2025 Annual Conference
February 23 - February 25
$250.00 – $1,295.00
Experience the premier event of the year for the flexographic pre-press platemaking industry at the FPPA 2025 Annual Conference. Discover cutting-edge innovations through supplier presentations, expand your professional network, and gain valuable insights that will help grow your business. Set in the scenic surroundings of Tucson, AZ, this conference is a must-attend event for industry professionals eager to stay at the forefront of technological advancements. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and propel your business forward!
Registration
Member (Single Ticket): $1095
Member (Group Rate 3+): $595
Guest/Spouse: $250
Location
Omni Tucson National Resort
2727 West Club Drive, Tucson, Arizona, 85742
Phone: (520) 297-2271
Lodging - SOLD OUT
The FPPA Room Block is now SOLD OUT.
Click here to book your stay outside the block.
Rate: $269/night
Travel
The nearest airport to Omni Tuscon National Resort is Tucson International Airport, 31 minutes from the hotel.
Attire
Business casual for all sessions.
One-on-One Sessions
Schedule is subject to change at any time. Please refer to the schedules linked here for the most up-to-date changes.
2025 Annual Conference Schedule
***Schedule is subject to change
Sunday, February 23:
6:00 Welcome Reception/Dinner (Food, Fun & Networking)
Location: Papago Terrace
*Heavy hors d'oeuvres and your first drink is on Hybrid Software!
All General Sessions are held in the Papago Ballroom of the Omni Tucson National Resort.
Monday, February 24:
7:00 a.m. Breakfast Location: Papago Terrace
*Provided by FPPA. Guest registrations do not include breakfast or lunch
8:00 Welcome Remarks, Laura Wright, FPPA Board Chair
8:15 Demand for Corrugated Packaging, Hailey Ferrington, Dupont
8:35 Embracing Updated Software Solutions to Increase Your Profits: Mike Agness, Hybrid Software
8:55 Esko Plate Making Technologies: Today and Tomorrow, Rory Marsoun, Esko
9:15 XSYS/MacDermid Update: Trey Beckman, MacDermid
9:35 XSYS Business Update 2025: Innovations, Sustainability, and Automation, Dan Rosen, XSYS
9:55 Break
10:10 Recruiting & Retaining a Young Workforce: Ashley Lown, Engagement & Placement Coordinator at Pima County Joint Technical Education District in Tucson, AZ
11:10 Automation & Digitization in Mounting: Lorenzo Sambri, Bieffebi
11:40 Repurposing Plates, Embracing Responsibility by Gerry Mounsey, Sustainable Solutionz
12:10 p.m. Lunch Location: Papago Terrace
*Provided by FPPA. Guest registrations no not include breakfast or lunch.
1:30 One-on-One Sessions Location: Navajo & Papago Ballrooms
All Associate members must sign up for the One-on-one sessions to participate. Email fppa@markens.com to confirm your participation.
4:00 Managing the Young Workforce: Insights, Challenges, and Strategies: Peter R. Cappas, United Engravers, Hailey Ferrington, Dupont, Graham Saunders, Container Graphics Corp.
6:00 President’s Dinner Location: Ironwood Salon
Tuesday, February 25:
7:30 a.m. Breakfast Location: Papago Terrace
8:30 One-on-One Sessions Location: Navajo & Papago Ballrooms
10:00 A Global Specialist in Photopolymer Plate Wash-Out Chemistry: Tom Korchak, Spring Coating Systems
10:30 Generative AI in Packaging Development Cycle: Transforming Brand Communication with Disruptive Technologies, Marek Skrzynski, CSW, Inc.
11:00 Closing Remarks
Keynote
Recruiting & Retaining the Young Workforce: Bridging the Generation Gap
Ashley Lown, Engagement & Placement Coordinator at Pima County JTED, and Amanada Simeza, will take the stage with her colleague Amanda Simeza, Director of Student Services at Pima JTED, to share insights on Recruiting & Retaining a Young Workforce. With a proven track record in workforce development and a passion for aligning education with economic needs, they have driven impactful partnerships and innovative solutions to prepare students for future careers.
Ashley Lown, Engagement & Placement Coordinator at Pima County JTED
Amanda Simeza, Pima County JTED
Ashley Lown, a leader in workforce development and Career and Technical Education (CTE), drives impactful partnerships that prepare students for the future workforce. As Engagement and Placement Coordinator at Pima County JTED, she leads Work-Based Learning initiatives, boosting business collaborations, internships, and workforce solutions. Her efforts have increased business participation in internships by 46% annually while aligning CTE programs with regional economic goals. An award-winning educator and published author, Ashley holds a Master’s in Biological Sciences from Miami University and a National Board Certification in CTE. She continues to champion education and workforce integration for a stronger economy.
Amanda Simeza, Pima County JTED
Amanda holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Family and Consumer Science Education and a Master’s of Education in School Counseling and Guidance. Throughout the past 20 years of work as a Culinary Arts and English Teacher, Professional School Counselor, Adjunct Professor for Student Success Courses at PCC and now
Director of Student Services at Pima JTED, Amanda has been a vocal advocate for students always working with their best interest in mind. In her current position, she ensures the adults working directly with the students are supported so they can best serve students while working to make sure opportunities are available to all students.
General Session Speakers
Managing the Young Workforce: Insights, Challenges, and Strategies
Description: Explore practical strategies for managing and retaining the younger workforce, building on Ashley Lown’s keynote insights. This panel dives into generational shifts, addressing push-back on traditional practices, and discovering what excites, motivates, and retains young professionals in our industry. Gain actionable ideas to engage talent, navigate challenges, and align organizational practices with the values of the workforce shaping our future.
Panelists:
Generative AI in Packaging Development Cycle: Transforming Brand Communication with Disruptive Technologies
Marek Skrzynski
VP, Technology & Innovation
Description: A brief introduction to the dynamic fusion of brand communication and Generative AI technology, which is revolutionizing the packaging design process. We’ll explore real-world examples and expert insights to illustrate how this cutting-edge technology accelerates the development cycle, enabling quicker iterations and faster time to market. Discover how to leverage this innovation for your upcoming projects!
Technical Speakers
Hailey Ferrington
Account Manager
Topic: Demand for Corrugated Packaging
Trey Beckman
Director of Global Strategic Accounts
Topic: XSYS/MacDermid Update
Rory Marsoun
Director of Sales
Topic: Esko Plate Making Technologies: Today and Tomorrow
Dan Rosen
Director Sales National Accounts
Topic: XSYS Business Update 2025: Innovations, Sustainability, and Automation
Mike Agness
Executive VP, Americas
Topic: Embracing Updated Software Solutions to Increase Your Profits
Tom Korchak
Managing Director
Topic: Advancements in VOC Emission Reduction
Gerry Mounsey
President
Topic: Repurposing Plates, Embracing Responsibility
Lorenzo Sambri
Area Manager
BIEFFEBI
Topic: Automation & Digitalization in Mounting
Premier Sponsors
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