Just weeks out from FORUM & INFOFLEX 2024 printer registrations are exceeding expectations with early reservations doubling the pace of one year ago. At the same time, converter interest is surpassing patterns established over the past five years.
- First-time attendee numbers are climbing
- Seasoned veterans are readying their return
- Some are prepping for what’s become an annual pilgrimage
- Climbing customer counts are accentuating printers’ needs and commitments to be where package buyers expect to see them
The FORUM program stands as a key component of the attraction. Also exerting its long-documented powerful drawing power is INFOFLEX, known for its 40+ year history of vast networking opportunities, and its familiar format giving attendees access to all things flexo—in one place, at one time, under one roof, in an easily navigable footprint.
The theme itself, “Your Quality is Our Concern,” reinforces just how mission-essential FORUM & INFOFLEX 2024 will be. Its promise: informative sessions combined with an early look at product introductions and innovations that will change the look of the business in 2024 and beyond.
What’s been shared about the event and its agenda to date is driving conversation throughout the marketplace. Printers are intrigued by the fact that their peers are joining the ranks of presenters, detailing their experiences and strategies for streamlining operations, driving efficiency, optimizing production, contending with staffing shortfalls and simply getting better and better at what they do.
Many sessions themselves have been in part planned by printers. Contributing to the vision: Kariahlyn Lindsey, Accredo Packaging; Kevin Bourquin, Fortis Solutions Group; Shawn Oetjen, AWT Labels and Packaging; Joe Riccardella, ABX; Megan Burns, Berry Global; and Scott McLeod, TC Transcontinental.
Printers at Podium
Eleven printers have signed on to take the stage at FORUM 2024, lending their voices to five of nine sessions. Some, like “Quality in the Pressroom,” and the annual FQC update attracted heavy participation, while others, like “Flexo Jeopardy” and Consumable Trends,” will spotlight a single printer perspective.
The roster includes:
- Ron Henderson, Berry Global
- Kim Madigan, Smyth Companies
- Jeff Hall, Graphic Packaging International
- Lon Robinson, Tension Corp
- Steve Cooney, Starpak
- James Dye, Emerald Packaging
- Erica Kirinovic, Amcor
- Noal Dickinson, ABX
- Brad Turner, Sealed Air
- Amy Golden, ePac
- Zac Patterson, TC Transcontinental
First to take the stage is a three-member contingent—Henderson, Madigan and Hall—in Sunday afternoon’s “Quality in the Pressroom.” Next up—later that same day, Robinson has been named a contestant in “Flexo Jeopardy.”
Monday morning will see a second trio of printers participating in FQC briefings. There, Cooney will address LED’s Impact on Lighting Conditions. Also, Dye and Kirinovic will speak to Optimal Ink Sequence.
Tuesday morning’s “Flexo 411” presentation will see both Dickinson and Turner field questions in real time, as they bring attendees up to speed on tackling challenges that may pop up during production. Golden follows, covering sustainable packaging strategies, compostable certifications, Post-Consumer Recycled products, and the How2Recycle program, as the “Consumables Trends” session transpires.
Closing out FORUM, Patterson is set to participate in the “Nuts and Bolts of Your Flexographic Workflow” session, where he will offer his take on optimizing print quality, efficiency, and consistency.
Attendee Aspirations
First-timers’ takes were provided by a number of early printer registrants approached by FLEXO and asked to comment on their aspirations for the show. Preston McDowell, TC Transcontinental Packaging, Clinton, MO; stated, “The thing that attracts me to FORUM and INFOFLEX the most is the fact that there is so much to learn, not just from the sessions and speakers, but also from the many other industry professionals you meet while you’re there.”
He claimed, “As someone who is fresh out of college and new to working in this industry, having that opportunity is paramount. … This is my first FORUM and INFOFLEX, but I found that the Fall Technical Conference was a super beneficial and enlightening experience, so I have full confidence that it will live up to the hype.”
