Apex International Leads by Example: Empowering Women Across the Globe to Attend the 2026 Women of Flexo Conference
Women of Flexo is hosting their fourth annual conference in March 2026 at Clemson University. Apex International, the world’s largest anilox and embossing roll supplier, stepped up and is sending all of its North American female employees to attend, plus women from across its global locations. Apex has a long-established tradition of strong female leadership, including a woman CEO who guided the company for more than two decades, so offering their support for this year’s conference was a no-brainer.
For Global Marketing Coordinator Farrah Nuzzo, who has been with Apex for nearly 20 years, the company’s commitment represents much more than a travel opportunity.
“It shows that our people come first,” Nuzzo said. “When leadership supports opportunities like this, it tells our team that they are valued and supported both personally and professionally and that’s really powerful.”
From Inspiration to Action
Nuzzo first attended the Women of Flexo Conference in 2024 at Comexi in Miami, FL and wasn’t quite sure what to expect.
“Honestly, I thought it might be a bit of a ‘girly’ event,” she laughed. “But what I found was completely different. It was empowering, welcoming, and full of substance. You walk away recharged and proud to be part of this industry.”
After that first experience, Apex’s Chairman, Ken Ralton, encouraged the North American team to attend together the following year, calling it an investment in team building and professional growth. When Nuzzo shared that experience at Apex headquarters in the Netherlands, the idea gained traction at the highest level.
“Our CEO, Ruud van Cuijk, immediately jumped on board,” Nuzzo said. “He wanted every woman across our global teams to have that same opportunity.”
This March, women from Apex locations around the world will join their North American colleagues at Clemson University, totaling upwards of 20 women!
Empowerment, Inclusion, and Belonging
For Nuzzo, the value of the Women of Flexo Conference lies in its unique atmosphere of collaboration and authenticity.
“It’s a great bonding activity in a community I wouldn’t normally have the chance to connect with,” she said. “At Women of Flexo, everyone’s on the same page. It’s okay to step out of your comfort zone, make mistakes, and be yourself. We push each other to grow, and that’s where the real magic happens.”
She hopes that the women attending for the first time will experience that same sense of belonging.
“I want them to feel like they’re part of something bigger,” Nuzzo said. “It doesn’t matter if you’re in the office, production, sales, or on the press floor, every person plays a part in moving our industry forward. I want them to leave feeling confident that their ideas and voices matter.”
Setting an Example for the Industry
As one of the largest anilox suppliers in the flexographic printing world, Apex’s leadership believes in modeling the kind of culture it wants to see industry-wide.
“Empowerment only matters when it’s visible in our actions.” said Ruud van Cuijk, Apex CEO. “Supporting our women globally is not just an investment — it’s a commitment to the culture we want to build. When we strengthen the women of Apex, we strengthen Apex itself.”
Nuzzo also praised the Flexographic Technical Association (FTA) and its community programs like Women of Flexo and L.I.F.T. (Leaders Inspiring Flexo’s Tomorrow) for providing spaces that foster connection and support.
“FTA is doing it right,” she said. “By including all members; men, women, and young professionals, they’re helping build the next generation of flexo talent.”
Looking Ahead to Clemson
With the 2026 conference set at Clemson University, Nuzzo is eager for her team to connect with students and future flexographers.
“Having it at Clemson makes it extra special because it brings professionals and students together,” she said. “It bridges the next generation of flexo talent, which is exactly what our industry needs.”
She’s also looking forward to the energy and engagement that make the event feel more like a reunion than a conference.
“We don’t just sit quietly in sessions,” she said. “We get people talking, connecting, and having fun. It’s about coming out of your shell, sharing your story, and realizing we’re all in this together.”
A Culture of Commitment
For Nuzzo, Apex’s decision to champion this initiative is deeply personal.
“It means everything,” she said. “I’m proud to be part of a company that doesn’t just talk about empowerment—they act on it. They’ve supported me throughout my career, and I’ll support them for the rest of mine. That mutual commitment is what makes Apex special.”
Her advice to other companies considering a similar investment is simple:
“Do it. The benefits go far beyond the event itself. It builds confidence, loyalty, and a stronger sense of community within your team. When people feel supported and inspired, that energy carries back into the workplace.”
Join Us at Clemson
The 2026 Women of Flexo Conference, themed “Unwind and Rewind”, will take place at Clemson University in March 2026, featuring facility tours with the Sonoco Institute and Watt Family Innovation Center.
To learn more about the event or to register, visit womenofflexo.org/conference.
