Association Services
The Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) provides a wide range of resources to help companies remain profitable today and into the future. From real, tangible benefits offered through cost-saving programs to educational opportunities (FSEA National Convention, IADD/FSEA Odyssey, webinars, case studies and articles) to green initiatives proving the sustainability of foil decorated paper/board, the FSEA strives to provide its members with ideas, resources and solutions to grow in today’s marketplace.
Membership Benefits/Application • FinisherFinder.com • Gold Leaf Awards
Lifetime Achievement Award • InsideFinishing Magazine • PostPress ENews
FSEA Conference • IADD/FSEA Odyssey • Green Initiatives • Designer’s Guidebook
Success Articles • Job Links • Used Machinery • FSEA Bookstore
Membership Benefits/Application
Since its inception in 1992, the FSEA has worked toward industry awareness and growth. With our current membership well above 250 and rising, our organization continues to strengthen the industry as a whole through education, seminars, statistical surveys, reference tools, conventions and technical conferences, trade show exhibition and cost-saving programs. As an Association, it is our goal that each member realizes direct benefits through his/her involvement with the FSEA and as we move forward in this endeavor, the list of tangible benefits continues to grow.
View Membership Benefits and Application
FinisherFinder.com
FinisherFinder.com is a quick reference tool to source a wide range of print finishing processes at the click of a button. Whether searching for a specific finishing process (such as foil stamping/embossing, registered hologram stamping, diecutting, UV coating, film laminating, folding/gluing, specialty processes and more), press/sheet size capacity, geographic location, or product, FinisherFinder.com is designed for easy navigation - instantly sourcing the finishing process needed. FinisherFinder.com also sources a wide range of suppliers to the trade, including equipment, services and supplies.
Search for a finisher or supplier on FinisherFinder.com
Gold Leaf Awards
Judged on design, execution and level of difficulty, the annual Gold Leaf Awards Competition consistently draws entries from around the world and is committed to gaining visibility throughout the graphic arts community at large. From foil stamping and embossing to specialty coating, film laminating, laser cutting, diecutting, cold foil application and more, the competition celebrates the quality, added value, shelf presence, security and brand recognition that these finishing processes lend to the printed sheet.
Enter the 2011 Gold Leaf Awards Competition
View the 2010 Gold Leaf Award Winners
Lifetime Achievement Award
The Lifetime Achievement Award, presented every other year, honors dedicated individuals in the print finishing industry who have made significant contributions to the advancement of the industry at large. The award further recognizes individuals for their leadership, vision and steadfast commitment to the association and to the industry.
Lifetime Achievement Award articles
InsideFinishing Magazine
As the only U.S. publication today dedicated solely to this specialized segment of the graphics world, InsideFinishing provides a valuable source of information and reference materials to its readers. From up-to-date coverage on products, technologies and trends to management tips and business issues, InsideFinishing strives to capture the pulse of the industry by highlighting the very people, events and achievements that define the industry’s diverse personality.
Subscribe to InsideFinishing magazine
View excerpts from the latest edition of InsideFinishing
PostPress ENews
This monthly ENews forum is filled with the most up-to-date information on finishing, binding and specialty effects processes for the graphic arts industry. Distributed to over 6,000 readers, PostPress ENews covers industry trends, technology Q&As, safety and management updates, product launches, association news and so much more.
FSEA Conference
From practical ideas that can be implemented quickly and easily to strategic plans for short- and long-term growth, the FSEA Conference tailors each program to help print finishers move forward in current market conditions. From operational challenges and new technologies to business development and growth strategies, the FSEA Conference provides a wealth of ideas and resources to drive business to the next level.
View 2012 FSEA Conference details: Pinnacle Solutions - An FSEA·IADD Joint Conference
IADD•FSEA Odyssey
Sponsored by the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA), the Odyssey is the converting industry’s premier event targeted specifically to diemaking/diecutting, foil stamping/embossing and specialty effects processes. This includes the folding carton, print finishing and binding, and corrugated industries. The Odyssey includes TechshopTM sessions - a unique set of workshops where technical challenges are tackled on-press in a production-like environment - classroom sessions and an Exhibition Hall filled with suppliers to the trade.
View excerpts from 2011 Odyssey
Green Initiatives
As environmental sustainability and responsibility continue to be hot topics in the graphic arts arena, the FSEA continues to develop green initiatives such as its most recent study on the recyclability and repulpability of foil stamped paper/board that was commissioned by a third-party research firm. This study, along with GreenBlue’s report on the Sustainability of Decorative Processes are two valuable sources available to you to help sell these processes to customers who dictate sustainable choices.
Related articles on foil and other specialty processes (UV) sustainability
GreenBlue Report on the Sustainability of Decorative Processes
FSEA Study on the Recyclability and Repulpability of Foil Decorated Paper/Board
Designer’s Guidebook
To learn more about all of the options available with foil stamping and embossing, order your copy of “A Different Breed: The Designer’s Guide to Foil Stamping and Embossing”. This reference guide will take you on a journey through an exotic world of color, texture and dimension. An informative sample-oriented book for designers and printers – and a unique marketing tool for foil stampers and embossers – the 2nd Edition includes updated information and a full section on preparing artwork for foil stamping and embossing work. (A third edition of the Designer’s Guide is due out in 2013).
Order a copy of the Designer’s Guidebook
Success Articles
Numerous articles have been published demonstrating the effect use of foil stamping, embossing and other decorative processes on packaging, POP displays, promotional materials and more. Discover the many ways designers are turning heads through the use of print enhancement processes.
Related articles on the use of foil stamping, embossing and specialty processes
Job Links
A listing of career opportunities offered by FSEA members. You may contact the FSEA directly with any questions. (Job listings stay on the site for up to 3 months.)
Used Machinery
Click here to visit our member's selection of used machinery for sale.
FSEA Bookstore
Click here to visit the FSEA Bookstore.