He alluded to the fact that, “The main goals I have for the event in 2024 are to make as many connections with other industry professionals as possible, but more importantly for me is to learn as much as I can about workflow, industry trends, and creating and maintaining quality at high volumes.”
Coincidentally, McDowell’s new colleague and brother, Tyler, new to the TC Transcontinental team in Thomasville, NC; expressed similar hopes. “FORUM and INFOFLEX presents a great opportunity to familiarize yourself with current advancements in this industry. I hope to learn something new that can be applied to my job. … This is my first time attending, but I hope to continue to attend well into the future!”
Jenifer Whalen, print operations manager, Hallmark, Leavenworth, KS, offered, “I have never attended a FORUM or INFOFLEX event, so I am looking forward to the entire experience. I’m relatively new to flexographic printing, so my goal is to learn as much as possible by attending sessions, visiting exhibitor booths, and networking with others in the industry.”
Karen Gonzàlez Jàcome, Flex Pack S.A.S., Bogota, Colombia, added, “It is the first time that we are going to attend the FORUM. We learned about it through the FTA award with our participation of Miraclon technology, so we have high expectations of the event. Our main objective is to learn about new technologies and trends in the flexible packaging market.”
Epic Experience
From newcomers to habitual returnees, FORUM & INFOFLEX 2024 Has a definitive appeal. James Dye, Emerald Packaging, a speaker, told FLEXO, “FORUM and INFOFLEX, offers us valuable networking, market research, and exposure. It’s a chance to connect with industry professionals, showcase products, and stay informed on trends. Face-to-face interactions provide opportunities for learning and potential collaborations. I am interested in learning more about sustainable printing practices and new technologies around printing and automation.”
Echoing his viewpoint, James Galloway, production manager, BEMA Inc, indicated, “I believe it is imperative to attend FORUM & INFOFLEX. …New innovations demand it. Knowledge gained is the real takeaway. …This year, I am out to find the best solutions in the areas of automation and cost savings.”
Greg Platt, GM, Atlantic Packaging, Preprint, described FORUM & INFOFLEX’s unique appeal. “Having all suppliers, technology and resources in one location permits you to research answers to technical problems, explore training opportunities and brush up on tricks of the trade.”
Cyndi Bowers, prepress manager, Continental Envelope admitted, “I am on a mission this year to learn about the different types/brands/models of plate imagers, as well as how to better match spot colors on press and control color drift on subsequent runs.”
Speaking to FORUM & INFOFLEX’s attraction, she kept purpose front of mind and listed her goal, “To learn more about flexography in general and the new technologies being developed. I especially like the workshops where we have to figure out the problem with the print job.” She elaborated a bit, as well, “I tend to bring in lots of R+D projects every time I’m around. What I’d really like to see is more of my co-workers attending.”
Paul Zeinert, director of graphics, Eagle Flexible Packaging, maintained, “It’s all about networking—the friends I have developed over the years and the new friends I am making now. There is no better place than the FORUM to sit with experts in different areas at one table and talk openly about flexo. No matter how long you have been in this industry, you will come home with something you did not know before. That is why I believe the FORUM is my Super Bowl.”
He acknowledged, “My goal is going to be very different from the past. I am now in a production role, and I will be looking at all aspects that could help our company improve in all phases of flexo. Personally, I will be looking at automation and color management.”
Pivotal Program
Respondents listed out a number of presentations as likely highlights of FORUM 2024. Some comments were general in nature, others specific. Preston McDowell honed in on the educational experience itself. “To me personally the highlight of the agenda is the sessions offered. I will be there to learn more than I will be there to explore new products. Still, I am very interested to see what new cool technology will be on display!”
He continued, “The ‘Voice of the Customer’” session will be very insightful. I was very pleased to see it on the agenda. Customers are what we do this for, so I think it’s incredibly important to hear their needs and the challenges they face. It can be impossible to provide excellence without fully understanding the people you are trying to provide for.”
