The third annual Women of Flexo (WOF) conference recently convened at the BOBST Atlanta Competence Center, drawing 75 attendees and 21 sponsors from across the flexographic printing industry.

Sponsors included companies such as Ace Media, All Printing Resources, Anderson & Vreeland, and DuPont Cyrel Flexographic Solutions, demonstrating broad support for the organization’s mission. This year’s theme, “Art & Science,” underscored the dual nature of success for women in the field, blending creative and interpersonal skills with technical expertise.

Katie Graham, BOBST regional marketing and communications manager, emphasized the significance of the event, saying, “The third annual Women of Flexo Conference at the BOBST Atlanta Competence Center was a testament to how far this group has come since it was started n 2019. What started as a small network of women has evolved into a thriving community that continues to inspire and support women in printing and packaging.”

Defining ‘Art and Science‘

The conference emphasized that thriving in the flexo industry requires both an understanding of the “art” – communication, people skills, creativity, and abstract thinking – and the “science” – data, chemistry, technology, processes, and factual knowledge. Attendees were encouraged to embrace both aspects, developing their technical acumen while honing their communication and leadership abilities to “speak flexo.”

The Women of Flexo organization focuses on several key objectives:

Leadership Development: Providing resources and opportunities for women to grow as leaders in their organizations and the industry.

Promoting Engagement & Visibility: Increasing the representation and recognition of women in flexo.

Mentorship: Connecting women with experienced professionals who can offer guidance and support.

Recruiting & Engagement: Attracting more women to the flexo industry and fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Marketing Strategy: Raising awareness of the WOF organization and its mission.

The conference featured a diverse lineup of speakers who shared their insights and experiences on a range of topics.

Jennye Scott, creative director at Berry Global, delivered a compelling presentation on “The Art & Science of Networking.” She defined networking as “actively collaborating with other like-minded people to better thyself professionally, personally or financially,” highlighting its importance for career advancement and personal growth. Scott advised attendees to assemble their own “board of directors” – a group of trusted advisors who can provide guidance and support, and noted that the recent conference at the BOBST Competence Center “did not disappoint.” She added, “the energy throughout the conference was amazing and the connections and memories will last for a long time. Join us at the FTA Forum in Pittsburgh, PA, on May 4, when accomplished female leaders in the industry discuss navigating career challenges, breaking barriers, and achieving success. There will be more opportunities to network during roundtable discussions and networking opportunities.”

Scott highlighted the importance of authentic engagement, attentive listening, and finding common ground with others beyond job titles and industries. She also stressed the need to cultivate an online presence that reflects one’s true self, utilizing platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter to expand their network. Scott encouraged attendees to reach out to both established professionals and younger generations for help and guidance, emphasizing the importance of “help fluency” – offering one’s own knowledge, skills, and experience to others. She shared practical tips for approaching new groups, such as looking for people with “Croissant feet” (those who are open to joining and being an ally) and contributing to the conversation rather than just taking. She also touted the importance of remembering names, interests, and details about others to build stronger connections.

Maggie Reed, sales manager at Edale, addressed the topic of “Turning Up the Volume: Getting Our Voices Heard.” She noted that while women make up 58% of the labor force and 50.5% of the population, only 29% of C-Suite positions are held by women, demonstrating that women are underrepresented in upper-level roles. Reed explored the biological, societal, and environmental factors that can contribute to this disparity, and she offered practical strategies for women to improve their communication skills and assert themselves in professional settings. Reed noted that “Good communication is an art form,” and we all need practice and training to perfect the art.

Reed stressed the importance of body language, confidence, and clear messaging. She encouraged attendees to be active listeners, stay on topic, and use assertive language when addressing interruptions or disrespect. She also outlined the anatomy of a meeting, describing the roles of the meeting leader, messengers, channel changers, contrarians, allies, and hijackers, and provided tips for effectively navigating these dynamics. Reed also emphasized the need for early education, mentorship, and networking to help women advance in their careers.

A panel of women in technical roles discussed “The science behind flexo and the art of navigating technical roles.” They shared their experiences dealing with technical issues, sustainability concerns, evolving laws and regulations, and working with customers to meet retailer requirements. The panel emphasized that while the technical aspects can be overwhelming, most changes aren’t rapid, providing time to adjust. They advocated for seeking help from colleagues and partners to facilitate progress and underscored the importance of being comfortable admitting when they don’t have an immediate answer.

Resilient Leadership: Learning from Challenges

Tara Steinhauser delivered a powerful and deeply personal talk on resilience and leadership, sharing her journey of stepping into the role of CEO at Steinhauser after the unexpected passing of her father and her brother’s departure from the company. Faced with immense challenges, she navigated a period of uncertainty with determination, transforming adversity into an opportunity for growth.

Steinhauser stated that true leadership is not about having all the answers but about making tough decisions, adapting to change, and fostering a culture of transparency and trust. She highlighted how honest communication and a willingness to evolve were critical in not only stabilizing the company but also driving its expansion. Under her leadership, Steinhauser has doubled in size, a testament to the power of resilience, strategic vision, and an unwavering commitment to both her team and the industry. Her story served as an inspiring reminder that setbacks can be the foundation for success when met with courage and a growth-oriented mindset.

Rachel Acevedo, founder and CEO of Ace Media & Marketing, provided an overview of artificial intelligence (AI) and its practical applications in the flexo industry. She discussed the different types of AI, including narrow AI, machine learning, and deep learning, and offered examples of how AI can be used for tasks such as research, data analysis, content creation, and technical problem-solving. Acevedo cautioned attendees about the potential dangers of AI, including privacy concerns, data leaks, and over-reliance on technology. She emphasized the importance of setting up AI protocols, implementing data privacy and security measures, and designating an AI champion within the organization.

The Women of Flexo Conference provided attendees with valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities.

Key takeaways

• The Women of Flexo Conference provided attendees with valuable insights, practical skills, and networking opportunities.

• The power of networking and mentorship in career development.

• Strategies for improving communication and asserting oneself in professional settings.

• The potential of AI to transform the flexo industry, along with the need for responsible and ethical implementation.

Kiersten Borden, inside sales representative, XSYS, perfectly captured the spirit of the event, saying, “Seeing positive feedback from the conference – women leaving energized, inspired, and connected – makes all the time and planning worthwhile. I really feel that we have built a valuable space for career growth and camaraderie for women in our industry, and I’m excited to see how this event grows and evolves for years to come.”

The Women of Flexo organization continues to provide a vital platform for women in the flexo industry to connect, learn, and grow. The annual conference serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of diversity, inclusion, and leadership development in shaping the future of the industry.