L&NW takes deep dive into inaugural LOUPE Americas

LOUPE Americas will officially make its transition from Labelexpo on September 15-17, 2026, in Rosemont, IL, USA. While the event boasts a new name, it will still serve as North America’s largest dedicated package printing and converting event. LOUPE Americas will connect professionals in labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons and beyond.

To learn more about what’s in store for LOUPE Americas, L&NW sat down with Tasha Ventimiglia, LOUPE’s group director, Americas.

L&NW: What can the US market expect from the first ever LOUPE Americas?

TV: Visitors to LOUPE Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas) will see that the show remains, at core, about new label technologies from hybrid and digital presses through more automated flexo, sustainable materials, digital embellishment, and other key areas for business development.

But visitors interested in narrow and mid-web flexible packaging (shrink sleeves and pouches) and inline folding carton converting will start to see far more interest on the show floor.

On the flexible packaging side this includes pouch making equipment, flexo and digital printing on the show floor, sustainable mono-material pouch constructions, and lamination technology.

For label converters interested in diversifying into folding cartons, LOUPE Americas 2026 introduces the Carton House. This is an interactive display of award-winning folding carton samples, along with information on how to print, embellish, and convert cartons on inline, digital, and hybrid presses.

From a community experience perspective, our label and package printing industry can expect enhanced networking and education opportunities, including a new “access all areas” education pass.

L&NW: How has the feedback been to the new name and added focus on new segments?

TV: The transition from Labelexpo to LOUPE has initiated some really important conversations about the future direction of the narrow/mid-web industry. Why is Labelexpo not the best name for us to use anymore? Because converters can process so much more on the equipment you see on the show floor than labels, and this includes pouches, shrink sleeves, and folding cartons, and we need to be clear that going forward LOUPE is the platform that will showcase it all.

LOUPE is a response to the direction the industry is now moving, and this has already opened up new partnerships with associations and media we haven’t ever worked with in the past, which will greatly benefit our clients and the wider industry moving forward.

L&NW: What would you say to attendees who think the show might look different than they’re historically used to?

TV: LOUPE Americas 2026 will look similar to the Labelexpo events we have built over the past 40 years, because the push into flexible packaging and folding cartons comes mainly from our existing exhibitor base.

LOUPE is all about how equipment developed for label converting – inline flexo, digital, and hybrid – can also be used to enter profitable niche market segments in flexible packaging and folding cartons. You will see new suppliers in the flexible packaging and folding carton segments demonstrating new materials and ancillary equipment and new associations represented at the event.

Label technology remains at the core of LOUPE shows. Folding cartons and flexible packaging represent new ways for label converters to diversify their product offerings using their existing skillsets.

L&NW: What should attendees know about the educational content you’re providing?

TV: We are introducing the Education Pass, which offers full access to all our learning and networking content across the first two days of the show. In addition, this year we are investing in an AI tool that adds content summaries and key takeaways for every session, so attendees won’t miss a thing even if they can’t make a particular session.

Day 1 kicks off with a keynote session and a panel of leading converters – always a crowd favorite. Other concurrent breakout sessions that day cover topics including AI and automation, RFID technology, and new opportunities in flexible packaging and folding carton.

Day 1 will wrap up with an exciting AI in Action workshop facilitated by AI expert Steve Metcalf. This workshop is interactive, hands-on and attendees will leave with the knowledge of how to build their own AI agent and teach it skills relevant to their business.

Day 2 will start early with the Rise & Shine Sessions – powered by Amplify Print. There will be four sessions beginning at 8:00 am that will deep dive into print embellishments. The keynote, Today’s Manufacturing Reality, explores the broader manufacturing landscape, zeroing in on what it means for labels and package printing. Attendees will hear a label market outlook from AWA’s Corey Reardon, and an overall look at the manufacturing landscape from Mark Denzler, president of the Illinois Manufacturer’s Association.

Breakout sessions on Day 2 will focus on workforce development and business planning along with upcoming challenges such as the Sunrise 2027 move to 2D codes and how to leverage EPR to drive both sustainability and business success.

The day closes out with an exciting networking event, Women in Focus, celebrating women’s perspectives and achievements. This session is free to ALL expo pass holders and will include an informative panel discussion given by female leaders from several industries, followed by roundtable discussions for deeper dialogue and professional networking.

L&NW: What are the benefits of having LOUPE ambassadors?

TV: The Ambassador Program is designed to harness the expertise of esteemed industry leaders and specialists so our LOUPE community can benefit from their insights and perspectives across key segments of our industry.

We have intentionally selected ambassadors who are recognized experts in their field and reflect the core perspectives of LOUPE and our community. These are: labels business intelligence, flexible packaging, folding carton, sustainability, and future leaders.

Our ambassadors have graciously volunteered to represent their respective sectors and act as a valuable sounding board for the industry. They will be present on-site to represent LOUPE, their organizations, and their industry sectors.

L&NW: Are there any special show features attendees might not know about that they shouldn’t miss?

TV: There are. The Monday night before the event we are organizing the LOOP to LOUPE fun run/walk and party at the entertainment park to welcome and kick off the first LOUPE Americas event.

September 15th sees the presentation of the L&L Global Awards at the Spotlight Stage, starting from 4 pm. On September 16th at 2 pm, the Women in Focus event takes place, as noted previously. Later that afternoon at 4 pm on the Spotlight Stage is the Emerging Leaders Meet up, powered by TLMI and FTA, bringing together upcoming leaders from across the label, packaging and printing industries and from partner associations.

September 17th is the first Student Day @ LOUPE. Area high school students will be visiting LOUPE Americas 2026 to learn about the label and package printing industry. Students will receive examples of different types of printed labels, shrink sleeves, flexible packaging or folding carton and will visit those stands that are part of the project. Students from Illinois State University who are currently studying print/packaging and design will be the tour guides for the high school students.