Tyler, like Preston, said, “I look forward to the informative sessions. It gives us a priceless opportunity to hear from some of the leaders in this industry.”
Veteran FORUM goers eagerly pointed to specific agenda items. Dye noted, “‘Flexo Jeopardy’ seems exciting. I am also looking forward to attending the FQC—Flexo Quality Consortium. … It’s very important to understand brands take on packaging, its challenges, and the future of packaging in general. Not everyone wants 225 line screen packages as they look to reduce their carbon footprint. Customer contact dictates that it is very important for us to show up, to study industry trends and understand the voice of the customer.”
Galloway simply opined, “We need to stay ahead of the industry. The sessions are designed to make sure we do. Interaction with our customers—the package buyers—is highly important as well. It’s imperative that they too become educated on the industry and its capabilities.”
Zeinert waxed nostalgic. “I remember one year when I sat with seven members of the FTA Hall of Fame and had a great discussion on color. Let me know where you can get that experience. Networking is a key for me. The idea of how we used to do things and why we do things differently is priceless.”
He clearly stated, “Again, with my new role, I am more interested in hearing than I was before. It’s always great to know what the end user expects out of us and how to work together. …I have learned so much over the years. Making friends and seeing new technologies over the years was so great and helped me become who I am today. Looking at FTA’s Hall of Fame roster, I realized that I have either worked with or been involved in heavy discussions with more than 85 percent of them. Talk about gaining knowledge! They are a big part of the reason I always come home with something I did not know before. Simply by attending FORUM & INFOFLEX, you will also come home with a contact you did not know before. To me, it’s my Super Bowl!”
Bowers reported, “I’m most excited about the ‘Quality in the Pressroom’ session. I hope to bring back ideas and maybe tools to help us be better at what we do. .. I am also excited to see what consumer product companies have to say in the ‘Voice of the Customer’ session. It’s very important to know what our customer’s want. … I can imagine the retail market being a huge stickler for quality and color. I’ll find out!”
Gonzàlez Jàcome asserted that, “Consumable Trends and Redefining the Limits of Flexographic Printing will likely rank among highlights.” She also admitted, “It is interesting to know the opinion of customers at a global level—what their expectations are, what they want for us to be able to do to meet their expectations.”
Platt contended, “The highlight is twofold—listening to a presenter of a topic of interest and two, INFOFLEX, where you can get answers through networking. Voice of the customer is always important and worth listening to. FORUM & INFOFLEX 2024 is a must attend event in my view. Hopefully many others view it that way as well.”
Aisles & Attention
Asked, “When walking INFOFLEX aisles, what trends are demanding of most attention?” Dye responded, “New technologies and concepts in sustainability, specifically related to printing and its various material inputs, exploring eco-friendly inks, adhesives, and innovative processes to minimize environmental impact, are critical.”
He immediately proclaimed, “Automation as it relates to robotics and machine learning in the printing industry, aiming to enhance efficiency, reduce manual labor, and optimize overall production processes, is essential as well. This includes the integration of smart technologies for better resource management and waste reduction. Optimization of machine efficiency, focusing on advanced techniques and technologies to streamline printing operations, has my unwavering attention.”
Galloway listed waste reduction and automation as prime concerns. Zeinert concurred and pointed to automation, color and control and how to do better than today. Bowers also expressed high interest in color, process control and automation.
Platt, for his part, indicated that, “Automation, optimization, process control are the most important trends to this business.” Gonzàlez Jàcome noted, “We are interested in sustainability, optimization, color and process control.”
Preston McDowell said he believed, “The biggest trends I’ve seen in the industry, and the aisles that will be demanding the most attention will be those proving products or innovations within sustainability, automation, and hybrid workflows i.e., flexo presses with some sort of a digital component.”
Tyler insisted, “Our company is big on, but not limited to, sustainability and optimization.” Personally, he intended to put what veterans typically described as a proven philosophy to test. “I plan on walking the aisles with an open mind; you never know what you could miss.”