With attendance outpacing the last two years, printer participation reaching a six-year high, and increased supplier investment, 2026 FORUM INFOFLEX marked a defining moment for the flexographic industry. The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) hosted the event at Milwaukee’s Baird Center, April 25–29. FORUM INFOFLEX delivered four days of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and powerful networking. A global community of over 100 volunteers helped support and drive the event. 

Roughly 1,100 flexo professionals joined the FTA for this landmark event. The attendance also included 310 attendees representing printer and converter companies across 27 US states and six countries. Plus, the event saw nearly 140 exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of flexographic printing. In addition, 20% growth in converter participation represents the association’s commitment to ensuring a strong showing from this key demographic. 

“Over the past year, the FTA Board of Directors made a commitment to bring transformational change to the FTA. Change isn’t always easy, and not always perfect, but required. I am thrilled to say that after this year’s FORUM in Milwaukee that change is being seen and heard throughout our industry. The FTA membership, staff, and all our volunteers produced an event that exceeded all our expectations. I have never been prouder of our community and the opportunity to serve in it,” says FTA Board chair Paul Teachout. 

About the event

2026 FORUM INFOFLEX delivered a comprehensive program. It focused on workflow optimization, data-driven decision-making, hybrid and digital printing integration, AI, sustainability, and workforce development. Educational sessions reflected the evolving needs of flexographic businesses. They addressed both technical challenges and broader operational and leadership considerations. The sessions included presentations like “Plates in the Afterlife,” to cutting-edge discussions on quantifying plate screening. Plus, presenters brought fresh perspectives on improving packaging speed and efficiency to balance innovation with practical application.

Sessions also emphasized the critical role of workforce development. Discussions focused on training, mentorship, and retention, alongside inspiring student-led presentations that highlighted the next generation of flexographic talent. Throughout the program, a recurring theme emerged: the importance of integrating flexographic, hybrid, and digital technologies to build more agile, efficient, and future-ready print operations. 

A key addition to this year’s event was the Executive Leadership Summit. This feature brought together senior leaders from converter members for focused discussions on business strategy, industry challenges, and more. The summit set the foundation for continued executive-level dialogue in future events. 

Exhibition

The exhibit hall also featured a wide range of advanced equipment and live demonstrations from leading industry suppliers. Companies including AV Flexologic, BW Converting, X-Rite, and 3M showcased technologies spanning automated plate mounting, laser cutting and engraving, color measurement, quality control systems, and anilox roll cleaning. These innovations provided attendees with hands-on opportunities to explore solutions designed to improve accuracy, efficiency, and overall pressroom performance.

FTA extends its appreciation to these companies and all exhibitors for bringing new equipment and expertise to the show floor. The suppliers helped create a dynamic environment for learning and discovery. 

Networking remained a central component of the event, beginning with a Saturday evening gathering at American Family Field for a Brewers’ game and continuing throughout the week. A standout moment was the Monday After Hours event at The New Fashioned, where attendees came together in a relaxed, social setting to build connections and continue conversations beyond the show floor. These experiences reinforced the importance of peer-to-peer engagement across the flexographic community. 

Awards Ceremony

The event also celebrated excellence across the industry during the FTA Awards Banquet. The awards recognize leaders and innovators for their contributions to flexographic printing. Highlights included the induction of Catherine Haynes into the FTA Hall of Fame and the presentation of the President’s Award to Garrett Taylor. 

The FTA Excellence in Flexography Best of Show winners were recognized for achieving the highest level of excellence in flexographic print quality, innovation, and technical execution across all entries. 

• ProAmpac – Xtreme Lime Takis in Wide Web, Process, Film for its award-winning entry, demonstrating exceptional print consistency, strong color reproduction and precise registration across a complex design.  
• Walki Westpak & Marvaco Oy – Sour Croco Fizzy Bubble and Sour Apple in Mid Web, Process, Film for delivering crisp detail and an excellent proof-to-print match across a wide tonal range.  
• McDowell Label – Tequila Blanco in Narrow Web, Process, Coated Paper for its standout label work featuring extremely fine dot reproduction, sharp text and flawless consistency across runs.  
• Adara Pakkaus Oy & Marvaco Oy – Boulangerie Marco Cake Box in Corrugated, Process, Combined Corrugated for a technically demanding job that achieved superior tonal range, precision and overall visual impact.  
• Smurfit Westrock – Kimberly Clark Huggies Snug & Dry in Preprint Linerboard, Process, Preprint Linerboard for producing large-format graphics with strong color consistency, smooth solids and clean reproduction.  
• MackayMitchell Envelope Company – Fireflies in Envelope, Process, Uncoated Paper for delivering high-quality print performance with tight registration and consistent results across production. 

Honoring excellence

In addition, the ceremony honored winners across the Technical Innovation and Sustainability Excellence Awards. They recognized advancements in print quality, process improvement, and environmentally responsible practices. C-P Flexible Packaging and DuPont Cyrel Solutions were recognized with Sustainability Excellence Awards for innovations in compostable packaging materials and sustainable platemaking technology. Meanwhile, Miraclon received the Technical Innovation Award for its FLEXCEL Prime Plate with Seamless Fit Technology.

Workforce development

Workforce development remained a central theme throughout the event. The FTA highlighted student participation in the Phoenix Challenge Competition and ongoing discussions around training, mentorship, and talent development. As noted by FTA leadership, investing in the next generation continues to be critical to the industry’s future. 

For the first time ever, the FTA partnered with the Phoenix Challenge on an “FTA Flexo Draft” program. The draft highlighted those newest entrants into the workforce, as well as the future “draftees” cementing the event as a place where the next generation goes to find their future employer and career. 

New experiential elements were also introduced on the show floor. They included a Flexo Heritage area, highlighting the history and evolution of flexographic printing, and the FTA Community Hub, designed to foster connection and engagement. The Community Hub featured programming led by Women of Flexo and Leaders Inspiring Flexo’s Tomorrow (LIFT). These groups help support mentorship, collaboration, and the development of the next generation of industry professionals. The Harper Corporation’s Flexo Man was brought back to life on the show floor, as well.

“FORUM INFOFLEX is transforming into a more innovative and engaging experience for the flexo community. It’s where professionals tackle real technical challenges, explore cutting-edge technologies, and strengthen the relationships that define this industry,” says FTA president Nathan Ridnouer. “Or, as one attendee summed it up: ‘The FTA is cool again.’” 

FTA announced that FORUM INFOFLEX will continue its momentum in Fort Worth, TX, from May 2-5, 2027. The event will bring the industry together once again to explore new ideas, technologies, and opportunities.