FLAG Annual Meeting to Feature AI Strategy Session and State of the Industry Update
- Published: February 24, 2026, By Trevor
Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC (FLAG) will spotlight two forward-looking presentations at its 2026 Annual Meeting in San Diego, delivering practical guidance for Members and Vendor Partners navigating a rapidly evolving marketplace.
FLAG President JC McKay will present an introduction to artificial intelligence, tailored specifically for the independent label converter.
The session will clarify the difference between today’s widely used generative AI tools, such as large language models like ChatGPT, and emerging AI systems capable of functioning as always-on digital “agents” working on behalf of a business.
McKay will present real-world, print-industry-relevant applications for both converters and suppliers, demonstrating how AI can support sales, estimating, customer service, workflow management, and operational decision-making. A key emphasis of the session will center on a critical principle: AI output is only as strong as the quality of the input. Clear parameters, structured data, and defined objectives determine whether AI becomes a competitive advantage.
The 2026 FLAG Annual Meeting will take place March 23–26 in San Diego, California, and is exclusive to FLAG Members and Vendor Partners.
Complementing this future-focused discussion, Greg Hrinya, Editor of Label & Narrow Web magazine, will deliver a State of the Industry presentation.
Hrinya’s address will provide a comprehensive look at North American label and manufacturing trends, including workforce data, production benchmarks, and the broader economic forces shaping the industry. He will also explore key trends influencing converters today, including automation, adoption of artificial intelligence, advances in digital printing, and sustainability initiatives.
Drawing from recent company profiles and on-the-ground reporting, Hrinya will highlight a defining strength of the independent converter market: the value of independence, entrepreneurial leadership, and strong company culture.
“These two sessions capture exactly what the FLAG Annual Meeting is about,” said JC McKay, President of FLAG. “We bring our Members and Vendor Partners the facts, the trends, and the strategy, then we challenge them to take action. Understanding where the industry is today is important. Knowing how to move faster and smarter is critical.”
The 2026 FLAG Annual Meeting will take place March 23–26 in San Diego, California, and is exclusive to FLAG Members and Vendor Partners.
Not a FLAG Member yet? Learn more about FLAG, the Annual Meeting and Membership: www.flagadvantage.com/join
About Flexo Label Advantage Group LLC
Flexo Label Advantage Group (FLAG) is a Valuable Community of Independent Label Converters. We provide opportunities for our Members to be more competitive in the marketplace and become stronger companies, without sacrificing their independence. FLAG delivers bottom-line buying group savings on the most commonly used materials in the industry from our world-class Vendor Partners. Savings include substrates, tool and die, inks, pre-press, digital, overlaminates, shipping, and more. FLAG offers top-line new-label sales growth opportunities, catastrophic planning, networking opportunities with other label industry professionals, and a variety of new technical and business resources. FLAG is the ONLY industry group helping independent label converters unlock savings and resources similar to large national converters. Visit https://flexolabeladvantagegroup.com for more information.
