The New Home Of Converting And Flextronics Professionals
Mirko Knappmeier strengthens IBD Wickeltechnik’s Technical Sales
IBD Wickeltechnik GmbH is further expanding its technical sales team. With Mirko Knappmeier, an experienced sales engineer is joining the team, who will provide hands-on technical consulting to customers in Germany and internationally – directly on site. Solutions in industrial winding technology For more than 30 years, IBD Wickeltechnik has stood for solutions in industrial […]
RK Print Coat – “Coating adhesive webs”
Speed of throughput, speed of delivery is critical, but so too is quality. Speed without quality is as harmful to the reputation of a converter as missed delivery. Judging whether coating or laminating is a success is very much dependent upon how well processing fundamentals are controlled as the moving web makes its way through […]
Meech announces industry-first UL-certified Hyperion Bar
Meech International has announced the Hyperion 314IPS hygienic ionising bar as the first of its kind to achieve UL 62368-1 certification. This product gives manufacturers greater assurance around the safety and reliability of their static control equipment, aiding compliance in regulated production environments. UL 62368-1 certification provides independent confirmation that the Hyperion 314IPS bar meets […]
OE-A publishes 10th Roadmap edition for flexible electronics
With the publication of the 10th edition of the “OE-A Roadmap for Flexible and Printed Electronics,” the OE-A, an international working group for printed electronics within the VDMA, once again presents the central guidance and reference document for the industry. The roadmap offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry as well […]
Tageos and Pragmatic launch FlexIC-based RFID products
Tageos, a global leader in RFID and BLE inlays, and Pragmatic Semiconductor, a pioneer in flexible semiconductor technology, announced the expansion of their long-term strategic partnership with the launch of Tageos’ latest product portfolio based on Pragmatic’s flexible and sustainable NFC Connect product line. The new Tageos EOS Lite and EOS Zero Lite lines deliver […]
Live Vlogs from LOPEC 2026
The Voice of Converting | Leadership starts in your head
What really determines competitiveness today – technology or psychology? In this episode of the podcast ‘The Voice of Converting,’ editor-in-chief Martin Hirschmann talks to Wolfgang Drexler, managing director of foresmind GmbH, about neuropsychological leadership and why ‘people still think like they did in the Stone Age’ even though we live in an AI-driven world.
Between Generation Z, AI and the shortage of skilled workers
Drexler explains how his bioLogic method distinguishes between three basic modes of thinking – analytical and past-oriented, future-oriented and consequence-conscious, and impulsive and present-oriented – and why communication often fails not because of content, but because of the wrong ‘input’ into the brain. Especially in technically oriented industries such as the converting industry, even highly qualified specialists often talk past each other. The key lies not in more control, but in a tailored approach.
Another focus of the conversation is generational change. Drexler argues that Generation Z should not be misunderstood as less willing to perform, but rather as purpose-driven and responsible. At the same time, he sees artificial intelligence not as a threat, but as a tool – provided it is used in a humane way. Standard processes should be automated, while creative and critical thinking remain the task of humans.
Cognitive fitness vs. digital overload
Finally, the discussion turns to cognitive fitness, critical questioning and the surprising role of traditional media in a world of digital overload. An episode about motivation, personality structures and the question of why psychological leadership will become a decisive competitive factor in the future.
1. Connecting Professionals
Networking is our bread and butter. We connect people and companies from all parts of the supply chains of the industries we serve and thus make a significant contribution to their success. We not only know our industries on a technological level, but also know what makes the people behind the machines tick and what really moves them.
2. Multi-channel communication
Print media continues to be highly relevant for our specialist audience. At the same time, more and more digital media formats are being developed, which are being introduced by providers of specialised media with very different levels of success. When it comes to our digital platforms, we always focus on the formats that really suit our target groups! In addition to the “classic” online news, these are primarily podcasts, video reports, webinars and email newsletters. For our social media activities, we rely entirely on LinkedIn, where we can reach the relevant people and target groups for our media brands in a targeted manner.
3. Global presence, special events
By travelling to trade fairs, conferences and industry events around the world, we always have our finger on the pulse of the industries we serve. We believe in the “magic” of personal contacts and cultivate these as often as possible. In addition, we offer our own face-to-face and online events that enable in-depth networking in a more intimate atmosphere. Internal and external experts who speak at our events should always offer real added value, beyond sales presentations and “empty business-speak”!
4. Fundamental Values
As a company, we stand up for democracy, human rights and freedom of the press. We want all people to be treated equally regardless of gender, sexual identity, skin colour, origin, religion and age. We are firmly opposed to racism and anti-Semitism and reject extremism of any kind.
5. Sustainability
We recognise our responsibility to do our part to curb man-made climate change and develop constructive solutions for a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. On a journalistic level, we accompany “green” innovations in the sectors we serve with a critical distance. We reject “greenwashing”. As a company, we include sustainability aspects in all investment decisions and favour climate-neutral means of transport for business trips whenever possible.