Speakers and Session Highlights

NAPIM’s 2025 Annual Convention/Technical Conference Speakers

September 8 - 11, 2025 | Omni Charlotte | Charlotte, NC

Join us in Charlotte, NC to hear from leading speakers at the 2025 Annual Convention/Technical Conference. Learn about emerging topics impacting the industry and have the opportunity to participate in sessions led by impactful ink industry and top business leaders. Read more about this year's speakers below. *More information coming soon.*

Tuesday, September 9

9:00 AM -10:00 AM

Agitating the Ink with AI: Crafting Your Enterprise AI Strategy for Immediate Impact

Steve Metcalf is the visionary founder and CEO of IMAGINE AI LIVE, the world's first truly AI-native conference and event platform for enterprises and businesses. With decades of leadership experience in technology and digital strategy, including executive roles at Accenture and SAP-Ariba, Steve leverages his expertise as a Chief AI Officer to help organizations implement practical AI applications. His background as a successful CEO of a global industrial technology company in the printing and packaging space, combined with his passion for AI-driven innovation, makes him a sought-after advisor for companies ranging from Fortune 500 to startups, as he continues to champion collaboration and accelerate AI adoption across industries.

In this compelling keynote, Steve Metcalf will challenge conventional thinking about AI implementation in business environments. Drawing from his extensive experience working with enterprises across various industries, Steve will demonstrate how executives and leaders can leverage AI to drive significant business outcomes. Attendees will learn practical frameworks for assessing AI readiness, identifying high-impact use cases, and implementing solutions that deliver immediate ROI. Through real-world case studies and interactive examples, Steve will reveal how businesses similar to yours have overcome common barriers to AI adoption and transformed their operations. This session will provide executives with actionable strategies they can implement immediately, regardless of their technical background, to stay competitive in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace. Don't miss this opportunity to develop a clear, strategic roadmap for your organization's AI journey that focuses on business results rather than technical complexity.

Tuesday, September 9 

10:30 AM -11:30 AM

Digital Printing Technology Developments in Packaging

Paul Edwards has had a 30+ year career in the Digital Printing Industry, helping drive the analog to digital transition in print across multiple industries and applications.   He has delivered innovative printing systems and ink technologies to address new markets and to open new digital print application areas. Specific examples of Mr. Edwards achievements include the development of the first commercial Ink Jet label press and the first commercial UV LED Digital printer and ink system.  He has delivered digital ink and printing systems across multiple industry verticals including Labels, Display Graphics, Ceramic Tiles, Textiles  and Direct to Object packaging applications

It is very exciting times in the packaging market! The interest in implementing digital printing into the various packaging applications is at an all-time high. Driven by both an understanding of the benefits of digital print from a Brand perspective and the need to effectively address the reduction in average job lengths across the industry. This presentation outlines some of the major developments related to digital printing in packaging applications, taking a close look at printing systems, inks and coatings.

Wednesday, September 10

9:00 AM -11:00 AM

Keynote: Economic and Policy Update and Roundtables – What to Expect for the Remainder of This Year and Beyond 

Alex Chausovsky is the Director of Analytics and Consulting for the Bundy Group. He is a highly experienced market researcher and analyst with more than two decades of expertise across subjects including economics, manufacturing, automation, advanced technology trends, and business cycle analysis. He has consulted and advised companies throughout the US and Canada, Europe, South America, and Asia. In his investment banking advisory role, Alex is a trusted source of information for owners and executives of privately held firms who are seeking a business sale, acquisition, or financing.

Alex has delivered over a thousand presentations, webinars, and workshops to small businesses, trade associations, and Fortune 500 companies across a spectrum of industries, and is the go-to source of industry data and insights for business owners and leaders. Alex's analysis has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, on the BBC, and on NPR, and he is a Top Voice on LinkedIn.