2026 FORUM INFOFLEX Receives Record Turnout

With record attendance outpacing the last two years, the 2026 FORUM INFOFLEX marked a defining moment for the flexographic industry. 

The Foundation of Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) hosted the event at Milwaukee’s Baird Center, April 25–29. FORUM INFOFLEX delivered four days of hands-on learning, live demonstrations, and networking. 

Attendance Numbers

This year, printer participation reached a six-year high, and increased supplier investment. Also, a global community of over 100 volunteers helped support and drive the event.

Roughly 1,100 flexo professionals joined the event. The attendance also included 310 attendees representing printer and converter companies across 27 US states and six countries. 

Plus, the event saw nearly 140 exhibitors showcasing the latest equipment, technologies, and solutions shaping the future of flexographic printing. 

“Over the past year, the FTA Board of Directors made a commitment to bring transformational change to the FTA. Change isn’t always easy, and not always perfect, but required. I am thrilled to say that after this year’s FORUM in Milwaukee that change is being seen and heard throughout our industry. The FTA membership, staff, and all our volunteers produced an event that exceeded all our expectations. I have never been prouder of our community and the opportunity to serve in it,” says FTA Board chair Paul Teachout.

INFOFLEX Events

2026 FORUM INFOFLEX delivered a comprehensive program, focusing on workflow optimization, data-driven decision-making, hybrid and digital printing integration, AI, sustainability, and workforce development.

Educational sessions included presentations like “Plates in the Afterlife,” and discussions on quantifying plate screening. Plus, presenters brought new perspectives on improving packaging speed and efficiency to balance innovation with practical application.

A key addition to this year’s event was the Executive Leadership Summit. 

This feature brought together senior leaders from converter members for focused discussions on business strategy, industry challenges, and more. The summit set the foundation for continued executive-level dialogue in future events.

Awards Ceremony

The event also celebrated excellence across the industry during the FTA Awards Banquet and award ceremony. The awards recognize leaders and innovators for their contributions to flexographic printing. 

Highlights included the induction of Catherine Haynes into the FTA Hall of Fame and the presentation of the President’s Award to Garrett Taylor.

The FTA Excellence in Flexography Best of Show winners were recognized for achieving the highest level of excellence in flexographic print quality, innovation, and technical execution across all entries.

Winners include:

• ProAmpac – Xtreme Lime Takis in Wide Web, Process, Film for its award-winning entry, demonstrating exceptional print consistency, strong color reproduction and precise registration across a complex design.  
• Walki Westpak & Marvaco Oy – Sour Croco Fizzy Bubble and Sour Apple in Mid Web, Process, Film for delivering crisp detail and an excellent proof-to-print match across a wide tonal range.  
• McDowell Label – Tequila Blanco in Narrow Web, Process, Coated Paper for its standout label work featuring extremely fine dot reproduction, sharp text and flawless consistency across runs.  
• Adara Pakkaus Oy & Marvaco Oy – Boulangerie Marco Cake Box in Corrugated, Process, Combined Corrugated for a technically demanding job that achieved superior tonal range, precision and overall visual impact.  
• Smurfit Westrock – Kimberly Clark Huggies Snug & Dry in Preprint Linerboard, Process, Preprint Linerboard for producing large-format graphics with strong color consistency, smooth solids and clean reproduction.  
• MackayMitchell Envelope Company – Fireflies in Envelope, Process, Uncoated Paper for delivering high-quality print performance with tight registration and consistent results across production.