FSEA Association News – Nov/Dec 2023

FSEA Sponsors Successful Breakfast at Printing United

During the week of the Printing United Expo, FSEA and its Digital Embellishment Alliance (DEA) sponsored a breakfast on the second day of the show entitled “Improving Profitability Through Digital Embellishments.” The breakfast brought in a near sold out crowd with over 50 attendees. Moderated by Jeff Peterson, FSEA executive director, the program included a panel with different perspectives from the digital embellishment industry. The panel included Steven Roberts, Elite Print Finishing; Kevin Abergel, Taktiful; and Michael Aumann, Kurz Transfer Products. Peterson asked the panel several questions related to digital embellishments, with each panelist having the opportunity to answer.

“Having the perspective of each of our experts provided great insight on the growing digital embellishment landscape,” Peterson said. “We had someone from the machine side, a current consultant with digital embellishment and an end-user of digital embellishment equipment.”

Print Embellishment Conference 2024 Dates Announced

FSEA recently announced the date of its 2024 Print Embellishment Conference that will take place April 9-11 at the Delta Hotels Marriott – Dallas Southlake in Dallas, Texas. The conference will begin with an afternoon of industry market updates that will include a Digital Embellishment Alliance (DEA) update, a sustainability and metallic decorating update, and others. Industry updates will be followed by the opening reception and Supplier Trade Fair. The second day will be a full day of programming on the embellishments for print and will end with the FSEA Gold Leaf Awards reception. For more details and hotel information, visit www.fsea.com and click on Events.

FSEA Holds Second Amplify Roadshow in 2023

After a successful first Amplify Roadshow in Kansas City, Missouri, in September, FSEA and APTech took the next one on the road back east to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It took place at Yards Brewing Company in downtown Philadelphia on November 9. As with the first event, it was a great evening for creatives, finishers/printers, and industry suppliers to mingle and learn with others on the latest in finishing and embellishments.

The Amplify Roadshow featured speaker was the “Guru of Print” David Drucker, founder and CEO of highresolution. Drucker shared with the audience several of his package and print projects for high-end brands that included specialty finishes and embellishments. In addition, Jeff Peterson, FSEA executive director, discussed several of the sustainability projects FSEA is working on.

Universal Engraving, Inc. and Infinity Foils, Inc. were sponsors of the food for the event, Metal Magic and Liberty Foils sponsored the bar, and Scodix sponsored the creation and embellished postcard used to market the Amplify Roadshow event. Additional tabletop exhibitors included Duplo USA, Sappi Paper, Univacco, K Laser Technology, STM Steuer, and ITW ShineMark.

Additional Amplify Roadshows will be scheduled leading up to the next Amplify Print Expo set for June 10-12, 2025 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago, Illinois.

Entry Forms Available for FSEA 31st Annual Gold Leaf Awards

The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) has announced entry forms now are available for the 31st Annual Gold Leaf Awards. The competition, which has continued to expand and grow, recognizes embellished print featuring foil stamping, embossing, digital foil and coatings, cold foil transfer, specialty UV coatings, special diecuts and more.

“We are amazed by the number of entries we receive each year from all over the world,” said Dianna Brodine, FSEA assistant director. “The creativity and use of specialty finishes on all types of printed materials is astonishing.”

To enter, visit www.fsea.com and click on Awards.

Start 2024 Saving Money with FSEA Grainger and Partnership Savings Programs

FSEA members receive significant discounts through two partnership programs that can save companies thousands of dollars in a calendar year. The FSEA Grainger Discount Program provides discounts on commonly ordered Grainger products, including savings on categories like safety, material handling, cleaning, hardware and more.

Partnership® offers FSEA members discounts on all types of shipping needs. Specifically, FSEA members can save up to 45% on FedEx Next Day shipping and 25% off FedEx Ground shipments.

“We are seeing FSEA members have their membership dues paid back 10 times or more with our savings programs,” said FSEA Executive Director Jeff Peterson. “I encourage any of our members and others to contact us if you are not already signed up.”

For more details, visit www.fsea.com and click on Membership Benefits.