Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG), the largest community of independent label converters in the industry, recently concluded its 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, California, where Members and Vendor Partners gathered for three days of education, connection, collaboration, and celebration.

This year’s agenda featured a strong lineup of educational sessions and interactive discussions designed specifically for independent converters. FLAG President JC McKay delivered a presentation on artificial intelligence, helping attendees better understand the difference between today’s generative AI tools and emerging agent-based technologies, while highlighting real-world applications for sales, estimating, customer service, workflow management, and operational decision-making.

Attendees also participated in a dynamic panel discussion focused on how brands, designers, and converters can work together more effectively across the label value chain. Member Round Tables gave participants the opportunity to discuss challenges and learn directly from one another in one of the most valuable peer-to-peer aspects of the FLAG experience.

A highlight of the meeting was the Member tour of Label King’s facility, where attendees got a firsthand look at the company’s operation and approach to serving customers. The event also included some San Diego fun, with attendees spending time aboard the historic USS Midway before gathering for the annual awards dinner.

The annual awards dinner honored Members and Vendor Partners whose commitment and participation continue to strengthen the FLAG community.

Member Tour Host Award: Label King

At each FLAG Annual Meeting, a Member company opens its facility and welcomes attendees for a firsthand look at how its operations are structured for growth and success. Members place great value in seeing how a company of similar size and scope implements processes, technology, and best practices.

FLAG Gold Member Awards

The long-term success of FLAG is based on engagement, involvement, and purchasing at high levels from all Members. The Gold Member Award is presented to FLAG Members who have achieved Gold Member Ranking in their purchasing levels multiple times over the last four quarters and attended the Annual Members Meeting. The 2026 Gold Member Award recipients are:

Apogee Industries
Creative Labels, Inc.
Grace Label
LPS Labels
M&R Label
Rose City Label

Brad Brown Strategic Partner Award: Michael Agness – Hybrid Software

The Brad Brown Strategic Partner Award is presented annually to one person who exemplifies Commitment, Creativity, and Excellence, three character traits of Brad Brown, in support of FLAG and its Members.

FLAG Vendor Partner of the Year Award: All Printing Resources

This award is based on exceptional support, communication, and commitment to FLAG and its Members by a participating vendor.

Million Dollar Award: The DeLeone Corporation

This award recognizes Members who have achieved $1 million or more in savings by taking advantage of the purchasing power available through FLAG.

“The energy in San Diego was outstanding,” said JC McKay, President of FLAG. “This is what FLAG is all about: bringing independent converters together to learn from each other, strengthen their businesses, and find new ways to compete. The conversations in San Diego will have an impact well beyond the meeting itself.”

FLAG’s Annual Meeting is exclusive to Members, but the benefits of Membership continue throughout the year through peer networking, Lunch & Learn webinars, strategic resources, and cost-saving opportunities from world-class Vendor Partners