Flexo’s #1 Education & Networking Event Approaching Fast

Forum INFO*FLEX 2017BOHEMIA, NY – March 21, 2017 – Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), producer of the largest annual gathering for the package printing and converting industry, guarantees a bigger, better and more diverse 2017 Forum & INFO*FLEX than ever before. The Trending Now-themed 2017 Forum will cover all current hot topics and technologies in the industry, with expansion into segments that are relevant for today’s business and guaranteed to help prepare attendees for future customer demands.

A total of 10 innovative Forum Sessions touch on topics for fresh-eyed beginners and seasoned veterans. Presenters from leading organizations discuss everything from industry data and disruptive technologies, to learning the basics and Forum sponsors including Esko, Kodak, 3M, Anderson & Vreeland, DuPont Advanced Printing MacDermid Graphic Solutions, Polymount US, Sun Chemical and X-Rite Inc. come to share their knowledge about this ever-changing industry. Here is a sampling of what each day has to offer:

FQC Pre-Conference Session: #Research! – A session rich with real data and reports collected by FQC project teams to help attendees become familiar with all the latest and shifting standards that affect the industry.

  • Chair: Jean Engelke, RR Donnelley; Co-Chair: Pam Dorrough, 3M

Flexo: Legals, Markets and Logistics – In this in-depth look at the flexo market, hear from experts on how to prepare for the nutrition facts label update and industry efforts to help guarantee compliance.

  • Chair: PJ Fronczkiewicz, Flint Group; Co-Chair: Shawn Oetjen, Flexo Tech

The “Press Crew” Crisis: Now Who’s Going to Run My Press? – What is driving staffing shortages, particularly in flexographic printing? With projections about retirement and educational shifts, it’s time to capture the attention of the industry’s future generation, both male and female.

  • Chair: Shawn Oetjen, Flexo Tech; Co-Chair: PJ Fronczkiewicz, Flint Group

Disruptive Technologies: Embrace the Possibilities – There are inevitable changes that go hand-in-hand with new technologies. Learn how to calibrate a digital press to a flexo press and the opportunities that come when transitioning between analog and digital printing.

  • Chair: Chris Baldwin, Nilpeter USA; Co-Chair: Paul Lancelle, Kodak

It’s All About Ink! – Discover the freshest practices of mixing analog and digital equipment, specialty LED curing ink, specialty coatings, enhancing metallic inks, and ways to simplify building a score card strategy.

  • Chair: Paul Lancelle, Kodak; Co-Chair: Chris Baldwin, Nilpeter USA

Let’s All Get RIPed: Practical Prepress – Explore all there is to know for having an effective workflow. Bring color to the beginning of process. Effectively convert color to prepress and press using diverse output needs.

  • Chair: Julian Fernandez, Esko; Co-Chair: Greg Horney, Frankston Packaging

Pressroom Pressures – Improving processes, reducing waste, maintaining profitability and remaining competitive; they all require one action – continuous evaluation. Take a look at techniques and perspectives that work. Make a positive impact on your business today.

  • Chair: Greg Horney, Frankston Packaging; Co-Chair: Julian Fernandez, Esko

Corrugated Direct Print – The Future is Now! – Subjects range from how to produce award winning work using old equipment to discussion about digital print technology and what the future holds for the industry.

  • Chair: Jack Fulton, Printron; Co-Chair: Geoff Roznak, Great Northern Corp.

Not Only How to Use, But How to Choose: Flexo Consumables 101 – Ideal for attendees looking to gain a better understanding of inks, anilox rolls, flexo plates and cultivating effective processes for pressure sensitive adhesives. A great refresher session for the experienced as well!

  • Chair: Keith Nagle, Nilpeter USA; Co-Chair: Brad Gasque, DuPont Advanced Printing

Optimizing for Production Performance: Flexography 102 – Generate award-winning products with the correct methods to heighten your workflow. Take a walk through an actual press optimization trial. Analyze, measure, and choose the best combination of print variables for optimal output.

  • Chair: Brad Gasque, DuPont Advanced Printing; Co-Chair: Keith Nagle, Nilpeter USA

Celebrating its 35th year, a flourishing INFO*FLEX 2017 show floor will bring together thousands of attendees for a combined nine hours of exhibit time at the Phoenix Convention Center, May 1-2.

Registering before Mar. 24, 2017 will save attendees up to $350. More than 2,000 trend-setters, representing every segment of the supply chain will attend the information-filled Trending Now Forum April 30 – May 3 at the Sheraton Grand Phoenix Hotel in downtown Phoenix, AZ.

Forum 2017 is chaired by industry experts, Paul Teachout, Nilpeter, and Bob Coomes, Plastic Packaging Technologies, LLC. For complete details about the events visit flexographic.wpengine.com or contact Eileen Cosma , FTA marketing manager at 631-737-6020 ext. 30.

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About FTA: Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), chartered in 1958, is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community—printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others–together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns. It is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes 1,650 member sites that represent more than 1,400 companies and 35,000 individuals. Foundation of FTA, founded in 1974, is the educational arm of FTA and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the flexographic printing industry.