Brexit, diversification and intelligent labeling are just some of the key industry challenges to be discussed at the fourth edition of FINAT’s European Label Forum. Scheduled for June 6 – 8 in Dublin, the “ELF” will again bring together a broad spectrum of industry leaders across the value chain, from raw material suppliers to end users, to debate major strategic business topics and gain in-depth market knowledge from top international speakers.

Among this year’s speakers will be Alastair Campbell, TV commentator and spokesman for former British PM Tony Blair. He will address the proverbial “elephant in the room” as Brexit negotiations approach the final deadline of March 2019.

Sarah Sladek, founder of XYZ University, author and expert on intergenerational issues in companies, will address a key concern in the industry: the incoming generation of new talent.

Noreena Hertz, visionary economist and author with an impressive track record in predicting global trends, will also offer guidance on how to make the right decisions in an increasingly complex business environment. As with previous editions, this year’s program will focus on issues that have been, or will soon be, on the agendas of labels and packaging solutions providers across Europe.

In addition to expectations about the European label industry after Brexit, other topics featured on this year’s ELF agenda include diversification of the labels and narrow web industry into short-run packaging, intelligent labels and packaging, and a look at the total cost of ownership (TCO) of different label printing technologies.

Sessions will also provide the latest updates on recruitment and retention of talent, company branding via online marketing and innovation in brand protection. An overview of the state of affairs in digital label printing (based on FINAT commissioned research) will be given, as well as a review of upcoming legislation on serialization and tamper evidence, and insight on how to manage food compliance regulations.

ELF’s role as a catalyst for discussion, debate and mutual learning will be highlighted with two panel debates, as well as three parallel tracks featuring a variety of topics to choose from.

“There are currently so many burning issues in the industry that making the choice of what this year’s ELF should focus on was tougher than ever before,” says FINAT president Chris Ellison. “However, after much deliberation, we feel that we have successfully brought together a diverse and exciting range of topics that ensure attendees will leave energized and enthused with new-found knowledge. After the latest updates on global influences, market trends, business practices, combined with peer to peer networking, they will be able to return to their businesses with key action points and deliver results.”

As always, the ELF program will also feature the revamped FINAT Label Awards Ceremony. Completing this year’s packed agenda will be a visit to Dublin’s iconic Guinness Storehouse, where FINAT will celebrate its 60th anniversary.