Substantial attendee increase, sold-out exhibition highlight association’s first in-person event in two years. 

BOHEMIA, NY—FTA’s Fall Conference 2021 brought flexographers back together to explore the evolution of flexographic workflows, network with more than 60 exhibitors and reconnect with colleagues, at the industry’s first live conference and exhibition in two years.

The industry was excited to gather in person at the four-day event, held Oct. 3-6 at Embassy Suites by Hilton Dallas Frisco Hotel & Convention Center in Frisco, TX. Printer/converter attendance increased more than 50 percent while overall turnout grew 20 percent compared to the last live FTA event.

With eight technical sessions and more than 20 in-depth presentations, industry experts discussed every piece of a flexographic workflow. Attendees heard insights into the current state and outlook of the flexographic market from Sean Smyth of consulting and market research firm Smithers, a sit-down discussion about merger and acquisition activity with McDowell Label’s John McDowell, and a keynote presentation on seizing opportunity delivered by Dave Fleming of We Are Alexander. 

“Fall Conference has a reputation for delivering high-quality technical content, and this year was no exception,” said Fall Conference 2021 Program Chair John Gleich of We Are Alexander. “I believe everyone in attendance gained insight into modernizing flexographic workflows and walked away armed with solutions for navigating the future. I also sincerely hope people enjoyed their time in Frisco as well as being able to connect in person—I know I did!”

Industry professionals who were unable to attend the conference can purchase access with Fall Conference 2021 On Demand. Every technical presentation and discussion is available to watch 24/7, from anywhere and from any device. The On Demand package also includes complete presentation proceedings to take notes and follow along. To purchase, visit ftastore.com.

INFOFLEX at Fall Conference featured an expanded exhibition with 65 companies showcasing next-generation package printing technologies on a sold-out show floor. Attendees were able to see the latest products and services and have one-on-one, in-person discussions with exhibitors eager for facetime with a live audience.

“We could feel a fresh vibrance in the air from the vendors and attendees walking the show floor,” said Adam Bland, president of Quantum Ink. “Our booth visitors were engaged with seeing what we and other exhibitors had to offer. Attendees took advantage of the opportunity to explore technology that can help their printing operations.”

FTA would like to thank Fall Conference 2021’s sponsors for their support: Diamond sponsor Miraclon, Platinum sponsors Anderson & Vreeland and DuPont, Gold sponsors Fujifilm Graphic Systems Division and HYBRID Software, and item sponsor Polymount US.

FTA’s next in-person events are FORUM & INFOFLEX 2022 held March 13-16, 2022 in Fort Worth, TX.