“There is no way you can stand still in this business for even a second. The pace of innovation in the label market moves so rapidly that it is essential to keep a handle on what is going on by way of new developments.”

That’s Tasha Ventimiglia, the event director for Labelexpo Americas, which is primed for its biggest show ever since beginning in 1989. The biennial show, which will take place September 13-15 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, is expecting a record 400 exhibitors across 200,000 square feet of exhibition space.

“Labelexpo Americas is for anyone who has something to do with packaging or labels,” Ventimiglia continues. “The show covers everything and anything to do with labels, flexible packaging and folded cartons, so (it) really is a Mecca for converters, printers, brand owners, label or packaging designers and wider industry suppliers.”

In addition to the exhibit hall, the show will host 16 conference sessions that will mix panel discussions, technical presentations and case studies. Two brand new features for the 2016 event include a Digital Finishing Experience, which will help attendees better understand how to take advantage of short-run opportunities in label and packaging personalization, and a Linerless Trail, which will help give attendees insight into the label industry’s linerless future while reducing costs, waste and improving the overall supply chain.

“The sector is in a constant state of flux and businesses need to be on top of improving ways to cut waste, reduce overhead, improve efficiency and maximize quality in order to stay competitive,” Ventimiglia says.

Educational conference sessions will consist of morning streams and afternoon streams on September 13 and 14. Afternoon streams on each day will be divided into two sub-sections. For instance, on September 13, guests will have the option to sit in on afternoon presentations in either a Smart and Interactive Product Stream or a Digital Technologies Stream. On September 14, the streams are Technical Innovation and Packaging Printing.

Some notable conference sessions that printers and converters of flexible packaging may want to check out include:

• CEO Panel Discussion (September 13; 9:30 a.m.): Leaders from Fortis Solutions Group, Avery Dennison, Outlook Group, McDowell Label and Inovar Packaging Group will discuss consolidation in the North American market, investing for the future and creating the workforce of tomorrow.
• Integrating NFC labels with Packaging for Global Pharmaceutical Products (September 13; 2 p.m.): The emergence of printed electronics in packaging will be discussed.
• The Art of Possibilities: Unlocking the Power of Digital Printing for Brands (September 13; 3 p.m.): Digital printing’s functionality, personalization and immediacy will be discussed. Digital printing campaigns featuring Coca-Cola and Bud Light will also be featured.
• Converter Panel Discussion: New Market Opportunities (September 14; 9:30 a.m.): New technology and applications will be discussed, as well as how to maintain production and quality standards.
• Demonstrating Advanced Capabilities in Print with Multi-Layer Linerless Labels (September 14; 3 p.m.): This presentation will further describe the benefits of linerless labels.
• Moving into New Markets: Film Labels and Flexible Packaging (September 14; 4 p.m.): This presentation will focus on why flexible packaging is a natural market for label converters.

“Labelexpo offers massive value to flexible packaging converters,” Ventimiglia says. “Not only (is it) the biggest show for the American market, but (it) also offers all printers the most extensive showcase of package printing solutions available.”

Graph Expo Heads to Orlando for 2016 Show

Labelexpo isn’t the only event you should have on your calendar for the month of September. Later in the month, there’s Graph Expo 16, which will be held from September 25-28 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

The theme for this year’s show is “Refresh,” which is meant to signify a fresh take on the show, as well as the mantra for continued growth and success in the printing industry, says Thayer Long, NPES/GASC president.

“With a focus on the latest industry trends and new market opportunities, here show visitors will discover the hottest new technology – with many products making their U.S. debut at this year’s show – and a dynamic forum in which to solve ‘what’s keeping them up at night,’” says Long. “Here, among scores of new solutions for their unique challenges, attendees will gain the fresh perspective they need to adapt and evolve their businesses for continuing success.”

In addition to its exhibition hall, Graph Expo will offer over 50 educational seminars, once again kicking the conference off with the annual “Executive Outlook” presentation. This year’s outlook focuses on finding new markets.

New this year is “The House That Print Built” floor attraction, an interactive addition where attendees will have the opportunity to see, touch and experience various print products. The hottest new applications and trends will also be on display in the attraction.

“As our industry continues to change and evolve, it persistently reinvents the boundaries of print,” says Long. “For all print professionals, regardless of their market, one ‘constant’ remains – the need to adapt and grow their businesses for continued success.”

Graph Expo 16

September 25-28
Orange County Convention Center (North Hall)
Orlando, FL
www.graphexpo.com