FSEA National Conference Perfect Setting For Networking and Education
The 2016 FSEA National Conference took place April 3-5 and was deemed a huge success, with many of the attendees expressing that it was the best content ever at an FSEA conference event. Taking place at the beautiful Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando, Florida, the conference provided a great combination of educational sessions and time to enjoy the resort and surroundings. “FSEA would like to thank all of the members and others who took their valuable time to join us and stay informed on the ever-changing landscape in the postpress/finishing industry,” stated FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “Those who take advantage of educational opportunities, such as our FSEA National Conference, will certainly be a step ahead of others in the industry.”
Odyssey Returns to Schaumburg in May 2017
The IADD•FSEA Odyssey will return to Schaumburg, Illinois, May 17-19, 2017. In 2015, the largest Odyssey in the history of the event was held, with 163 exhibitors, 30 running machines in the hall and a record number of attendees at the Renaissance Schaumburg Convention Center and Hotel. Just 25 minutes from downtown Chicago, this 148,000 square foot facility offers 500 convenient hotel rooms connected to the Convention Center.
The multiple reasons for record attendance in 2015 hold true for the 2017 event, and Odyssey organizers are expecting excellent attendance yet again. Outstanding exhibitor participation drove excitement from the number of diemakers, diecutters and print finishers within a days drive of the event, and the convention center’s easy access from O’Hare International Airport assists in attracting international attendees and making the event more global. Education once again is a focus of the programming committee, with a continued focus on what’s new in the world of diecutting, diemaking, folding cartons, foil and engraving, while also expanding content to include more information for those in corrugated, plastics, foams, gaskets and more. Many of the educational programs will take place in the Techshop™, offering attendees a one-of-a-kind experience with live, operating equipment available for informative programs and hands-on teaching.
More information will be coming soon, but mark the calendar now for the 2017 IADD•FSEA Odyssey, May 17-19, Schaumburg, Illinois. Details will be released through media outlets and at www.odysseyexpo.org.
2016 Economic Survey Available For FSEA Members
The Foil & Specialty Effects Association periodically conducts surveys to gather information for its members and the industry as a whole on relevant business topics, including wage comparisons, market conditions and economic updates. In 2009 and 2011, the FSEA asked its members to answer a series of 20 questions designed to assess the effects of the economic recession and subsequent recovery. The 2016 report, conducted through a third party system specializing in online surveys and email marketing, provides a follow up to those surveys with an eye to benchmarking the state of the print ?nishing industry.
The 2016 survey addresses issues our FSEA Members face such as sales volume, workforce size and primary business concerns for the upcoming year. Key findings indicate rising concerns over labor and healthcare costs and finding new employees. At the same time, a solid increase in sales levels for the majority of respondents has led to increased wages for existing employees and the purchase of new assets to support the businesses.
To access the new 2016 Economic Survey, visit www.fsea.com and click on the Members Only section. You will need your updated FSEA Username and Password to access the full survey.