Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG) will spotlight two forward-looking presentations at its 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, CA, USA, taking place March 23-26. The event will deliver practical guidance for Members and Vendor Partners navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.

FLAG president JC McKay will present an introduction to artificial intelligence, tailored specifically for the independent label converter.

The session will clarify the difference between today’s widely used generative AI tools, such as large language models like ChatGPT, and emerging AI systems capable of functioning as always-on digital “agents” working on behalf of a business.

McKay will present real-world, print-industry-relevant applications for both converters and suppliers, demonstrating how AI can support sales, estimating, customer service, workflow management, and operational decision-making. A key emphasis of the session will center on a critical principle: AI output is only as strong as the quality of the input. Clear parameters, structured data, and defined objectives determine whether AI becomes a competitive advantage.

Complementing this future-focused discussion, Label & Narrow Web editor Greg Hrinya will deliver a State of the Industry presentation.

Hrinya’s address will provide a comprehensive look at North American label and manufacturing trends, including workforce data, production benchmarks, and the broader economic forces shaping the industry. He will also explore key trends influencing converters today, including automation, adoption of artificial intelligence, advances in digital printing, and sustainability initiatives.

Drawing from recent company profiles and on-the-ground reporting, Hrinya will highlight a defining strength of the independent converter market: the value of independence, entrepreneurial leadership, and strong company culture. 

“These two sessions capture exactly what the FLAG Annual Meeting is about,” states JC McKay, president of FLAG. “We bring our Members and Vendor Partners the facts, the trends, and the strategy, then we challenge them to take action. Understanding where the industry is today is important. Knowing how to move faster and smarter is critical.”

To learn more about FLAG, the Annual Meeting and membership, visit www.flagadvantage.com/join.