Women of Flexo to hold 4th annual conference at Clemson University

Women of Flexo will bring professional development, technical education and community connection to its fourth annual Women of Flexo conference, themed 'Unwind & Rewind'. The event will be hosted at the Watt Family Innovation Center at Clemson University, from March 17-18, with tours of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics on March 18. 

Designed for women across the flexographic printing and packaging industry, the conference offers a thoughtful response to the pace, pressure and complexity of modern manufacturing careers, creating space to reset while strengthening the skills that move both people and the industry forward. Dinner, lunch and refreshments are provided.

The Unwind & Rewind theme reflects two intentional experiences. Unwind focuses on releasing mental load, unrealistic expectations and the constant demand to perform, while Rewind returns attendees to the fundamentals of flexography, mentorship and leadership that build sustainable careers. Together, the program balances personal restoration with practical learning in a way that has become a hallmark of the Women of Flexo conference experience.

Hosted at Clemson University, the conference welcomes women from all areas of flexography, including administration, finance, prepress, production, engineering and executive leadership. Over two days, attendees will participate in interactive small group workshops, educational seminars and meaningful networking opportunities designed to foster real connection across roles and career stages. An exclusive tour of the Sonoco Institute of Packaging Design and Graphics facility and pressroom will provide a hands-on learning experience within one of the industry’s most respected academic environments.

The first day of the conference centers on Unwind, beginning with 'The Unwind Workshop', an interactive small-group workshop led by Rachel Acevedo, founder and CEO of Ace Media & Marketing. The day continues with a session on 'Mentorship Across Life Seasons', presented by Allison Toles, vice president of Fine Line Graphics, followed by a candid panel discussion on 'Unwinding Expectations: Letting Go of “Perfect” to Make Room for Progress'. Panelists include Farrah Nuzzo of Apex International, Brandy Marlow of Container Graphics, Alyssa Denney of Great Northern Corp and Michele Laird-Williams of Miraclon, offering perspectives shaped by diverse roles and experiences within the industry.

The Rewind portion of the conference on the second day shifts the focus back to flexographic fundamentals and shared learning. Allie Ayers of DuPont will lead a session on 'Back to the Basics: Why Flexo Fundamentals Still Win', examining why core flexo principles continue to drive performance and innovation and setting the stage for the following technical workshops. Attendees will then rotate between groups taking part in The Great Flexo Scavenger Hunt, reinforcing technical knowledge through interactive, team-based learning and a guided tour of the Sonoco Institute and pressroom, led by WOF and Clemson professors. The conference will conclude with a keynote address from Kristen Shields, president of Graymills Corporation.

Beyond education, the conference experience extends into wellness, entertainment and networking. The first day will feature The Rewind Party, an after-dinner networking event complete with throwback music from the 1970s through the early 2000s, karaoke, interactive table vendors and special entertainment. During this time, WoF will also present its first Woman of the Year Awards, managed by the WoF Leadership Development Committee.

Special entertainment during the second day will begin with an optional early-morning wellness class at the Fairfield Inn, offering a final unwind before the technical Rewind sessions begin.