From March 9-12, 2025, TLMI welcomed more than 125 attendees to its annual Converter Meeting. Taking place in San Antonio, TX, USA, members gathered for networking, education, and meetings, all designed to grow their businesses and the health of the label and package printing industry.

During the Converter Meeting, TLMI illustrated the goals established over the past year. 2025 will feature a wealth of content and initiatives that were developed at TLMI’s Committee Summit last December.

“We have put a lot of time in working with our committees to expand our webinars,” explained Linnea Keen, president, TLMI. “We can’t always meet in person, but we have plenty of content to support our members. We encourage you to share everything you learn here with members of your entire company.”

“This is an amazing event that TLMI puts on,” added Tina Hart, vice president of marketing, Labels and Packaging Materials North America, Avery Dennison. “For new attendees it’s a great opportunity to build relationships. We normally sit through meetings and business reviews, but TLMI is a great place to build lifelong relationships with a lot of great people. I’m grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of this event.”

Sustainability and regulations were front and center, along with the results of TLMI’s valuable Ratio Study. Alan Beaulieu of ITR Economics also returned for the 18^th and final time, as he is set to retire. ITR Economics, which is now owned by Crowe LLP, is an apolitical research and consulting firm, has been built with accuracy in mind. Beaulieu, a fixture at TLMI events, has presented his Economic Outlook 18 times for members throughout the years.

According to Beaulieu, the immediate future should bring positive economic results. “When we look at wholesale trade in the US, it’s going to be accelerating and getting busier,” noted Beaulieu. “This is good news because of all the labels and tags that go on packages throughout the world. That business will go up and will be accelerating through 2025 and 2026. It will be accelerating. 2027 will be up, too, but not as fast as 2026.”

Anne Johnson of Resource Recycling Systems joined the Converter Meeting to provide the latest on liner recycling and TLMI’s Liner Recycling Initiative (LRI). RRS boasts a long track record of building reverse supply chains for all types of hard to recycle materials. The LRI is a collaborative effort of TLMI and the former CELAB North America.

“A lot has happened in the last 3-4 months,” stated Johnson. “We are looking for end users of labels who generate release liner because those are the people we’re looking to work with. You have a very complicated supply chain, so you are key people.

“The approach really starts with the end market because it’s not just about removing the silicone, it’s about recycling the fiber,” she added. “We need to understand mill specifications and what volumes do they take – gaylords, bales, truckloads? Sustana Fiber is the only mill operator that formally accepts and promotes the recycling of silicone-coated release liner.”

Channeled Resources Group was the first sponsor of TLMI’s LRI.

The TLMI Converter Meeting featured in-depth discussions on legislation, such as Prop 65 and EPR, as well as RFID, workforce development, and steps needed for APR (Association of Plastic Recyclers) certification.

Additionally, TLMI proudly announced several upcoming events this summer, which will continue delivering critical content to members. This year marks the return of printTHINK Summit, which will be co-located with Amplify on June 11-12 in Rosemont, IL.

“Our printTHINK Summit registration is now open, and the agenda is available,” noted Keen. “There will be more than 200 exhibitors at Amplify, and we’ll be co-located in the conference center. That’s where we’ll provide you with technical resources and support, customer service, and the topics your company is facing every day.”

Meanwhile, TLMI announced details for the third iteration of its popular LLT (Label Leaders of Tomorrow) Excursion. Previously hosted by Avery Dennison and Domino, TLMI and its emerging leaders will venture to Appvion and Green Bay Packaging in Wisconsin this summer.

“This Excursion is a day-and-a-half program, with Appvion hosting and Green Bay Packaging serving as a co-host – where we’ll tour both facilities,” said Keen. “E-commerce and other products readily used in your life will be front and center. Green Bay Packaging will showcase its laminating facility, as well. We’re planning this event for the middle of July.”

The event also featured an expansive list of sponsors. Platinum sponsored included Avery Dennison, Baldwin, Domino, Durst, Flexcon, Gallus-Heidelberg, HP, Mark Andy, and UPM Raflatac, while Appvion, Beontag, Henkel. Maxcess, and Xeikon highlighted the gold sponsors. The Converter Meeting was co-sponsored by Labelexpo, as well – as the event featured a preview of Labelexpo Europe. The event will move to Barcelona for the first time in September.

During the event, TLMI also announced the promotions of Linnea Keen and Dale Coates. Effective immediately, Linnea Keen has been appointed to the position of president and chief executive officer (CEO) and Dale Coates to the position of chief operating officer (COO).

Keen has been instrumental in growing TLMI since joining its leadership in July 2020. In her previous role as president, she spearheaded numerous initiatives that have significantly advanced the association’s mission and goals.

In November 2020, Keen recruited Coates to refocus efforts on membership growth and retention and to facilitate improvements in operations. Coates has played a pivotal role in enhancing member experiences and driving engagement.