Exciting New Opportunities for Students at Odyssey Expo 2025

The International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking adds student opportunities to Odyssey Expo 2025. Students from local technical colleges are invited to explore career possibilities in the diecutting and diemaking industry. 

Based on the success of the Diecutting & Diemaking 101 Workshop program, geared towards the next generation and those new to the world of diecutting and diemaking, IADD's booth will be transformed into a mini die shop where students will watch live demonstrations and participate in hands-on learning activities. The Workshop will be led by industry experts who will cover topics from the steel rule die to ejection material and the cutting process. Additionally, students will tour the Technology Hall to see materials and meet face-to-face with some of the leading companies in the industry.

“Creating more opportunities for the next generation to gain real-world exposure to our industry helps open the door to possibilities and fosters the growth of future industry leaders. IADD offers the perfect environment to provide expert education and facilitate connections between companies and the next generation,” says IADD President, Rob McCann of Bobst Mex SA. 

The Diecutting & Diemaking 101 Workshop program will be held on Thursday, May 8 from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm and Friday, May 9 from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm. 

Schedule

Diecutting & Diemaking 101 Workshop (2 hours)

The Cutting Die

• Safety First
• Steel Rule Die
• Rule Bender/Rubber Cutting Equipment
• Nicking Demonstration
• Ejection Material
• Creasing Matrix, Phenolic Counter & Steel Counter

The Cutting Process

• Makeready Process
• Intro to Blanking and Stripping
• Diecutter Video Demonstration
• Troubleshooting/Do’s and Don’ts/Question and Answer

Technology Hall Tour (1 hour)
A guided tour of Odyssey’s Technology Hall. Featuring 100+ of the industry’s elite companies, offering the widest range of products and services specific to diecutting, diemaking, foil stamping/embossing, folding/gluing processes and bindery.

Special thanks to the volunteer team 

Our dedicated team of volunteers have worked hard to develop the workshop program and are thrilled to showcase it at Odyssey Expo 2025. Thank you to our South Chapter Co-Chairs, Anne Barrett, Keystone Folding Box Co., and Sarah Farley, Ameritek, Inc. and our Education Committee member, Mark Gocklin, Keystone Folding Box Co. for your time and expertise. 

Registration

Registration and parking are complimentary for students currently enrolled at a local technical college. To register or for more information, contact IADD Staff or call 1-815-455-7519.

New to the industry? Our mini die shop will be available throughout the show and technical experts will be on-site to help demonstrate basic techniques for rubbering a die, nicking, CAD software and answer your specific technical questions. Stop by the IADD Booth to connect with us!