Press release submitted on behalf of Girls Who Print

Girls Who Print, located in Dallas, Texas, presented three awards during the online Girls Who Print Day Conference, the largest global network of women in the print and graphic communication industry.

The 2024 Rising Star Award was presented to Kiki Heron, Account Manager, Training and Development Leader at Specialty Print Communications, by Kelly Mallozzi, Principal at Success in Print, who runs the Girls Who Print mentorship program. The award recognizes women who have stepped up and taken the initiative to proactively help the industry, their company, and their colleagues.

“I am honored to receive recognition as a young woman in the print industry,” said Kiki Heron. “I hope my journey can inspire the next generation of women to pursue careers in this space, confidently share their ideas for innovation, and embrace leadership opportunities.”

The inaugural Girls Who Print Ally Award was presented to Ryan LeFebvre, Executive VP of Sales and Marketing at Specialty Print Communications. For more than ten years, Ryan has supported Girls Who Print and created initiatives and events to celebrate Girls Who Print Day. He is also a champion of Graphic Communication programs, provides internships for students, and has cultivated a culture at SPC where employees can rise and thrive.

“I am truly humbled and honored to receive the first-ever Girls Who Print Ally Award,” said Ryan LeFebvre. “I am passionate about growing the next generation of print professionals and proudly support Girls Who Print. I believe in its importance to the industry now and in the future.”

The pinnacle 2024 Girls Who Print Girlie Award for leadership and community service was presented to Christine Hagopian, President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE). For the past 18 years, she has played a pivotal role in helping her membership thrive in an evolving marketplace through educational initiatives, networking opportunities, and resources that foster growth and innovation.

Christine is a staunch supporter of women in the industry, producing and hosting an annual event providing women and allies an opportunity to network and strengthen

their relationships, hear from speakers on relevant topics and feel supported by their regional organization.

“I am honored to be the 2024 Girls Who Print Girlie Award recipient,” said Christine Hagopian, President of the Printing Industries of New England (PINE). “As the first female president in PINE’s 137 years, it is with pride and passion that I lead this organization and the amazing team at PINE. I work on behalf of our membership without question or hesitation, and to be recognized for that is truly humbling.”

“The 2024 Girls Who Print Day award recipients stand out for their dedication to the industry and the company, customers, and members they serve,” said Deborah Corn, President of Girls Who Print. “On top of that is their dedication to supporting women across their careers in print, making the industry more welcoming for women and students, giving back to their communities, and advocating the Girls Who Print’s mission to ‘Empower Long and Prosper’ through their partnership.”

Watch the 2024 Girls Who Print Day Awards ceremony and all the #GIRLPOWER session replays from the conference on the new Girls Who Print YouTube channel
Learn more about the Girls Who Print mission, join our free global mentorship program, save your seat for upcoming online events, get information for in-person events, join our mailing list, and connect with us across our socials at girlswhoprint.net

About Girls Who Print
Now in its 15th year, Girls Who Print provides women in print and graphic communications with information and resources to help them navigate the industry and their careers. With a focus on mentorship, community building, and open knowledge sharing, Girls Who Print is the largest independent network of women in print and continues to grow through regional groups, industry partnerships, and a new membership program.
Learn more at girlswhoprint.net

Press release submitted on behalf of Marbach

The globally operating diemaker Marbach, launched its new transfer system for embossing dies at drupa in June of this year. With this system, packaging manufacturers will be able to significantly reduce the set-up times for placing their embossing plates on the cutting plate.
Marbach Industry Manager Bernhard Reisser explains: “The positioning of male embossing dies on the cutting plate is often a time-consuming process for our customers, for which there is currently no standardized method. Every packaging manufacturer does it its own way. To make this process more time-saving and thus more efficient for our customers in the future, we have developed a ready-to-use solution that standardizes the placement process of the male embossing dies. But that’s not all: compared to many conventional methods, our embossing transfer system not only protects the cutting rules, but also the male embossing dies. This increases the service life of the tool.”

In addition to the advantages already mentioned, the Marbach embossing transfer system, also ensures that the female and male embossing dies are perfectly in register, thus guaranteeing flawless embossing results.

Combined with the new paper-based embossing pads developed by Marbach, customers have a smart and efficient solution for the entire embossing transfer process.

About Marbach
Packaging. Performance. You. This is the slogan of Marbach, the world’s leading manufacturer of die-cutting and thermoforming tools. With 1,600 employees worldwide, Marbach sets the benchmark in its industry. Since 1923. And delivers pure performance to its customers. Totally individual. For each requirement the best solution. In every price range. Worldwide. For more information, visit www.marbach.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Taktiful

Taktiful, Melbourne, Florida, the digital print embellishment experts, and WhatTheyThink, the premier source for print industry research and insights, are excited to launch the 2025 Digital Embellishment Study. This comprehensive research initiative is a follow-up to last year’s groundbreaking Specialty Toner and Ink Study, which drew over 150 responses and earned widespread industry acclaim.

