Everyday production challenges can spark progress across the flexographic industry. But how does a question from the pressroom become research, practical guidance, and a resource for better print?

Join representatives from FTA’s Flexo Quality Consortium (FQC) and FIRST Committee for a conversation about how industry collaboration advances flexography. Explore how FQC investigates variables affecting print quality and how the FIRST Committee draws on research, standards, and industry input to develop practical guidance for the flexographic workflow.

Through examples and volunteer perspectives, discover how these committees help strengthen consistency, improve communication, and support informed production decisions. Learn how your questions, experience, and participation can help shape their work and move the industry forward.

Speakers:

Catherine Haynes

Catherine Haynes is the VP of Strategic Iniatives for All Printing Resources. She has more than 28 years of experience in the printing industry, has been a certified G7 Expert for over 15 years, and is a certified FTA Implementation Specialist. At APR she assists sales technicians as a technical representative for various customer projects related to training, characterizations, prepress and pressroom assessments, color management, digital workflows, platemaking and implementation or expansion of in-house prepress capabilities. She holds positions as FQC Chair, Women of Flexo Co-Chair, and FTA Board member. She also coordinates and conducts industry online and in-person training programs and has been a regular speaker at FTA, Clemson, TLMI, FLAG and other industry events.

Bobby Congdon

Bobby Congdon is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Graphic Communications Department at Clemson University, where he teaches the Inks and Substrates course, manages the student internship program, and co-advises the Phoenix Challenge team. Previously, he was the Assistant Director at the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics at Clemson University, managing a small but capable team providing world class training, research and services to the printing and packaging industry.

PJ Fronczkiewicz

PJ Fronczkiewicz is the NA Manager of Technical Marketing & Service for DuPont Cyrel® Solutions, and a 1997 graduate of Clemson University with a B.S. in Graphic Communications. During his 29 years of industry experience, he has also held positions providing technical support for anilox rolls and formulating flexographic packaging inks. PJ is on the FTA FIRST Executive Committee and is a frequent speaker at FTA conferences and events.

Chris Standifer

Chris Standifer is the Manager of Membership and Communities at FTA. His background and passion is in Association and Education, but really, he just wants to help people find their passion, grow their passion, and get to their goals. In his role as liaison to FTA community groups, he also takes pride in creating connections in the industry to strengthen bonds, aid networking, and helping people find a home.