reinforces the key role AIM plays as a trusted, unbiased voice helping organizations stay aligned with where the market and regulatory environment are headed.

AIM is also expanding practical education and visibility opportunities for the rest of 2026. In addition to ongoing research, including new work around warehousing and logistics priorities, AIM is continuing to build accessible educational resources through the AIDC Fundamentals video series. These videos help both newcomers and experienced professionals strengthen their understanding of the technologies and best practices shaping the market, with sessions covering topics such as identifiers, system integration, sustainability, standards, quality assurance, media, scanner setup, printer setup, and regulatory compliance.  Combined with AIM’s educational webinars and podcasts; which can be accessed via  YouTube and Spotify, industry events, and the AIM Business Directory, membership helps organizations gain both practical knowledge and increased visibility with decision-makers actively seeking AIDC solutions.

Some things we have learned and shared with membership is that supply chain transparency, traceability, and digital identification are no longer optional strategic initiatives, they are becoming core business requirements. Across manufacturing, logistics, retail, healthcare, and other sectors, organizations are being asked to improve visibility, respond faster to disruptions, and prepare for evolving compliance expectations. Insights from the 2025 AIM Industry Direction Report show that companies continue to invest in the foundational technologies that make this possible, with sensors, IoT, barcode systems, RFID, and other traceability-enabling solutions remaining central to 2026 planning. AIM members receive access to this kind of market intelligence as part of membership, helping them better understand where customer demand is heading and how to position their business accordingly.

As we move through the rest of 2026, AIM will continue advancing industry education, research, advocacy, standards engagement, and member visibility through initiatives like RFID Community Connect, ongoing industry group projects, new market intelligence, and continued thought leadership designed to help organizations stay ahead of what is next. If you would like to learn more about how these trends may affect your business, what AIM is working on, or how membership can help your organization stay better connected and better informed, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you. Please feel free to reach out to me directly to learn more.

Over the last several weeks, AIM staff has been reaching out directly to members across our community as part of an ongoing effort to strengthen engagement and better understand how we can continue delivering value to the industry.

Our goal is simple: to learn what’s new with our members, understand their market challenges and opportunities, and refine how AIM supports the AIDC community as a trusted resource and advocate.

These conversations have been incredibly valuable. They not only help us stay connected to the latest developments across the industry, but they also provide important perspective on where AIM is making an impact today and where we can continue to grow.

What We’re Hearing from Members

It’s clear from our discussions that while AIM’s industry initiatives and resources are vital, the heart of our value lies in community. Members consistently tell us that the relationships, shared knowledge, and connections built here are what they value most.

We have also heard that AIM’s industry group and work group calls continue to be a strong benefit for many members. These forums give participants an opportunity to hear what others in the market are seeing, exchange ideas, and contribute to discussions that help shape the future of the industry.

Time and again, we hear that nothing beats face-to-face connection. Holding in-person meetings around major industry events often creates the best opportunities for engagement. Whether it’s a casual breakfast or a dedicated networking session, these moments spark candid conversations, boost collaboration, and build long-term value.

We’ve listened to your feedback and realized that we can do more to help members share their ideas for new projects. We want to make it easier for you to bring these ideas to life, ensuring everyone feels empowered to shape the future of AIM.

Finally, one area of growing interest is finding stronger ways to connect businesses seeking AIDC solutions with the companies and experts within the AIM community. As the need for traceability, visibility, automation, and intelligent data capture continues to grow, there is a real opportunity for AIM to help bridge those connections in a meaningful way.

What AIM Will Be Working On Next

Based on these conversations, AIM will be exploring several next steps designed to strengthen member value and engagement.

We remain committed to fostering meaningful connection opportunities—such as the May RFID Community Connect and Unwind After 5 meetup at MODEX. These initiatives allow members to maximize their time and travel, creating high-impact environments for discussion and collaboration.

We will also be looking at ways to make it easier for members to submit ideas, suggest new initiatives, and share feedback, including options that may reduce barriers for those who prefer to contribute outside of a live meeting setting.  Be on the lookout for an announcement on how to do this in the coming weeks.

