Art & Science: Women of Flexo’s Third Annual Conference
In March, Women of Flexo held their third annual conference, hosted at the recently opened BOBST Competence Center in Cumming, GA. The event, themed Art and Science, explored two aspects of the industry and offered insights from several sessions over two days.
“We decided on the theme ‘Art and Science’ because there is an art and a science to flexo, and an art and science to being a woman in a male-dominated field,” said event co-host Rachel Acevedo from Ace Media & Marketing.
Sitting amongst flexo machinery on the BOBST Competence Center show floor, attendees gained insight into the art and science of different topics and areas of flexo. Jennye Scott of Berry Global presented the Art & Science of Networking. Jennye kicked off the event with tips and tricks for expanding your networking circle for career growth. The Art & Science of Resilience & Leadership, led by Tara Halpin from Steinhouser Inc., was an inspiring message on the challenges and lessons learned on the road to leadership.
Women of Flexo’s first panel, The Science Behind Flexo & the Art of Navigating Technical Roles, leaned more into the technical side of flexo. Amira Jyawook, COIM Group; Jennifer Amaral, Fortis Solutions; Viviane Ramset, Sun Chemical, and Allie Ayers, DuPont, offered insights into their technical roles in flexo and some of the challenges that they have faced and how they overcame them. Technical sessions were also provided on the Art of Negotiation with Sarah Groves of Berry Global, and a session on practical uses of artificial intelligence in your everyday work. After six sessions, attendees walked away with an arsenal of inspiration and tools they can take with them into their careers.
Keeping on theme, the networking event was an Art and Science Fair that included a make-your-own-perfume station, caricatures, a True Colors assessment, and cannoli decorating.
“We wanted our networking event to encourage conversation and collaboration,” said co-host Kiersten Borden with XSYS. “And the interactive elements of the Art and Science Fair were fun.”
Day 2 kicked off with a tour of the new BOBST facility. Groups led by Katie Graham, BOBST Global Marketing & Communications Leader, and Michael Cox, BOBST Competence Center Manager, gave attendees an insider’s look at the machinery and technology the Competence Center boasts.
All in all, this year’s conference was a huge success. With 75 attendees and 21 sponsors, it marked Women of Flexo’s most significant event yet – and they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
Don’t miss the Women of Flexo panel session at InfoFlex: Women in Leadership with the Women of Flexo; Tuesday, May 6, 10:45 AM – 12:15 PM, Room 304/305 and the networking reception, Monday, May 5, at 4:30 PM, Hall A – Exhibition Area (Booth 737).
