The TLMI Annual Meeting welcomed more than 500 attendees to the Arizona Grand Resort & Spa to provide education, networking, a tabletop event and more to label converters and suppliers. The educational sessions featured leading industry experts, who addressed some of the challenges and pain points impacting all levels of the supply chain.

Additionally, various meetings and networking opportunities allowed attendees to enjoy the benefits of TLMI membership – complete with the latest data on the supply chain, paper shortages, workforce challenges, among others. In order to help solve the workforce challenge and provide opportunities for the industry’s younger members, TLMI also touted the benefits of its group, Label Leaders of Tomorrow.

TLMI also welcomed back Alan Beaulieu, an economist with ITR Economics, for his view on the label industry – and what the next decade might hold for business owners. Liner recycling and sustainability regulations were also key topics discussed.

The event also highlighted the best of the best in label printing over the past year. This included numerous awards regarding print quality, sustainability, and activism in the industry. Kathy Alaimo, CEO of Syracuse Label & Surround Printing, was honored as the Converter of the Year, while Jim Sheibley, retired EVP, sales and marketing, Wausau Coated Products, was recognized as the Supplier of the Year. Plus, Keith Grimm was awarded Volunteer of the Year honors.

Multi-Color Corporation walked away with Best in Show honors for its One Stone label, while McDowell Label, a Resource Label Group Co., notched four Best in Show awards.

“I hope all our members enjoyed this event and took advantage of the networking opportunities here,” said Linnea Keen, president, TLMI. “We’re constantly identifying what TLMI needs for a sustainable future and what will benefit the association, which is near and dear to my heart. It’s all about providing the best member experience for TLMI.”

According to Aimee Peacock, TLMI Annual Meeting chair and president of FLEXcon North America, the association has added 32 new members in 2022. Throughout the event, TLMI catered its coverage to topics affecting its membership the most: M&A activity, sustainability, automation, and developing the workforce.

“If anything can be said about our industry, it’s that we are unique and resilient,” explained Peacock. “Events like this are why so many companies have stood the test of time and find their niche. TLMI has allowed us to become part of something bigger. We have the best of the best here to discuss the topics everyone is talking about.”

TLMI hosted numerous panel discussion, featuring both suppliers and converters. They explored how to best enhance one’s business despite dealing with a plethora of challenges.

“With strong demand and challenges on the supply chain front, a perfect storm has created an environment where no one in this room hasn’t been challenged by in some way,” stated Corey Reardon, president, AWA Alexander Watson Associates. “It’s important to give ourselves credit. We’ve all learned a lot in terms of best practices and improving ways of running our business over the last two years.

“I’ve never seen the industry show how flexible, creative and resilient it is than in the last two years, so we all deserve a lot of credit for that,” he added.

Bostik’s Catherine Heckman and FLEXcon’s Michael Keaney likened the industry’s challenges to Jenga and Whack-a-Mole, respectively. “From the supply side, the future is still uncertain,” said Keaney. “It’s important to show patience as we all work through this together.”

Jim Sheibley, TLMI’s Supplier of the Year and panel moderator, noted, “We’re not here to give you good news. We’re here to give you good perspective and actionable knowledge.”

According to Avery Dennison’s Tina Hart, North American label demand is increasing 2.4% heading into 2023. Pressure sensitive labels will account for 54% of the market. Sustainability will be key for suppliers and converters moving forward, as well.

“I think businesses are working hard to prepare for a possible recession,” said Hart. “The labels business still continues to grow at above GDP levels. There’s a little bit of recession-proof built into our industry. I think there’s a good positive outlook for all of us in this room and those who support your businesses.”

Despite the obstacles presented throughout various supply chain panels and Beaulieu’s keynote, many in the industry are still positive for the future.

“We’re forging ahead with optimism, and we’re very positive,” said Keaney. “We’re looking at 10% growth next year.”

“In general, even over the worst recessions we’ve had over the years, the label market has tended to track the GDP +1,” added Reardon. “That’s a pretty conservation forecast for all label technologies.”

“I’m cautiously optimistic, but don’t be complacent,” said Hart. “Make sure you’re dual sourcing and not totally reliant on one supplier.”