The theme is set. Program elements are being cemented in place. The site is a given—Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania’s David L. Lawrence Convention Center. Dates are reserved and have been for years—May 4-7, 2025.
- Calendar reminders have been programmed
- Seven months from now, “The Steel City,” “City of Bridges,” or “City of Three Rivers,” will transform into package printing and converting’s own metropolis
- Flexographers—printers/converters, pre-media professionals, brand owners, manufacturers, distributors, educators and students alike—will converge at the confluence of the Allegheny, Monongahela and the Ohio rivers, marking the first time they’ve ever done so, jettisoning FTA’s 66th Annual FORUM and 44th successive INFOFLEX Exhibition into the record books
With so much happening, there is so much to address. Four days seems insufficient time to cover it all, but FTA has long since solidified its reputation for quality technical content, delivered in succinct and engaging form, supplemented by extensive networking opportunities and an easily navigable trade floor.
The FORUM/INFOFLEX experience is designed to engage conversation while seeing, touching, feeling and exploring state-of-the-art technologies that drive efficiencies, eliminate waste, automate and optimize production practices, conserve energy and make printers faster, better, more reliable and truly proficient at what they do.
FORUM and INFOFLEX is always the hub of activity for everyone engaged in package printing—2025 will prove it once again!
- Printer/Converter registrations are ticking up
- Brand Owner participation levels continue to climb
- Expect 200 + booths to visit, as well as expanded presentation space on the show floor
- Enhance your understanding of all aspects of the modern-day pressroom—starting at the press
Drawing Card
The invitation, put out by event managers for 2025 encapsulates the event’s stated theme, “Bridging the Gap.”
Kariahlyn Lindsey, FORUM chair, Esko, proclaims, “Build a bridge to significant improvements and innovations. Cutting-edge technology can significantly improve quality and elevate your entire operation, refine your approach and enhance overall efficiency! “
Her implication is clear: “Get from where you are to where you need to be.” The thought itself builds excitement in people.
Lindsey openly tells FLEXO a little about how the overarching theme applies to each of nine
sessions, starting with, “Leveraging AI in Your Flexographic Workflow.”
“In today’s rapidly evolving world, AI is revolutionizing how we handle integration, automation, and task digitization. As we bridge the gap between current practices and the future of AI, we’re excited to offer fresh insights on integrating this transformative technology into your workflow. …Our goal is to help teams gain valuable insights, reduce manual tasks, and boost productivity.”
“Who Wants to be a Flexographer?,” Lindsey asks. Then she observes, “In our industry, troubleshooting and quick thinking are daily necessities, especially under pressure. When the stakes are high, it’s natural to seek support. Bridging gaps in knowledge with accessible resources is essential for staying ahead and making informed decisions.
Speaking to a “Press Operators Toolbox,” she maintains, “Our operators are crucial to our success and equipping them with the right tools is essential for their effectiveness. Explore how to bridge the gap between expertise and available tools across various affordability levels.”
When it comes to “Defining the Target,” Lindsey assures FORUM/INFOFLEX goers, “Accurate color reproduction and clear communication are essential for a successful packaging workflow,” then prompts them to, “Mastering these key elements can elevate every stage of your process and lead to outstanding results.”
Converters and other flexographers set on “Bridging the Quality Gap Between Market Segments,” can come to FORUM/INFOFLEX to explore the quality challenges faced by the flexographic industry and uncover how they intersect, according to Lindsey. “Dive into how bridging these gaps with cutting-edge technology can significantly improve quality and elevate your entire operation.”
“Join us to see firsthand how innovation can make a real difference in your processes,” she suggests. “Discover practical solutions and new perspectives that can transform your approach, and drive better results in your flexographic work. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your quality and efficiency with the latest advancements!”
Addressing opportunities for “Creating a Culture of Productivity,” she exclaims, “Boost your productivity by bridging the gap between strategy and execution. Delve into how effective training, strategic systems, and data-driven insights can align your team’s efforts with real, tangible results.”
“Explore practical examples of how to close productivity gaps and drive continuous improvement in your workflow,” Lindsey adds. “Discover actionable strategies and real-world solutions that can enhance your team’s performance and help you achieve greater efficiency. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to transform your approach and see measurable improvements!”
Offering specifics on how print providers might go about “Leaving a Lasting Impression,” Lindsey perceives this opportunity. “Achieve sustainability in your projects by bridging the gap between substrates, carbon footprints, inks, and other flexographic consumables. See how integrating these elements in real-world applications can drive eco-friendly practices and enhance your environmental impact. Discover practical solutions for a greener future in flexographic printing.”
Segueing into the call to, “Go With the Flow,” Lindsey invites attendees to, “Discover the essentials of ink metering components in flexographic printing,” and promises, “We’ll show you how these components work together, bridging the gap from dot to final print, and enhancing your troubleshooting skills.”
Finally, commenting on, “Measuring & Scoring — What counts?,” Lindsey pledges to stage an engaging session that bridges the gap between Brand Owners’ color performance expectations and printer feedback. “You’ll gain valuable insights into what Brand Owners prioritize in color accuracy and learn how to measure and control these aspects effectively.”
Pressroom Practices
INFOFLEX builds on those inspirational points and adds its own. The exhibit portion of FTA’s signature event, which many find more appealing than the technical content for the open dialogue and give-and-take conversation it affords, promises to embrace and expound upon the truly innovative components of the modern-day pressroom.
Starting with the press itself, short, focused briefings will discuss digital’s place on a flexo production floor, the ever-expanding hybrid footprint, the true meaning of one-pass production, the continuing rise of UV LED technologies, the transitioning of labor- intensive tasks to automated robotic functions and the application of artificial intelligence in the 21stcentury packaging workflow.
As talk and technology meld, the INFOFLEX floor is certain to be the bevy of activity, strengthening INFOFLEX’s 40+ year billing as the “Must Go To,” package printing and converting confab to be held under a single roof.
Just witnessing everything that transpires signals that INFOFLEX delivers on its calling card: “Everybody you need to know and everything you need to see is right here in front of your eyes.”
