With nearly 30 technical presentations, panel discussions and Q&As, FTA’s Virtual Forum 2020 successfully delivered the content, insights and problem solving it has been known for, despite the obstacles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nearly 1,000 flexographers seized the opportunity to participate in the three-day event, which took place April 22, April 29 and May 6. Adhering to its theme of “Color, Brands, Technology: The Complete Package,” sessions focused on preprint and postprint corrugated technologies, press optimization, color consistency, brand owner insights and expectations, innovations to overcome printer frustrations, and student and industry member research. For FTA members, the entirety of Virtual Forum 2020 was complimentary.

“It was great to see so many people attend Virtual Forum 2020 and take advantage of the opportunities brought about by the online event,” says chair Hank Welter of TC Transcontinental Packaging. “Forum’s technical content is peerless, and the determination to find the means to present it to FTA members in the absence of a physical gathering led to an incredible, unique experience.”

FTA’s director of education, Joe Tuccitto, echoed the sentiment. “Adding the word ‘Virtual’ to ‘Forum 2020’ was easy; moving the event online was a little more complicated. It is thanks to the hard work of our event chairs, presenters and FTA staff that Virtual Forum 2020 went off without a hitch. And based on attendee feedback, they agree.”

Videos of every Virtual Forum 2020 presentation are available on MemberConnect, the home of content and offerings reserved exclusively for FTA members. Members can watch and re-watch on demand, use chapter markers to jump to particular topics, and download session proceedings to follow along and make notes.

“Having Virtual Forum 2020’s presentations available to watch whenever it’s convenient, gives FTA members value long after the event is over,” notes co-chair Kim Madigan of Smyth Companies. “It shows FTA meeting its members on their schedules. It’s not as difficult to find 15 minutes of downtime between runs or over lunch, and being able to download the slides makes it feel like you’re right there with the presenter.”

FTA has also shifted INFOFLEX’s Innovation Central to an online environment. At Virtual Innovation Central, industry experts will discuss the latest technologies and solutions defining and advancing package printing. The May 28 event is complimentary for all to attend and registration is open now.

Of particular note, given the economic climate, FTA would like to acknowledge the sponsors of Virtual Forum 2020 and thank them for their support:

• Diamond sponsor: DuPont Advanced Printing
• Platinum sponsors: Anderson & Vreeland Inc, Daetwyler Corp, Miraclon Corp, Sun Chemical Corp and tesa tape Inc
• Gold sponsors: 3M, Esko, Esterlam, Flint Group, Koenig & Bauer, MacDermid Graphics Solutions, Sandon Global, SGS and Windmoeller & Hoelscher
• Item sponsors: Anderson & Vreeland Inc, Flexo Wash, Harper Corporation of America, Tarsus, Techkon USA and Windmoeller & Hoelscher