The Finat European Label Forum 2026, scheduled for 27–29 May 2026, has been designed as a meeting point for owners and managers of label printing companies from across Europe, as well as key technology suppliers and industry experts. The organiser emphasises that in a context of rapid market change, increasing process complexity and rising customer expectations, one of the main sources of competitive advantage is the business network and access to reliable market information. The forum aims to create conditions for direct exchange of experience, discussion of development strategies and joint definition of challenges faced by the self-adhesive label market and related packaging decoration technologies.
Unlike large trade fairs and exhibitions, the event is aimed at a focused group of decision-makers across the label value chain. The organiser underlines that the emphasis is on building relationships between owners and managing directors of label printing companies, key material and technology suppliers, and people who shape the direction of market development. The format supports discussions that go beyond standard offer presentations and enables in-depth conversations on strategy, investment and technological change, including the impact of automation and digital tools on production processes and customer service.
The importance of the forum is highlighted by Dana Kilarska, vice president of Finat and CEO of label printing company Purgina: "As a second-generation label printer from the CEE region, attending the Finat European Label Forum is personally important to me. It is an opportunity to learn from industry leaders, exchange ideas with peers and bring fresh inspiration back to our family business to strengthen its long-term growth. Attending the FINAT European Label Forum represents an important step in the generational or leadership transition within companies. This forum enables learning from experienced industry leaders and builds the confidence needed to guide companies into their next chapter of development."
Programme focused on market analysis and strategy
In the context of geopolitical uncertainty, the transition towards sustainability and accelerated technological progress, the organisers focus on a programme intended to support participants in structuring their strategic priorities. The published programme on the event website presents contributions from speakers and industry leaders who actively influence the shape of the label market rather than merely observing its changes. The thematic scope includes market dynamics and potential growth areas, the role of sustainability as a driver of innovation and value creation, issues of leadership and organisational resilience, as well as technology development and changing customer expectations.
It is emphasised that participants are expected to gain a practical view of trends affecting the operations of label printing companies, including requirements related to the circular economy, environmental regulation, process digitalisation and the evolution of cooperation models with customers from the packaging and consumer goods sectors. Planned presentations cover both the perspective of company owners and that of suppliers of raw materials, machinery and systems, which is intended to support a more comprehensive assessment of risks and investment opportunities.
Dana Kilarska comments: "In challenging times, attending ELF allows me to better understand how the market is shaping. It is about turning uncertainty into strategy and ensuring that our company remains resilient and competitive. By participating, I better understand how emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence can increase efficiency, creativity and the quality of decision-making in our label production."
More interaction and workshop-based work
In the 2026 edition, the programme has been expanded with more interactive formats aimed at active participant involvement and exchange of experience between companies. According to the announcements, the programme will include on-stage dialogue sessions designed to foster open exchange of views among industry leaders, moderated panel discussions on key business challenges and workshops focused on practical conclusions and applications. The goal is to move from a format based mainly on presentations towards participants taking part in developing solutions and jointly defining priorities for the label sector.
The organisers stress that this structure is intended to foster sharing of experience related, among other things, to managing production costs, implementing new printing and finishing technologies, digitalising customer service and developing team competences. Joint work on identified industry problems is expected to support a better understanding of which practices are effective in different types of enterprises and how they can be adapted to the specifics of individual national markets.
Business networks as an element of competitive advantage
In the promotional material for the event, it is indicated that under conditions of intensifying competition and pressure to differentiate in the market, the role of reliable business relationships is steadily increasing. Trusted partners and suppliers can be a source of technological innovation, and knowledge exchange between printing companies accelerates improvement processes and adaptation to new requirements. ELF 2026 is intended to allow participants to step back from day-to-day operations and focus on building relationships that will influence the competitive position of companies in the coming years.
Dana Kilarska also points to the importance of the forum in the context of developing new management staff: "Finat genuinely supports young leaders and rising stars within companies who are stepping into key roles. For me, becoming the first female president of Finat is a privilege and an important signal that a great deal can be achieved. I aim to lead our industry while maintaining high standards and at the same time supporting the next generation of leaders. Attending the Finat European Label Forum offers a valuable opportunity to fully step into our industry, gain a deeper understanding of its mechanisms, build meaningful networks and see that women are welcomed and encouraged to take on increasingly important roles."
The organisers address their invitation primarily to owners and managers of label printing companies who prioritise cooperation, strategic dialogue and long-term thinking. The information materials stress that in the current market environment, the business network is not just an additional resource but one of the key elements of competitive advantage. Detailed information about the programme and participant registration is available on the event website.