AIM continues to bridge the gap between our members and organizations in need of AIDC solutions, education, and expertise. Leveraging our position as a neutral industry leader, we foster these connections while highlighting the immense value of being part of the AIM community.

Most importantly, these conversations reinforce something we already know: member engagement is essential. These discussions help inform new programs, shape future initiatives, and ensure that AIM continues to evolve in ways that directly support the needs of the industry.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

If you haven’t yet connected with a member of our team, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you.

Your input drives our mission. These conversations allow us to align our initiatives with your needs and the direction of the industry. Hearing from you directly ensures we maximize our value and know exactly where to focus our efforts next.

PACK EXPO East 2026, held February 17–19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, once again demonstrated why the event has become one of the most important regional gatherings for the packaging and processing industry. Organized by PMMI, the show brought together thousands of industry professionals and more than 100 exhibitors across 125,000 square feet of exhibit space, showcasing innovations serving more than 40 vertical industries including food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics, and industrial manufacturing.

As a regional event designed to provide hands-on access to packaging technologies and industry expertise, PACK EXPO East gave AIM some key insights into some key themes in the packaging space.

Key Industry Themes from the Show Floor

Walking the show floor and engaging with exhibitors and attendees revealed several clear trends shaping the future of packaging and processing:

1. Increasing Automation and Digitalization
   Automation technologies, robotics, and advanced controls were prominent across the exhibition halls, reflecting the industry’s push to increase efficiency, reduce labor constraints, and enhance operational visibility.
2. Greater Focus on Traceability and Data
   Packaging and processing operations are becoming increasingly data-driven. Solutions demonstrated at the show highlighted the importance of capturing accurate product, pallet, and asset data throughout production and distribution environments. This aligns closely with our members technologies.
3. The Rise of 2D Codes and Connected Packaging
   Discussions around digital product information, regulatory compliance, and consumer engagement highlighted the growing adoption of 2D barcodes and smart packaging capabilities that enable more information to travel with products across the supply chain.
4. Sustainability and Reusable Packaging
   Sustainability was a consistent theme across sessions and exhibits, including new materials and systems designed to support circular packaging models and reusable transport packaging.

These trends strongly reinforce the importance of standards-based identification and tracking technologies, an area where AIM continues to play a critical role through education, standards engagement, and industry collaboration.

Not only did we walk the show floor, but we also had a booth presence where the team had many productive conversations with packaging professionals, solution providers, and brand owners. These discussions focused on how AIDC technologies support traceability, operational visibility, and automation within modern packaging environments.  This was  particularly valuable for AIM because they bring together the broader ecosystem of packaging machinery manufacturers, material providers, and technology innovators who rely on accurate identification and data capture throughout production and logistics workflows.

AIM also was proud to sponsor a post event dinner at Del Frisco Steakhouse along with the Reusable Packaging Association and ACSIS.  I had the opportunity to briefly speak at this gathering and noted how exciting it is to see so many people within the industry in one area discussing their successes and challenges, collaborating in a way to foster a more transparent and at the end of the day more productive supply chain.

Industry Speaks Session: AIDC in Packaging

On the final day of the show, AIM participated in the Industry Speaks educational sessions, where attendees gathered for discussions on emerging technologies and industry best practices.

During the session, I provided an overview of how multiple AIDC technologies work together to support modern packaging operations. The presentation explored:

• 1D and 2D barcodes for product identification and regulatory compliance
• Passive RFID for automated inventory visibility and asset tracking
• Active RFID and RTLS systems for real-time location tracking
• Sensor-enabled solutions that provide condition monitoring for assets and goods

I explained how these technologies can be integrated within a packaging warehouse environment to create a connected system where materials, products, pallets, and returnable assets can all be identified and tracked automatically.

AIM Board Member John DiPalo then expanded on the discussion by sharing a compelling reusable packaging use case. The example demonstrated how multiple AIDC technologies can be combined to track reusable transport items across a supply chain, improving asset utilization, reducing losses, and increasing operational transparency.

