Edited by Erin Judge, managing editor, PostPress

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) recently held its Print Embellishment Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. The three-day event focused on all aspects of print embellishment and finishing – from hot, cold and digital metallics to specialty coatings and emerging technologies – and featured a variety of industry leaders discussing the latest trends shaping the market. This year’s conference was sold out, drawing a record number of attendees.

“Our registrations demonstrated 25% growth in overall attendance from our last Print Embellishment Conference, which took place two years ago in Dallas, Texas,” stated FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “The combination of continued growth within the print embellishment industry, the event location in Nashville, and what we believe is a very strong program on new technology and trends in the industry were all factors in the overwhelming response.”

The first day included a meeting of the Digital Embellishment Alliance and the unveiling of FSEA’s newest initiative, The NextGen Leaders Society – aimed at bringing younger people into the industry. (Read more on NextGen Leaders Society on pg. 71.) After an opening night reception, day two began with a keynote presentation from Trish Witkowski, chief folding fanatic, foldfactory.com, entitled “The Power of Sensory Marketing in Direct Mail.” Additional presentations and panel discussions covered topics including hot markets for print and embellishments; troubleshooting hot, cold and digital embellishment challenges; a collaborative design-to-print-to-embellish success story; why touch remains print’s greatest advantage; print’s growing presence in Washington; navigating extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations for cartons and labels; and leveraging embellishments to strengthen brand impact.

Day two concluded with the highly anticipated 33rd annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards. A record 450 entries – from all over the world – were submitted for this year’s awards, with “Best of Show” being awarded to Spectrum Packaging Corporation in Orlando, Florida, and ADC Nederland in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

The conference also included a Supplier Trade Fair and ended with an in-depth plant tour of FSEA member BindTech’s finishing and bookbinding facility in Nashville.

“The amazing response to our conference showcases how our members and others still value in-person events and understand the importance of face-to-face networking and programming,” concluded Peterson. “We are excited about the overall response and look forward to building on the success in 2027.”   

The event was a spectacular reminder of why we love what we do. We leave today inspired by the cutting-edge insights and educational sessions, and we cannot wait to channel this new knowledge into our upcoming projects.
– Christine Yardley, Print Panther Direct

An incredible few days at the FSEA Print Embellishment Conference. It was a pleasure spending time with the most innovative and creative minds in the industry. Stay curious and always educate.
– Alexander Donoho, Indigo Ink Digital Printing, Inc.

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be here to learn from some of the best and be surrounded by so many talented and welcoming people. A special thank you to the NextGen Leaders Society for welcoming me with open arms. From the moment I arrived, you’ve made me feel like part of a community, and I’m so thankful to be a part of it.
– Sara Bakke, Oklahoma City Community College

The Print Embellishment Conference was a great opportunity to network with new colleagues and get the ball rolling
on new projects.
– Jonathan Bryan, American Greetings

The turnout was amazing at the biggest FSEA conference to date. The card and collectible market is exploding right now,
and we need the brightest minds to come together to make cards truly shine.
– Cory Lewis, Azuki Trading Card Games

Just wrapped up an incredible experience at the FSEA Print Embellishment Conference! The turnout was record-breaking, the inspiration was flowing, and the future of specialty print is brighter than ever.
– Jay Parks and Tomasz Brzyski, RR Donnelley

An exceptional time at the FSEA conference in Music City! Events like this truly shape the future of the entire embellishment industry.
– Matt Redbear, Elite Print Finishing

Thank you so much for the opportunity to attend and participate in the conference. It is rare to attend an event where
everything runs so perfectly. I learned a great deal and met many incredible people.
– Alladan Flinn, Bitcoin Trading Cards