FTA Announces Theme, Opens Registrations for 2012 Annual Forum & INFO*FLEX Exhibition

Events slated for March 18-21; San Antonio, Texas

October 20, 2011 – Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), the world’s leading professional society dedicated to advancing the flexographic printing process, today announced the official theme and opened registrations for its 2012 Annual Forum & INFO*FLEX Exhibition.

“Flexo: Brand of Choice” will be the fundamental premise of next year’s showcase event. It takes place earlier than usual, on March 18-21 at the Grand Hyatt and Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

The signature event in the flexographic printing and converting trade, has welcomed record numbers of printers/converters and consumer product companies over the past few years. Forum 2012 is chaired by industry veterans Randy Butler, marketing manager, Printpack Corporate Graphics, Printpack Inc.; and Bob Mullen, vice president-midwest regional sales manager, Sun Chemical Corp.

“This year’s Forum promises to be one of the most thought-provoking and energetic conferences we have had in a while,” commented Butler. “We are focused on bringing value to each and every member of the FTA. We have a great show planned. It includes the resurrection of the FOG platform presented 11 years ago. For those who are not familiar with it, FOG showcased comparisons between the same jobs printed Flexo, Offset and Gravure. We believe now is the time to showcase where we are with flexo technology today. We have the very best industry leaders and speakers providing you a must-see show on the Riverwalk in San Antonio. Come and see why flexo is the “Brand of Choice.”

Mullen added his thoughts: “Over the past few years it has become very clear that FTA has been delivering significant value to the printing and converting markets in corrugated, folding carton, narrow web, labels and flexible packaging; as evidenced by the huge turnouts at last year’s event in Indianapolis, as well as the recent Color In Focus conference held in St. Louis. Despite a tight economy, our fellow flexographers have seen the benefits of continued education, discussions of new technical advances, and the unique networking opportunities that FTA brings to its constituents. The 2012 Forum in San Antonio will only underscore this point.”

"Our schedule of sessions deals with: comparative print processes, emerging technologies, higher press speeds, expanded color gamuts, standardization of color specifications and ways in which to achieve operational excellence,” Mullen continued. “Forum 2012 will allow the attendee to benchmark the present and plan the future. All this will combine with a plethora of networking opportunities stemming from both the camaraderie of peers and the beautiful Texas weather in March!”

The 2012 program features seven sessions, some of which are making their debuts to the Forum agenda, some that have been cemented into the program by popular demand, and one that is making a return engagement! They are:

Additionally, the Forum agenda boasts a complimentary pre-conference “FQC Day” on March 18, which is designed to provide attendees with a better understanding of the factors controlling the quality of the flexographic printing process.

INFO*FLEX Celebrates 30 Years
Coinciding with Forum 2012 is the INFO*FLEX Exhibition (March 19 & 20), which celebrates its 30th anniversary. Now recognized as the single largest, most comprehensive, packaging printing and converting networking opportunity in North America, INFO*FLEX 2012 will offer more than 225 exhibits. Additionally, a Presentation Theater, an Educational Pavilion, plus a complimentary luncheon and social networking event occupy the sprawling trade show floor.

INFO*FLEX, already 75 percent sold, is designed to make each and every Forum/INFO*FLEX attendee a better, more efficient and consistent high-quality print provider. Those interested in exhibiting should contact Jay Kaible, director of business development at 631-737-6020 x20.

Rates
Attendees will save $200 by registering for Full Forum before the early bird deadline of Feb. 3, 2012. Consumer product companies (CPCs) and printers/converters enjoy specially discounted rates and can take advantage of a “Register 2, Get 1 Free” promotion.

To date, premier sponsors of the 2012 events include: EskoArtwork; 3M; Anderson & Vreeland, Inc., Degraf S.p.a; DuPont Packaging Graphics; Flexo Wash; Flint Group; Harper Corporation of America; and ICE USA.

Prospective attendees looking for more information about the 2012 Annual Forum can follow this link. Those looking for information on the INFO*FLEX Exhibition can click here. Online registration is available through the FTA Store or by calling FTA's Customer Service Department at 631-737-6020.

 

About FTA/FFTA: Flexographic Technical Association (FTA), chartered in 1958, is a professional society dedicated to bringing all members of the flexographic printing community—printers, suppliers, consumer product companies, institutions, prepress houses and others--together by providing opportunities for the free exchange of technical ideas and discussion of mutual concerns. It is a proponent of maintaining and advancing quality standards and includes 1,650 member sites that represent more than 1,400 companies and 60,000 individuals. Foundation of FTA, founded in 1974, is the educational arm of FTA and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the flexographic printing industry.