The session highlighted a key message that resonated strongly with the audience: AIDC technologies are most powerful when deployed together as part of an integrated data ecosystem supporting packaging, logistics, and supply chain visibility.

Looking Ahead to PACK EXPO International

AIM greatly values its collaboration with PMMI and the PACK EXPO community. Following a successful event in Philadelphia, AIM looks forward to continuing this partnership at PACK EXPO International, taking place October 18–21, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois.

At the Chicago event, AIM plans to further engage the packaging community through:

• A booth presence on the show floor
• Educational discussions focused on AIDC technologies
• Networking opportunities connecting packaging professionals with the automatic identification community

Contact me if you would like updates on the work AIM Plans to do at the PACK EXPO International event.

Earlier this February, AIM had the opportunity to attend Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, one of the fastest-growing gatherings focused on supply chain and logistics innovation. Manifest continues to bring together a powerful cross-section of industry stakeholders, including technology developers, shippers, solution providers, venture capital firms, and enterprise end users. From my perspective, the event serves as a strong pulse check on where supply chain technology is heading and how Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) technologies continue to serve as a foundational layer enabling this transformation.

Walking the show floor and participating in sessions, it was clear that Manifest is intentionally designed to foster collaboration between innovators and the organizations deploying these solutions at scale. The agenda balanced strategic leadership discussions with deep technical insights, which mirrors the challenges many AIM members are working to solve every day. The event reinforced how critical accurate data capture, interoperability, and real-time visibility have become across global supply networks.

A Strong Emphasis on AI and Intelligent Automation

One of the most noticeable themes throughout the conference was the role artificial intelligence is already playing and will continue to play in supply chain operations. Across multiple sessions, speakers discussed how AI is moving beyond experimentation and into practical deployment.

Discussions centered around AI-driven predictive analytics, demand forecasting, exception management, and automated decision-making within warehouse and transportation operations. What stood out to me was how frequently these AI solutions depend on trusted, structured, and real-time data inputs. This reinforces a message AIM consistently advocates: advanced analytics and AI capabilities are only as strong as the quality and reliability of the data feeding them.

Many sessions highlighted how organizations are combining AI with sensor technologies, RFID, machine vision, and other AIDC solutions to create actionable intelligence. These integrated ecosystems are helping companies improve inventory accuracy, reduce operational disruptions, and gain end-to-end visibility across increasingly complex supply chains.

Supply Chain Visibility and Data Interoperability Remain Central

Another major takeaway was the continued focus on supply chain visibility and the importance of interoperable data sharing across partners. Conversations consistently returned to the challenge of connecting information from manufacturers, logistics providers, distributors, and retailers into unified, transparent data flows.

This is an area where AIM members continue to lead through standards development, technology innovation, and real-world deployment expertise. The emphasis on digital identifiers, connected packaging, and item-level tracking reinforced how critical AIDC technologies are in building scalable visibility platforms. Many presenters highlighted that supply chains are evolving from transactional processes into dynamic, data-driven ecosystems, which aligns closely with AIM’s mission of enabling accurate, available, and identifiable data. 

Collaboration Across the Technology Ecosystem

The networking environment at Manifest was particularly strong and created opportunities to engage with existing AIM members as well as organizations exploring AIDC solutions for the first time. The mix of startups, established technology providers, and enterprise end users created productive discussions about emerging trends and practical implementation challenges.

Several conversations reinforced how organizations are increasingly looking for guidance on standards, interoperability, and best practices. These discussions highlight the growing importance of industry collaboration and education, areas where AIM continues to play a leadership role through committees, working groups, and educational programming.

Looking Ahead to 2027

From my perspective, Manifest provides valuable insight into how rapidly supply chain innovation is evolving and how essential AIM technologies are to enabling that progress. The event highlights real-world use cases, emerging regulatory drivers, and new business opportunities that directly impact our membership community.  It also reinforces the importance of continuing to build partnerships with organizations and events that share our focus on advancing supply chain transparency, efficiency, and resilience.

