The theme is set, and program elements are being finalized. The location is Pittsburgh’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center, reserved for May 4-7, 2025. Calendar reminders are programmed. In seven months, “The Steel City,” “City of Bridges,” or “City of Three Rivers” will become a hub for package printing and converting. Flexographers—printers, converters, brand owners, educators, and students—will converge at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela, and Ohio rivers for FTA’s 66th Annual FORUM and 44th INFOFLEX Exhibition. With quality technical content, networking opportunities, and an easily navigable trade floor, these four days will offer much to explore.

The FORUM/INFOFLEX experience promotes conversation while attendees explore technologies that improve efficiency, reduce waste, automate processes, conserve energy, and enhance reliability. FORUM and INFOFLEX are consistently the center of activity for package printing, and 2025 will prove it once again. Printer/converter registrations are rising, brand owner participation is climbing, and over 200 booths and expanded presentation space on the show floor will be available to enhance understanding of all aspects of the modern-day pressroom.

The 2025 theme, “Bridging the Gap,” is an invitation to significant improvements and innovations. FORUM chair Kariahlyn Lindsey emphasizes this with each session. Starting with “Leveraging AI in Your Flexographic Workflow,” AI integration will help reduce manual tasks and boost productivity. In “Who Wants to be a Flexographer?” Lindsey highlights troubleshooting and knowledge resources. The “Press Operators Toolbox” session will bridge expertise and tools at various affordability levels, while “Defining the Target” focuses on color accuracy and communication in packaging. “Bridging the Quality Gap Between Market Segments” will address quality challenges, and “Creating a Culture of Productivity” will look at aligning team efforts with effective strategies. “Leaving a Lasting Impression” will explore sustainable practices in flexographic printing, and “Go With the Flow” will cover essentials of ink metering in troubleshooting. Finally, “Measuring & Scoring — What counts?” will address brand owners’ color accuracy expectations and effective measurement.

INFOFLEX adds to these themes with short briefings on digital technology, hybrid production, UV LED advancements, robotic automation, and AI, all of which solidify INFOFLEX’s reputation as the “Must Go To” event for package printing under one roof.