Take the survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Taktiful25

This year’s study is designed to track significant developments from 2023 to 2024, while expanding to include inkjet-based embellishment technologies, a critical component in today’s rapidly evolving print landscape. By participating in the study, digital embellishment users will gain access to exclusive, in-depth data, free of charge, to inform strategic business decisions.

Kevin Abergel, President of Taktiful, emphasized the value of the study: “The insights gathered will be instrumental in guiding our industry forward, highlighting shifts in demand and technology adoption. Our commitment is to equip professionals with actionable intelligence to better navigate these advancements.”

The survey, which takes just 10 minutes to complete, will culminate in a detailed report to be unveiled in June at the Amplify 2025 print embellishment event. The findings aim to offer clarity and strategic foresight in the digital embellishment sector, benefiting suppliers, manufacturers, and service providers.

Richard Romano, Managing Editor at WhatTheyThink, shared his thoughts on the collaboration: “Standardization and understanding market trends are key to driving innovation. By expanding our research scope to include inkjet embellishments, we are addressing a critical need for comprehensive, data-driven insights that print professionals can leverage for growth.”
Participants will have a unique opportunity to contribute to shaping the future of digital embellishment, with the added benefit of gaining early access to crucial industry insights.

Join the conversation and be a part of this transformative research. To take the survey and make your voice heard, visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Taktiful25.

What Others are Saying
Kelly Leahy of Xerox
“The 2025 Digital Embellishment Study will yield results highlighting the growth potential within the specialty embellishment print market. By offering clients valuable insights into the most popular specialty colors, top applications, and innovative ideas for maximizing profits, we empower them to unlock new opportunities and drive success”

Sean Roberts of Konica Minolta
“Digital Embellishment is not about additional colors or textures— it’s about maximizing value. Differentiating amongst a sea of lookalikes, drawing in your audience, and capturing mind share— it’s about the future of print. The 2025 Digital Embellishment Survey serves a critical framework to report on the trends, needs, and paths to widespread adoption. We need the entire user community to contribute to this survey and help shape the future of the print industry.”

Mark Geeves of Color Logic
“The 2025 Digital Embellishment Study offers printers a unique chance to stay ahead of trends in specialty inks like metallics and fluorescents. By participating, you’ll gain valuable insights into emerging technologies and help shape the future of digital printing, ensuring your business remains competitive and at the forefront of innovation.”

Alvaro Mantilla of HP Indigo
“PSPs who grow the most are those who innovate. There is a great growth opportunity for PSPs if they offer digital print embellishments, using special inks is the fastest, easiest, and cheapest way for a PSP to get in the world of Digital Print Embellishment.”

Mark Pomerantz of Xeikon
“The 2025 Digital Embellishment Study is a powerful resource for print service providers looking to navigate and leverage the latest advancements in digital print embellishment. This year’s study provides PSPs with strategic insights that are essential for fostering growth while adapting to new market demands.”

About Taktiful
Taktiful Software Solutions was founded by veteran print industry experts with decades of experience in digital embellishment. The company is passionate about evangelizing digital print embellishments and develops innovative solutions that tackle the unique challenges of the print embellishment sector. By enhancing efficiency, fostering creativity, and boosting profitability for its clients, Taktiful aims to become the leading software provider in this space. Committed to innovation, quality, and customer success, Taktiful is dedicated to shaping the future of digital print embellishment.

About WhatTheyThink
WhatTheyThink is the global printing industry’s leading independent media organization with both print and digital offerings, including WhatTheyThink.com, PrintingNews.com and the WhatTheyThink magazine versioned with a Printing News and Wide-Format & Signage edition. Our mission is to provide cogent news and analysis about trends, technologies, operations, and events in all the markets that comprise today’s printing and sign industries including commercial, in-plant, mailing, finishing, sign, display, textile, industrial, finishing, labels, packaging, marketing technology, software and workflow. Visit whattheythink.com.

Press release submitted on behalf of Paperboard Packaging Council

Scherger, who first held the position in 2012, returns as PPC’s Board Chair, reinforcing his long-standing commitment to the paperboard packaging industry.

The Paperboard Packaging Council (PPC), Springfield, Massachusetts, is pleased to announce the election of Stephen R. Scherger, executive vice president and chief financial officer of Graphic Packaging International, as its new Board Chair. Scherger’s leadership and commitment to the paperboard packaging industry have been pivotal in driving both innovation and sustainable growth, making him a natural choice to lead PPC during this exciting time of industry transformation. Scherger previously served as PPC’s Board Chair in 2012, and his return to the role marks a continuation of his dedicated service to the industry.

