Flexo Label Advantage Group (FLAG) has unveiled the full lineup of speakers, panelists, and the agenda for its highly anticipated Annual Meeting 2024. The event, which will be held from June 11-13 in Buffalo, NY, promises to be an insightful and engaging experience for all attendees.

The FLAG Annual Meeting will feature an impressive array of industry experts, thought leaders, and panel discussions covering a wide range of topics relevant to the label converting industry. Attendees can expect to gain valuable insights, explore new trends, and network with peers from across the country.

One of the highlights of the event will be the Converter panel, which brings together leaders from independent converter companies of all sizes. Moderated by Dwane Wall, a long-time FLAG member and owner of Wall to Wall Fishing Charters, a FLAG vendor partner, the panel will delve into the industry’s key challenges and opportunities.

Brian Boecklen, founder and president of Harmonized Label Solutions, will share his journey from inception to growth and offer insights into the challenges of managing a startup label company. His first-hand experience navigating the complexities of starting a label business will offer valuable lessons for fellow converters.

Steve Brownstone, president of M&R Label, will discuss the evolution of M&R Label from a garage startup to a thriving label converter. With over six years of experience at M&R Label, Brownstone will share insights into the company’s growth trajectory and the importance of finding the right people for success.

Abby Gustavson, supply chain manager for ATL Corporation, will provide perspectives from a well-established label converter serving the healthcare, medical device, pharmaceutical, and biotech markets. With a focus on business development and operational excellence, Gustavson will illuminate ATL’s strategies for sustained growth, including capturing meaningful metrics that drive the business forward.

JC McKay, president of FLAG, shares, “We are excited to welcome Brian, Steve, and Abby to our panel. They bring a diverse array of experiences to the group. Learning from fellow members is one of the key benefits of FLAG membership. This panel reflects the varying sizes and journeys of the full FLAG membership and promises to spark meaningful conversations and offer valuable takeaways for all attendees.”

In addition to the Member Panel discussion, the meeting will include a workshop on Social Media Marketing for members. This workshop aims to offer practical steps, useful resources, and real-life examples of successful strategies. FLAG president JC McKay and Jackie Kuehlmann, senior principal of LPC, a marketing communications firm with over 15 years of experience leading marketing efforts for a large label converter, will co-present the workshop.

The main keynote speaker at the meeting will be David Avrin, a renowned Customer Experience expert. During his presentation, Avrin will explore the key factors that contribute to success in the modern business environment. His talk promises to be a revealing, thought-provoking, and entertaining exploration of the shift in customer expectations. FLAG is also happy to welcome back Label & Narrow Web magazine’s editor Greg Hrinya. Hrinya will cover the state of the label and packaging industry.

This year, the group will tour FLAG member Niagara Label and see first-hand the culture that has enabled them to grow significantly while staying true to the family-owned company values that have guided them for over 38 years. 

The event will also include an Awards Dinner and Ceremony recognizing both Members and Vendor Partners.

McKay shares, “Our membership is now at over 140 members and continues to grow each year. Our continued growth allows us to produce consistently outstanding annual meetings each year. The Buffalo meeting will have outstanding content, multiple networking functions, tabletops on the latest technology, awards for members and vendor partners, and of course, the Member Tour, which is always a highlight of the meeting.”