“Be our guest.” …“Be our guest.” …“Be our guest.” Not talking the Disney refrain. Simply expressing gratitude by relaying a personal experience—work related, eye-opening, something to appreciate and to a degree envy.

It was my privilege to be invited by Acimga, Argi, and the Italian Trade Agency, all of which support business development of Italian companies abroad and promote attraction of foreign investment in Italy; to travel to and attend Print4All 2025.

The setting was majestic, with still snow-capped Alps as a backdrop and summer-like temperatures in Milan; but the real magic happened inside Halls 9 and 11 of the Fiera Milano trade grounds. It captivated me for three straight days.

What I saw and experienced was a highly organized, collaborative venture that united multiple organizations into a singular, sharply focused unit. Competition was set aside. Pride in the “Made in Italy” movement was on display. Innovation was the talk of both halls.

Coming on the heels of FTA’s 2025 FORUM INFOFLEX, it offered an opportunity to better define package printing and converting as a global enterprise. Like us, Print4All delegates are consumed with enhancing efficiency, reducing waste, becoming more sustainable, bolstering productivity and building a better bottom line. They are constantly delving into the impact of artificial intelligence, automation, digitization, hybridization, mitigating unrest… Plus, they are committed to continuous improvement.

It was great to count 42 FTA members/affiliates among exhibitors. Some faces were familiar–conversation came easy; others required formal introduction, expressions of common passion and strongly shared interests. Cordiality reigned.

To meet with event planners—Acigma’s Enrico Barboglio, Simone Bonaria, the chair of Acigma’s Flexo Development Group, and Gwyn Garrett, its corporate communications manager and glean their insights on where the market is heading, was refreshing and reassuring, as their take mirrored FTA’s strategic plan.

I got to see first-hand the birth of the Flexo Converting Alliance (FlexCA). I took time to examine the demographic reports. But most importantly, I walked and walked the floor. From booth-to-booth intimate conversations were taking place, hospitality was extended, equipment demonstrations were presented in tutorial form.

It was great to see Sante Conselvan, FTA Europe president, who played a key role in orchestrating my trip, and hear his impressive take on the contributions Italian companies have made to print production.

Meeting with FTA Europe VP Wim Buyle, introduced me to “BAT”—Best Available Technology—quite a sound concept in today’s modern-day pressroom where flexo, digital and hybrid presses sit side-by-side and processes are fast becoming forever intertwined.

Print4All billed itself as, “No ordinary printing af(fair)” and I can’t think of a more iron-clad example of true community spirit. “Ben fatto!” “Ottimo lovoro!” “Well done.” “Good job.” “Eccelente!” “Excellent”. “Sei Fantastico!” “You are fantastic!”–Robert Moran, Publisher’s Ink, FLEXO, July/August 2025