Complete Story
10/07/2026
ENCORE Brings Leadership, Learning and the Industry Together
The 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference brought members of the Graphic Media Alliance community together on Monday, October 5, at the Quest Conference Center for a full day focused on leadership, technology, workforce development and the challenges shaping the future of our industry.
Throughout the day, attendees heard from industry experts and thought leaders who shared practical strategies, fresh perspectives and real-world experiences designed to help leaders at every level prepare for what comes next.
Just as valuable as the presentations was the participation from the audience. Attendees came ready to engage, asking thoughtful questions, sharing their own experiences and contributing to conversations throughout the day. That interaction carried into the closing leadership roundtable, From Data to Decisions, where panelists explored how leadership principles translate into everyday business decisions and challenges.
ENCORE was designed to be more than a day of presentations. It was an opportunity for established executives, emerging leaders and industry partners to learn from one another, challenge their thinking and walk away with ideas they can put to work immediately.
Missed ENCORE or want to share the content with your team? Sessions from the 2026 ENCORE Leadership Conference will be available for purchase in the upcoming weeks, giving members and industry professionals an opportunity to revisit the presentations or bring this valuable content back to their organizations. Watch for additional details coming soon!
Then We Hit the Course!
The fun continued Tuesday, October 6, as members and friends gathered at Royal American Links for the 21st Annual Sterling Distribution & Graphic Media Alliance Golf Tournament.
Following a full day of learning at ENCORE, the tournament gave everyone an opportunity to trade the conference room for the golf course and enjoy a day of networking, friendly competition and plenty of laughs.
Congratulations to this year’s tournament and contest winners:
|
1st Place |
The Millcraft Team of John Carpenter, Tyler Carter, Jarrett Patton and Dustin Shanton |
| 2nd Place | Dustin Symes of Direct Logistics, Vince Blaeser of EnvyPak and Aaron Price of Tension Envelope |
| 3rd Place | The Royal Paper Stock Team of Natalie Cooke and Megan Stubbs |
| Longest Drive | Mike Cataldo of Konica Minolta |
| Longest Putt | Brett Jenkins of Nationwide Children's Hospital |
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended ENCORE, joined us on the golf course, participated in the conversations and helped make these two days such a success. We are also incredibly grateful to our speakers, sponsors and partners whose support allows GMA to continue creating meaningful opportunities for our industry to connect, learn and grow.
Thank you for making 2026 a success. We’ll see you next year!
BrewCrew Oktoberfest: Great Connections Are Brewing in Detroit!
Great connections are brewing in Detroit! Join Graphic Media Alliance and AIGA Detroit on Tuesday, October 27, for the BrewCrew Oktoberfest Networking Event at Batch Brewing Company. Enjoy an evening of networking with print, design and graphic communications professionals! Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!
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Something exciting is taking root at Graphic Media Alliance! Join us November 5 for our FREE All-Region Annual Meeting, featuring special guest Jordan Darragh of PrintReleaf and an exclusive preview of GMASustainability(+), launching in 2027. Discover how your business can make a measurable environmental impact while enjoying exclusive GMA member savings!
Read MoreDon't Miss Out on Potential Workers' Compensation Savings for 2027!
The 2027 Ohio BWC Group Rating enrollment period is approaching! GMA members are encouraged to submit their enrollment or re-enrollment paperwork to Sedgwick as soon as possible. Don't miss the opportunity to maximize potential savings on workers' compensation premiums. David Deyo, our dedicated Sedgwick Program Manager, is available to help!
Read MoreAre Your Wages Competitive? The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey Results Are Here!
Production wages are up, employee turnover is down, and the competition for skilled workers continues! The 2026 Wage + Benefits Survey provides valuable insights to help printing companies make smarter compensation and workforce decisions. Participating GMA members receive the full report FREE, while others can purchase their copy through the GMA Bookstore!
Read MoreGMA Member Millcraft Expands Packaging Capabilities with Strategic Acquisition
Congratulations to GMA member Millcraft on its acquisition of Protective Packaging Products (P3)! This strategic investment expands Millcraft's protective packaging capabilities and strengthens its presence in automotive and industrial markets. Learn how this fourth-generation, family-owned company continues to grow while building on more than a century of industry leadership.
Read MoreLove It? Buy It!
Want to help strengthen the printing industry? Sometimes the best way is to practice what we preach! From direct mail and signage to branded apparel, Bill Farquharson reminds us that every purchase is an opportunity to demonstrate the power of print. Discover how a simple conversation can reinforce the value of the products and services our industry provides in this week's Short Attention Span Sales Tip.
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