AIM is excited to continue strengthening our partnership with Manifest as the event expands globally. I want to thank Manifest President Courtney Muller for meeting with AIM and seeing the benefits of this new collaboration.   We look forward to supporting their first overseas event in Lisbon, Portugal in 2027 as well as the stateside show in Las Vegas next February. These collaborations help ensure AIM remains connected to emerging trends while continuing to advocate for the technologies and standards that power modern supply chains.

Manifest 2026 reinforced an important reality: as supply chains become smarter and more autonomous, the need for trusted identification, data capture, and interoperability will only grow. AIM and our members remain at the center of enabling that future.

RFID continues to gain momentum across global supply chains.  AIM’s 2025 Automatic Identification and Data Capture Industry Direction Report highlights just how rapidly the technology is advancing.

Drawing from more than 200 responses across end users and AIDC professionals, the report offers an interesting and comprehensive view of RFID adoption, demand expectations, and the market forces shaping the next two years.

Some Report Insights: RFID’s Growth Outlook Is Strong Even Amid Tight Budgets

While many enterprises face pressure from budget constraints and competing technology priorities, the report found that 84% of AIDC industry professionals expect RFID demand to increase through 2026. RFID readers and smart label printers are among the very top categories for expected demand growth, with more than half of industry respondents anticipating moderate or significant increases.

End users are more cautious than vendors, but the trend still points upward.

The report also shows that organizations investing in traceability, ERP upgrades, industrial IoT, and AI are significantly more likely to increase their RFID spending than those without these initiatives. RFID’s ability to feed real-time, trusted data into higher-order systems (AI, robotics, WMS, 5G infrastructure, and cloud platforms) seems to be cementing its role as a foundational technology in digital transformation efforts.

Some Report Insights:  Traceability Is the RFID Growth Engine

One of the most important findings in the report is the influence of traceability initiatives on RFID adoption.  The report found:

• 69% of enterprises investing in traceability plan to purchase RFID systems, compared to just 5% among companies not prioritizing traceability.
• These same organizations are also more likely to invest in sensors, WMS platforms, and RTLS, illustrating the broader ecosystem RFID supports.

Upcoming and expanding compliance programs are major accelerators as well, including:

• EU Digital Product Passport (DPP)
• GS1 Sunrise 2027
• FSMA 204 food traceability rules
• UDI/GUDID medical device requirements

The report stresses that many enterprises may not yet fully understand their obligations and that AIM members will be uniquely positioned to educate and lead in these areas.

Some Report Insights:  Where RFID Spending Will Happen

In the reports findings it was also observed that the top RFID-related product categories for end users include:

• Handheld RFID readers: Strong growth indicators, especially where mobility and in-process automation are needed.
• RFID smart label printers: Ranked highly by both end users and solution providers, signaling sustained investment in item-level encoding.
• RFID readers integrated into mobile computers: A favored option in environments where workforce flexibility is essential.
• Fixed RFID infrastructure: While more budget-sensitive, these systems remain critical in high-volume and high-accuracy environments.

Industry professionals; whose forecasting historically correlates well with real-world adoption, ranked RFID readers and smart label printers as the #1 and #2 categories for demand growth across the entire AIDC industry.

RFID’s Expanding Role in Enterprise Digitalization

The report notes that enterprises pursuing IoT, warehouse automation, robotics, cloud migration, and AI initiatives are far more likely to adopt or expand RFID in the same timeframe.

This signals a shift in RFID’s role:
From stand-alone technology → to a strategic data layer powering next-generation digital systems.

With nearly every emerging enterprise program relying on highly accurate, real-time data, RFID is increasingly viewed as an enabler—not an accessory.

The RFID insights highlighted here represent just a small portion of the findings in AIM’s 33-page report. The full publication includes additional details on:

• RFID adoption trends by industry
• Comparative analysis of AIDC technologies
• Key motivators and barriers for enterprise investments
• Compliance-driven opportunities
• Forecasts for adjacent technologies such as sensors, IoT, and machine vision

AIM members can receive a complimentary copy by emailing Bethany Deane to request a free download code.

Download the report:
https://www.aimglobal.org/2025-industry-direction-report/