Registration for the 16th edition of Labelexpo Americas, the region’s leading trade show for the label and package printing industry, is now open. Set to take place once again at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois September 25-27, the event promises a range of features including a packed two-day conference schedule, an Ecovillage and, for the very first time, an Automation Arena.
     
Part of the successful Labelexpo Global Series since 1989, the biennial Labelexpo Americas has become established as the region’s major industry platform for print professionals, brand owners, label and packaging designers and associated graphic industry suppliers. The key focus of the 2018 edition – “Explore Your Future” – will be future technology and environmental issues in the sector. The 2018 show is again strongly supported and endorsed by the trade bodies TLMI, ACOBAN, AIMCAL, AIPIA, FTA and FSEA.
     
Spread across five exhibitions halls, well over 400 exhibitors will be taking part over the three days, including AB Graphic, Avery Dennison, Bobst, Domino, Durst, Epson, Esko, ETI, Flint Group, Fujifilm, HP, Karlville Development, Mark Andy, MPS, Nilpeter, Omet, RotoMetrics, Screen USA and Xeikon.
    
Running alongside the exhibition and making its debut – not only at Labelexpo Americas 2018 but also for the first time in the Americas – is the Automation Arena, a demonstration of two automated press lines for conventional (shrink sleeve) and digital (label) production, covering job creation right through to pre-press, printing, finishing and invoicing. This is an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to experience first-hand how the future of label and package printing will evolve over the next decade.
    
Another key feature of Labelexpo Americas 2018 will be the TLMI Ecovillage, designed to raise awareness of environmental issues in the sector. Back for the first time since 2012, and sponsored by Convergen Fuels and Channeled Resources Group, the latest products tackling this important issue will be on display. Additionally, the waste matrix collected from the live press demonstrations over the course of the show will be brought to the TLMI Ecovillage and baled into Convergen Fuel pellets, which have a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels. There will also be a daily session tackling the big myths surrounding sustainable packaging and current issues of interest to converters.
   
As in previous years, back by popular demand and in keeping with consumer trends that are currently influencing the market, the 2018 edition offers a packed educational conference program with 12 sessions and three expert-led master classes run in association with the Label Academy. These will cover: 1) shrink sleeve technology, markets and applications; 2) inks, coatings and varnishes, their application in modern narrow web converting operations and legislation; and 3) management information systems (MIS) and workflow automation.
   
Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas event director, comments: "The theme for this edition of the show is “Explore Your Future." This is a fast-moving industry that’s full of tremendous innovation and with one eye on the future, so it felt right to reflect that in building what we believe is our most exciting and relevant show schedule yet. We will be seeking to empower the buyers attending the show through live demonstrations, the TLMI Ecovillage and expert-led master classes tackling the industry’s most pressing issues.
   
"We are especially excited to be bringing the Automation Arena to Labelexpo Americas for the very first time. This is something we introduced at our Labelexpo Europe last year and it’s a unique opportunity for attendees to see first-hand how the future of the industry will look, enabling them to keep one step ahead. We are very much looking forward to meeting with exhibitors and visitors over the course of the show, and would encourage early booking registration – especially for the conference sessions – to avoid disappointment."
   
Also taking place on the evening of September 25 is the prestigious annual Label Industry Global Awards, which recognizes key achievements in the label and package printing sector. The four award categories cover innovation, sustainability and individual pioneering contribution to the industry. For more information visit www.labelawards.com.
  
An early bird booking discount for Labelexpo Americas is available until September 14, with expo-only passes costing $60 ($80 thereafter) and single session conference sessions at $204 ($255 thereafter). Full conference sessions for both days cost $588 ($735 after September 14). Further discounts are available for members of TLMI, ACOBAN, AIMCAL, AIPIA, FTA and FSEA.
  
To register, and to book accommodation for Labelexpo Americas 2018, visit www.labelexpo-americas.com.