Commenting on his role as PPC Board Chair, Scherger said, “Taking on this leadership role with the PPC is both an honor and an exciting opportunity. Under Laura Brodie’s leadership as Chair, PPC has gained tremendous momentum, and I look forward to working with our dedicated members to build on this foundation. Together, we’ll continue advancing the critical work of our industry: promoting innovation in paperboard packaging, building and retaining high-performing teams, investing in our next generation of leaders, and advancing the circular economy through more renewable, recyclable materials.”

Since 2012, Scherger has been an integral part of Graphic Packaging’s senior management team, serving as CFO since 2015, with financial leadership over 20 acquisitions. In 2024, Scherger played a key role in introducing Vision 2030, the company’s strategic plan, focused on driving innovation across its expansive consumer packaging portfolio and driving sustainability through science-based carbon reduction targets. Throughout his career, he has been a champion for industry and community causes and an avid mentor.

Ben Markens, President of the Paperboard Packaging Council, added, “Steve’s experience and leadership are invaluable to the paperboard packaging industry. We are excited to have him back as Board Chair, where his passion and strategic vision will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. His previous tenure as Chair demonstrated his ability to inspire progress, and we look forward to achieving great things under his guidance.”

For more information, visit www.paperbox.org.

Press release submitted on behalf of PRINTING United Alliance

PRINTING United Alliance and the Advertising Specialty Institute® (ASI), Trevose, Pennsylvania, announced details of an exclusive new ASI Show pavilion debuting at PRINTING United Expo 2026, held September 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The “show-within-a-show” experience is designed to give industry professionals new ways to grow their businesses.

New 50,000-Square-Foot Pavilion Brings Promo and Print Together
The ASI Show pavilion at PRINTING United Expo, projected to be 50,000 square feet on the convention center’s expansive show floor, offers a dedicated space for ASI suppliers from all promo categories to exhibit at the show and to connect with ASI distributor attendees. ASI members will get an exhibitor code that will allow any suppliers or distributors to register for free, gaining the same kind of access as Alliance members.

The Expo itself is the most comprehensive print and graphic arts event in the Americas, drawing tens of thousands of global attendees from printing, packaging, textile and apparel, graphic arts, and the promo products industry. The ASI Show pavilion reflects the growing convergence between these market segments.

Attendees will benefit from educational sessions throughout the show, covering everything from promo industry basics and hot markets to the benefits of cross-selling print plus branded merchandise. This offers a unique opportunity for attendees to expand their expertise and diversify their offerings, positioning themselves as full-service providers in their respective industries.

A Powerhouse Partnership: Print, Promo and Decorating
ASI is the largest technology, marketing, events and information provider in the $26.1 billion promo products industry, while Expo producer PRINTING United Alliance is the leading nonprofit association for the $100 billion print and decorator market, a category already embraced by many promo distributors. This latest collaboration means attendees can embrace both markets, all under one roof, at the Expo.

“Our collaboration with ASI unites the print and promo industries, all in one venue,” said Dave Leskusky, PRINTING United Alliance president. “The ASI Show pavilion creates new opportunities for attendees to expand services, connect with top suppliers and drive growth. We’re excited to showcase this platform for innovation at the 2026 Las Vegas Expo.”

“Bringing together print, promo and decorating services in one space helps ensure attendees have all the tools and info they need to stay competitive and seize new business opportunities,” said Timothy M. Andrews, ASI president and chief executive officer. “This is more than just a trade show – it’s a chance to harness the growing synergy between these industries.”

Building on a Strong Partnership
This new ASI pavilion is part of the broader partnership agreement between ASI and the member-based Alliance, first announced in April. The collaboration helps new and existing members navigate and capitalize on the markets’ increasing convergence.

To support these goals, ASI and the Alliance recently introduced a dual membership offering, granting access to resources and benefits from both organizations. This offer is available to any qualified new distributor member of the Alliance and ASI, with the Expo providing an opportunity to learn more.

2026 Registration and ASI Pavilion Exhibitor Information
Stay tuned for registration specifics for the 2026 event coming from PRINTING United Expo. For information on exhibiting at the ASI pavilion, contact Meghan DeFrancesco, ASI’s vice president of supplier sales, at mdefrancesco@asicentral.com. Check the ASI Show website (asishow.com) for the latest updates and schedules for all ASI shows and events.

About ASI
The Advertising Specialty Institute (ASI®, asicentral.com) serves a network of 25,000 suppliers, distributors and decorators in the $26.1 billion promotional products industry. The company’s flagship product, the technology platform ESP®, manages the industry’s entire supply and marketing chain. ASI also produces award-winning digital and print content, live events and educational programs that enable companies in 53 countries to be more efficient, productive and profitable. The ASI media and research operation provides the most authoritative business content in the industry, and the ASI Certification Program features 200+ live and online education courses for industry professionals. The company, family-owned and -operated since 1962, is proud to have been consistently ranked among the “Best Places to Work” in Philadelphia and Bucks County, PA.

