FPPA Hosts Record-Breaking Annual Meeting In Orlando BY GREG KISHBAUGH The Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) hosted its 27th Annual Conference February 22–24 in Orlando, Florida, bring- ing together platemakers, suppliers, and industry partners from across North America.. The 2026 Conference marked a historic milestone for FPPA, achiev- ing the Association’s highest attendance and welcoming a record num-
FLAG Annual Meeting To Strengthen Collaboration Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG) will bring together three industry veterans for a panel discussion at its 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, focused on strengthening col- laboration across the label value chain. Titled “Inside the Label Value Chain: How Brands, Designers, and Converters Work Best Together,” the session will examine a familiar industry challenge: label converters are often brought in after key decisions have
already been made – designs are finalized, timelines are compressed, and expectations are locked in. This panel will take an honest look at how decisions are actually made, where break- downs tend to occur, and how independent converters can engage earlier in the process to help shape stronger outcomes for brands and agencies alike. The discussion will feature perspectives from across the value chain, including: • Michael Milam, Chief Operating Officer of Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, • Jeremy Dahl, Co-Founder and Co-Cre- ative Director of BexBrands, and • Adam Peek, Co-Owner of The Label King. Guiding the conversation will be Jackie Kuehlmann, senior principal at LPC. In addition, FLAG will spotlight two devel- opments in the use of AIat its 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, delivering guidance for Members and Vendor Partners navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.
ber of sponsors. The event program addressed economic outlooks, digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, technical inno- vation, and structured one-on-one business development meetings. Opening Up The program opened with a keynote presentation from Dr. Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence, who provided an economic update and analysis of consumer food trends. His session offered crit- ical context on manufacturing performance, shifting demand patterns, and ongoing tariff developments impacting the packaging and print supply chain. FPPA Board President Aaron Pettijohn of Mark-Maker (left) pictured with Rory Marsoun of Esko (right), who accepted The Excellence in Flexo Award at FPPA’s 27th Annual Conference.
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