Bridging the Gap at FORUM 2025
FTA’s FORUM 2025 brought the flexographic industry together with sessions highlighting everything from sustainability and smart packaging to the latest in printing technologies and AI. The theme “Bridging the Gap” embraced all the different printing technologies and how they work together (Flexo, hybrid, and digital).
Some sessions emphasized the importance of precise color targets, consistent measurement tools, and communication throughout the supply chain, while others focused on industry trends like sustainability, smart packaging, regulations, and more.
But one of the most talked-about moments? The Women in Leadership panel hosted by Women of Flexo.
The panel members included Rachel Acevedo, Laura Wright, Alix Guyot, and Kristen Shields, accomplished female leaders across the flexographic industry. They shared candid insights, career experiences, and the realities of breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry. With technical, executive, and entrepreneurial backgrounds, the session sparked both inspiration and connection.
The panelists opened up about the challenges they’ve faced, from imposter syndrome to industry bias and how they’ve carved their own paths through mentorship, sponsorship, and sheer determination. Each story was unique, yet all pointed to a common thread: women in flexo are rising, leading, and lifting others along the way.
“It was inspiring to see women from all different parts of the industry talk about things I can personally relate to,” said Lilly Blum, Marketing and CRM Manager at Inland Packaging and Women of Flexo member. “Even though our jobs may be different, we can all still connect with each other.”
Following the panel, WoF hosted interactive breakout discussions where attendees reflected on personal challenges, mentorship wins, and career-building habits. Each attendee also had the opportunity to share their go-to leadership reads and resources, a reminder that leadership is learned, shared, and lived every day. You can find the recommendations at the end of this blog!
The relationship building continued at the happy hour where new and familiar faces gathered to unwind, catch up, and continue to foster the community this organization has built. It was a perfect reflection of what WoF stands for: mentorship, momentum, and meaningful relationships.
As the flexo industry embraces innovation and inclusion, we’re proud to be part of the conversation and the change.
Books recommended by the WoF community
Monday Morning Leadership – David Cottrell
The CEO Next Door – Elena Botelho and Kim Powell
Your Next 5 Business Moves – Patrick Bet-David
Who – Geoff Smart and Randy Street
Measure What Matters – John Doerr
Who Moved My Cheese – Spencer Johnson
How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
Let Them – John Mullaney
The Courage to Be Disliked – Ichiro Kishimi and Fumitake Koga
The 5 AM Club – Robin Sharma
Prioritize the Known, Explore the Unknown – Sarah Hodges
The Challenger Sale – Matthew Dixon and Brent Adamson
Zero to One – Peter Thiel
Ikigai – Héctor García and Francesc Miralles
The Skinny Confidential – Lauryn Evarts Bosstick
Culture Apothecary – Kimberley Parker
How I Built This – Guy Raz
Women in Manufacturing – Jennifer McNelly and Kate E. Stephenson
The Diary of a CEO – Steven Bartlett
Atomic Habits – James Clear
There’s an Elephant in Your Office – Martin Vestergaard
