ORLANDO, FL–This year’s FTA Technical Conference, Sept. 21–23–brought together the brightest minds in flexography for three days of insight, innovation, and collaboration. The event focused on real-world solutions–the kind that help converters, printers, and brand owners elevate their operations immediately. 

Under the leadership of Conference Chair Bob Coomes of PPC Flexible Packaging, the 2025 agenda was meticulously crafted to deliver value at every level of production. Over the course of 24 technical sessions, totaling more than 800 minutes of education, experts tackled the most pressing challenges facing today’s flexographic community.

Each session was designed to bridge the gap between technical knowledge and on-press execution, offering strategies attendees could implement the moment they returned to their facilities. 

Among the dominant themes this year were Flexographic Image Reproduction Specifications and Tolerances (FIRST) methodologies–optimization, fingerprinting, characterization, process control and process improvement–that continue to shape the future of flexographic printing. 

The conference also highlighted emerging technologies–from AI to RFID integration to inline color measurement systems–demonstrating how innovation and practicality can coexist on the pressroom floor.  

The FTA Technical Conference focused on case studies and troubleshooting. Printers and suppliers shared first-hand experiences addressing flexography’s variables, substrate challenges, and workflow bottlenecks. These real-world examples provided attendees with actionable insights and validated solutions to bring home to their own teams. 

Beyond the educational sessions, the conference fostered meaningful engagement with participating exhibitors. Networking breaks, evening receptions, and informal meetups gave participants a chance to connect, compare notes, and collaborate on shared challenges. 

FTA also spotlighted its FIRST Live training initiatives, reinforcing the organization’s ongoing commitment to professional development. Many attendees expressed renewed interest in pursuing certification and implementing structured training programs within their own companies. 

For those who couldn’t attend every session, FTA has scheduled a virtual “FTC in Review” program for October 16, offering a concise wrap-up of the most impactful takeaways from Orlando. 

As Coomes noted in his closing remarks, the true measure of the conference’s success lies not just in the ideas shared, but in how they are applied. “This event is about taking what we learned here and making it work on the pressroom floor. That’s how we keep flexography moving forward.”