BOHEMIA, NY—During the recent Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) Board Meeting in Chicago, elected leaders and senior staff convened to bring the association’s bold new vision to life while addressing key planning and infrastructure challenges. The meeting marked a pivotal moment in FTA’s trajectory—one where strategic alignment, operational clarity, and innovation took center stage.

Reflecting on the meeting’s tone and outcomes, FTA Board Chair Paul Teachout remarked, “Now we have a clear vision, a solid staff, and have determined needs and wants. Now it is time to execute, and I am looking forward to seeing the results from these efforts. This is the most organized and professional atmosphere that I have enjoyed at the FTA.”

Throughout the day, the Board addressed a wide spectrum of strategic priorities, reinforcing FTA’s commitment to member value and to the advancement of the flexographic and broader package printing communities.

2026 Excellence in Flexography Judging Moves to Clemson

FTA President Nathan Ridnouer announced that the 2026 Excellence in Flexography Awards judging will relocate from Long Island, New York, to Clemson University in South Carolina. “Given the persistent risk of inclement weather in the Northeast during February—and the potential impact on our volunteer judges—Clemson offers an ideal, warmer-weather alternative,” Ridnouer said. “We also benefit from a neutral, committed partner with exceptional facilities and a tremendous support system.”

Events Reimagined: Strategy & Transformation in Motion

Events remain a cornerstone of FTA’s engagement and education strategy. The Board focused extensively on evolving these experiences to better serve members and ensure long-term sustainability.

Kenny Tucker, FTA’s Director of Technical Education, previewed the upcoming Fall Technical Conference in Orlando, highlighting a new format that integrates education and exhibits in a single space. The new format ensures side-by-side learning and continuous engagement between printers and suppliers and is a model that blends knowledge with connection.

Joseph LoSasso, FTA’s Director of Business Development, outlined enhancements planned for the 2026 FORUM INFOFLEX, including immersive show floor activations and revamped educational content on Days 2 and 3. “Our goal is to elevate both the educational and exhibitor experience, ensuring high value and high return on investment,” LoSasso shared.

Building on the success of the 2025 event—where new keynotes, concurrent sessions, and live activations drove a +55 Net Promoter Score among printers and converters—the Board formally approved a future vision for FORUM INFOFLEX. This vision reimagines the event as a high-impact experience that maximizes printer/converter engagement, reduces operational risk, and strengthens financial performance.

So that the FTA gets a head start on 2026, key association staff conducted a site visit in Milwaukee following the Board meeting to verify viability of the new vision and plans as well as lay the groundwork for building excitement for the next big flexo industry event. Through our strong partnership with the city, Milwaukee is planning to roll out the red carpet to welcome and host the flexo industry in late-April next year.

Committee Realignment: Leaner, Smarter Volunteer Engagement

FTA Board Member Kristen Shields led a candid discussion on the association’s committee structure. With a focus on clarity and effectiveness, Kristen proposed a framework to better differentiate standing committees from time-bound task forces and align them with current strategic needs. The key distinction will be the ability to position volunteers where they can make the biggest impact all while ensuring fresh, meaningful ways for members to engage. Following the lengthy conversation, the Board approved a plan to sunset several committees, launch new task forces, and reinvigorate dormant groups. The FTA staff will be rolling out these updates to the members along with details on how prospective volunteers can jump in and lend their expertise on future projects.

Training Transformation & Revenue Stabilization

Kenny Tucker delivered a comprehensive update on FTA’s training program—long considered the backbone of the association. While sales dipped in early 2025 due to staffing transitions and operational updates, a renewed strategy is now in place. What is exciting for FTA members and the industry is that the association will roll out more new content in the next six months than it has launched in the past five years. Those new offerings will include:

• A consolidated webinar platform
• Micro-learning modules
• On-demand training for sales and customer service teams
• Expanded live and virtual certification options

What is exciting for the industry will be a revitalized, future-ready training portfolio.

Proposal Highlights: Innovation with Purpose

Over the past year, the FTA Board has been focused on innovation and improvement. During each meeting, the Board tackled key issues and hurdles that have hampered the organization in the past and hindered development or advancement. For this most recent meeting, the Board tackled a number of topics that will help the FTA continue to build value for the membership and ensure operational efficiency.

Led by FFTA Board Chair Laura Wright, the Board reaffirmed workforce development as a top priority, this challenge appears in every member survey the FTA conducts. Of particular interest is the urgent need to attract and train press operators and technical staff through high school and trade-based pathways. To help guide this effort is a new Workforce Development Strategy Task Force, co-chaired by Board members, Catherine Haynes and Kristen Shields.

Recognizing FLEXO Magazine as a premier member benefit, the Board approved the addition of a junior editorial team member to support both the magazine and the new bi-weekly FLEXO eNews. This is a crucial investment in the quality and sustainability of the FTA’s future content development and communications. Nathan will work with Publisher Bob Moran to lead the search in the coming month.

With an eye on global growth, the Board took time to discuss the importance of building global alliances and partnerships to help expand their technical education footprint for FIRST. The new plan endorsed by the FTA Board will charge staff with exploring new strategic partnerships that expand FTA’s educational reach while protecting its intellectual property.

To honor standout contributions to the FTA and broader impact within the community, the Board approved the creation of two new awards: Printer of the Year and Supplier of the Year. “Recognition is one of the most powerful tools we have as a trade association,” said Ridnouer. “These awards are long overdue and I can’t wait to recognize our first recipients next Spring.” In the coming months, a task force led by Board Member Thomas Dahbura will be formed to define criteria and oversee program development.

Looking Ahead

With clear alignment, focused leadership, and renewed energy across staff and volunteers, the FTA Board Meeting marked an inflection point for the organization’s next chapter. As Paul aptly summarized, “The pieces are in place—leadership, focus, and clarity. Now, we go execute.”