Press release submitted on behalf of NAPIM.
The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) successfully hosted its 2025 Annual Convention/Technical Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, September 8-11. More than 175 attendees from across the printing ink industry gathered for four days of education, networking and recognition of industry excellence.
Building on the success of last year’s collocated format, the 2025 meeting once again combined the Annual Convention and Technical Conference into one impactful program. Feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with attendees praising the quality of sessions, strong networking opportunities and meaningful conversations throughout the week.
Highlights from the Program
The Annual Convention and Technical Conference featured a robust lineup of speakers and sessions that sparked dialogue and delivered timely insights for both business and technical professionals.
Panel discussions and general sessions generated new ideas and thoughtful debate on key industry issues, with attendees highlighting practical takeaways they could bring back to their companies. Topics included AI implementation strategies for business and manufacturing automation, economic and policy updates, digital technology and color management.
Technical sessions explored packaging recyclability, microplastics, innovations in food packaging development, coatings for circularity and advances in offset press technology. Regulatory updates covered both European and U.S. developments, including an FDA panel discussion that addressed compliance challenges, supply chain transparency and the role of public perception in regulatory priorities.
Celebrating Industry Excellence
A highlight of the Annual Convention /Technical Conference was the Awards Reception and Dinner, where colleagues were honored for their outstanding contributions to the industry. This year’s recipients included:
- Lawter Lecture Series Awards: First Place – Matthew Welmers (INX International); Second Place – Joseph Lengyel (BASF)
- TAM Service Award: Gene Cassidy (Lawter)
- Technical Achievement Award: Alex Folloso (INX International)
- Printing Ink Pioneer Awards: David Biro (Sun Chemical); Ron Deegan (INX International); Allan Neal (Sun Chemical); Jeff Newton (Sun Chemical)
- Ault Award: Chris Parrilli (Sun Chemical, retired)
Exhibits and Showcases
The week also featured exhibitors and service providers sharing their latest innovations. Through tabletop exhibits and spotlight presentations, companies engaged directly with attendees to showcase products, technologies and solutions advancing the printing ink sector.
Supplier Showcase participants included: X-Rite Pantone, CHT, ELE Corporation, and Evonik. Exhibitors included: X-Rite Pantone, CHT, Ceronas, BYK, ELE Corporation, Indulor, Eastman, Oden Technologies, Palmer Holland, and HMJ Tech.
Preliminary Survey Results
Early survey results highlight the success of the 2025 collocated event:
- 70% of respondents said the event exceeded or highly exceeded expectations.
- 26% noted it met expectations.
- The average recommendation score was 8.6 out of 10.
- Nearly 70% of respondents plan to attend NAPIM events in 2026, with another 26% considering participation.
Attendees praised both the quality of the content and the opportunities for networking, reinforcing the importance of continuing the collocated format.
Acknowledgments
NAPIM extends its gratitude to all sponsors and exhibitors who made the 2025 Annual Convention/Technical Conference possible, including Premier Sponsor Ceronas, Partner Sponsor Oden Technologies and additional sponsors INX, BASF, CHT, Indulor, X-Rite Pantone, ELE Corporation, Evonik, Eastman, Palmer Holland, HMJ Tech and BYK.
Looking Ahead
With the success of this year’s event in Charlotte, NAPIM is already preparing for 2026. Attendees can expect another strong program designed to deliver cutting-edge insights, impactful networking and opportunities to celebrate the leaders and innovators of the printing ink industry.
About NAPIM
The National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers (NAPIM) represents the U.S. printing ink industry, providing advocacy, education, networking and technical resources to support innovation and growth.
For more information, visit www.napim.org.
