The Flexographic Pre-Press Platemakers Association (FPPA) hosted its 27th Annual Conference February 22–24 in Orlando, Florida, bringing together platemakers, suppliers, and industry partners from across North America for two days of strategic insight, technical education, and high-value business connections.

The 2026 Conference marked a historic milestone for FPPA, achieving the Association’s highest attendance and welcoming a record number of sponsors. The event delivered one of the most comprehensive and forward-looking programs ever assembled for the flexographic pre-press community, addressing economic outlooks, digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, technical innovation, and structured one-on-one business development meetings.

The program opened with a keynote presentation from Dr. Chris Kuehl of Armada Corporate Intelligence, who provided an in-depth economic update and analysis of consumer food trends. His session offered critical context on manufacturing performance, shifting demand patterns, and ongoing tariff developments impacting the packaging and print supply chain.

Michael Agness, executive vice president, Americas at Hybrid Software, presented The State of Digital, examining how automation, workflow integration, and evolving digital technologies are transforming prepress operations and redefining efficiency, quality, and competitiveness across the industry.

Artificial intelligence took center stage during a featured panel discussion moderated by Hailey Ferrington of DuPont. Panelists included Agness and Laura Wright of CSW, Inc., offering executive, global enterprise, and technology-provider perspectives. The discussion focused on practical AI applications already being implemented, how companies are evaluating AI tools, and the leadership considerations necessary as adoption accelerates throughout the sector.

Technical education remained a cornerstone of the conference, with presentations from leading industry suppliers including Sustainable Solutionz, Anderson & Vreeland, Clean Planet Chemical, XSYS Flexo US LLC, Esko, and DuPont. These sessions delivered actionable insights on materials, process optimization, sustainability, and emerging technologies shaping the future of flexographic pre-press.

A defining feature of the FPPA Annual Conference remains its structured one-on-one meeting program. Over two days, platemakers and suppliers participated in dedicated 15-minute meetings to foster meaningful dialogue and explore new innovations and partnership opportunities. The 2026 event facilitated the most one-on-one meetings in FPPA’s history, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to purposeful connection and business growth.

During the President’s Dinner and Awards Ceremony, FPPA recognized outstanding achievement across the industry. The Excellence in Flexo Award was presented to Esko for its innovation and leadership in advancing flexographic pre-press technology through its new Flexo Front End+ module, the Esko Auto Plate Patcher.

The Association also introduced the inaugural Industry Legacy Award, honoring individuals whose long-term contributions have significantly shaped both FPPA and the broader flexographic community. The first recipients—Don Scanlon of Adheso-Graphics Inc. and Tim Moore of Southern Graphics Systems, Inc.—were recognized for their enduring impact and dedicated service to the Association and the industry at large.

“As we look ahead, it’s clear that our industry is evolving rapidly,” says Aaron Pettijohn of Mark-Maker, who officially stepped into the role of FPPA President during the conference. “From economic pressures to digital transformation and AI integration, the conversations taking place here are essential. FPPA remains committed to providing a space where platemakers and suppliers can connect, learn, and lead the future of flexographic pre-press together.”