Labelexpo Americas returns to Rosemont, Illinois, September 25-27, offering five halls worth of exhibits, special breakout sessions, networking and more. As one of the biggest events in the packaging industry, there’s always value for flexible packaging professionals who attend the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center-hosted biennial show. Here are five things to know about Labelexpo Americas 2018:

1. Automation Arena

Accraply, Avery Dennison, AVT, Cerm, Esko, Grafotronic, Klockner Pentaplast, Kocher + Beck, Matho, MPS, Xeikon/Flint Group, WLE and Zeller+Gmelin will come together to form the Automation Arena, a new feature to Labelexpo Americas. The 13 companies will be digitally printing various self-adhesive label designs and shrink sleeves on a duo of automated press lines. Attendees can view the process from pre-press all the way to waste removal and warehousing. The Automation Arena is scheduled to take place in Hall F. Its demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. September 25 and 26, and at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on September 27.

“The Automation Arena is something we introduced at Labelexpo Europe last year and it proved such a popular experience that we are bringing it to Labelexpo Americas for the very first time,” says Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas event director. “It’s a unique opportunity for attendees to view the future of the industry by experiencing a fully automated workflow process, enabling them to keep one step ahead of competitors.”

2. The TLMI EcoVillage

For the first time since 2012, the TLMI EcoVillage will display the latest products tackling environmental issues in the labeling sector. The EcoVillage will host a speaker each day, and topics such as the new plastics economy, package recyclability and sustainable materials management, will be covered. Additionally, attendees will be able to see the waste matrix collected from press demonstrations baled in the Village. This material is then scheduled to be sent to be made into fuel pellets.

“Our goal is to help label suppliers and converters to be inspired by sustainability experts who are breaking new ground in making labels a key component of reduced-impact products,” says Rosalyn Bandy, TLMI environmental director.

3. Labelexpo Connections

New to Labelexpo Americas is the opportunity for attendees to schedule one-on-one appointments with exhibitors. This program is designed to fast-track connections to new business in the industry. It works by putting attendees through a matching process with relevant exhibitors, thereby allowing connections to form.

“We know that a driving factor for people choosing to visit the show is the opportunity to network and make new business connections, so we want to help them make the most of this opportunity and plan their time efficiently,” says Ventimiglia.

4. The Expansive Trade Show Floor

Labelexpo Americas is spread out across five halls of the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, and if the previous 2016 Labelexpo is any indication of the size and scope of the show, then it’s going to be highly valuable. Specifically, the 2016 Labelexpo Americas experienced the largest show floor in event history, spanning more than 200,000 square feet. The show floor consisted of 455 exhibitors. At the time of this writing, more than 400 exhibitors are already signed on to participate in the upcoming 2018 event.

5.  Master Classes and Conference Sessions

For an additional cost, attendees can attend up to three master classes presented by The Label Academy. Topics are “MIS and Workflow Automation,” “Shrink Sleeve Technology” and “Ink, Coatings & Varnishes.”

On September 25 and September 26, the event hosts full-day conferences. Presentations include a CEO Converter Panel Discussion, New Markets: The Rise of Printing on Demand, Flexible Packaging Opportunities for Label Converters, Designing and Creating Packaging for eCommerce, and Preventing Counterfeiting, among others.

Labelexpo Americas

www.labelexpo-americas.com