About PRINTING United Alliance
PRINTING United Alliance is the most comprehensive member-based printing and graphic arts association in North America, comprised of the industry’s vast communities. The Alliance serves industry professionals across market segments with preeminent education and training through iLEARNING+, workshops, events, research, government and legislative representation, safety, and environmental sustainability guidance, as well as resources from our leading media brands – Printing Impressions, Packaging Impressions, Wide-format Impressions, In-plant Impressions, and Apparelist. A division of PRINTING United Alliance, Idealliance is a global leader in standards training and certification for printing and graphic arts operations across the entire industry supply chain.

PRINTING United Alliance also produces the PRINTING United Expo, the most influential days in printing. The expansive display of technology and supplies, education, programming, and services are showcased to the industry at large, and represents all market segments in one easily accessed place.

Press release submitted on behalf of taktiful

New Collaboration to Drive Innovation and Educate the Print Community On Embellishments

Taktiful, Melbourne, Florida, the digital print embellishment experts, and INKISH, the premier media platform for the printing industry, are excited to announce a strategic partnership to expand awareness and knowledge of digital print embellishments.

Under this partnership, INKISH will distribute and develop new content focused on digital print embellishments in collaboration with Taktiful. This initiative will leverage Taktiful’s expertise in the field and INKISH’s wide-reaching media platform to educate and inform the printing industry about digital embellishment technologies’ latest advancements and applications.

Kevin Abergel, CEO of Taktiful, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership: “We’re thrilled to join forces with INKISH to bring the exciting world of digital print embellishments to a broader audience. This collaboration will allow us to showcase the transformative power of embellishments and help printers and brands unlock new creative and commercial possibilities.”

Morten Reitoft, Editor-in-Chief of INKISH, added: “At INKISH, we’re always looking for ways to bring valuable, cutting-edge content to our audience. Partnering with Taktiful aligns perfectly with our mission to inform the printing industry about innovative technologies and practices. We’re excited to work with Kevin and his team to create compelling content to educate and inspire our viewers.”

The partnership will include video interviews, technical demonstrations, case studies, and thought leadership articles distributed across the INKISH global network. This content will cover topics such as the latest digital embellishment technologies, creative applications, market trends, and best practices for implementation.

This collaboration comes at a time when digital print embellishments are gaining significant traction in the industry. They offer new ways to add value to print products and enhance brand experiences. By combining Taktiful’s deep industry knowledge with INKISH’s media expertise, this partnership aims to accelerate the adoption and understanding of these transformative technologies.

For more information about this partnership and upcoming content, please visit www.inkish.tv and www.taktiful.com.

About Taktiful:
Taktiful Software Solutions was founded by veteran print industry experts with decades of experience in digital embellishment. The company is passionate about evangelizing digital print embellishments and develops innovative solutions that tackle the unique challenges of the print embellishment sector. By enhancing efficiency, fostering creativity, and boosting profitability for its clients, Taktiful aims to become the leading software provider in this space. Committed to innovation, quality, and customer success, Taktiful is dedicated to shaping the future of digital print embellishment.

About INKISH:
INKISH is a global media platform dedicated to the printing and packaging industry. INKISH produces high-quality content, including interviews, documentaries, and educational material, serving as a vital information source for industry professionals worldwide on film and print.

Press release submitted on behalf of Color-Logic 

Color-Logic, West Chester, Ohio, the global leader in software for print embellishments, now provides licensed Color-Logic printers and their marketing/sales teams with a comprehensive suite of tools for explaining and promoting print embellishments to brands, corporate clients, agencies and design firms. These tools may be found at www.color-logic.com/marketing and may be accessed, not only by Color-Logic licensees, but by printers currently underutilizing their digital presses with fifth and sixth colors.

Discussing the new approach to attracting embellishment business, Color-Logic Director of Sales and Marketing Mark Geeves said: “After 15 years collaborating with brands, agencies, and design firms in the packaging industry, Color-Logic understands the common questions marketers have, and the substantial benefits that print embellishments bring to marketers using them effectively. Regrettably, many licensed Color-Logic printers and technology partners’ sales professionals have been surprised to learn that most graphic designers entering the field in recent years have not received adequate training in designing for print, particularly print with embellishments. To address this need, Color-Logic has created a marketing landing page featuring valuable resources such as sales and marketing videos, industry statistics and insights, and system components. Also included is an overview of the Color-Logic Design Suite and Touch7 Neon Color System, both with embellishment features and benefits tailored specifically for brands, agencies, and design firms.”

Geeves adds: “When creatives discover the possibilities of digital and conventional print embellishments, and how easily they can be utilized, they can create exceptional designs using Color-Logic tools.” For more information, visit www.color-logic.com.