EskoWorld has made its way around the US, and in 2018 the event is heading to San Antonio, TX, USA. The Esko users conference, which takes place from June 5-7 at the Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa, will offer attendees a market update, networking opportunities, a look at the latest Esko software and hardware, and live demonstrations showing how to turn a concept into an actual product–step by step.

The 27th edition of the event will feature the theme, “Packaging Connected.” The goal: showcasing the entire packaging supply chain. EskoWorld is home to many of the top brands, graphic and structural designers, flexo trade shops, sign makers and packaging and label converters.

In addition to Esko’s experts, EskoWorld will feature a host of presenters from across the labels and packaging industry. AVT’s Jaron Lotan, Bobst’s Federico D’Annunzio, HP Indigo’s Christian Menegon, X-Rite Pantone’s Cindy Cooperman and Ondrej Kruk, and many others are all slated to present.

Udo Panenka, Esko president, Jan De Roeck, Esko's director of solutions management, and a team of product managers will provide the introduction on June 5. Following the welcome session, Esko will host “Packaging Connected: The Event.” This half-day session allows Esko users to see the future of packaging from the viewpoints of key stakeholders, including the brand owner, converters and premedia tradeshops.

According to Esko, Packaging Connected: The Event will kick off with a fictional program manager at a large CPG brand, who is launching an update to an existing consumer product package. Presenters will offer a detailed look into the project’s execution, supplementing the presentations with live product demos, background movies and interactive debates.

Esko has laid the groundwork for this year’s conference through extensive research at previous events. In 2017, Panenka explained the importance of brands and how the company has made a concerted effort to generate feedback from brand owners. Of the registered attendees at the 2017 event in Charlotte, NC, 20% were comprised of brand owners. This allowed Esko to learn more about what brands are looking for from their labels and packaging. 

“EskoWorld is special because this is the place where all aspects of the value chain can connect with each other,” Panenka said at EskoWorld 2017. “We’re not only connecting the customer value chain, we’re talking about the whole product ecosystem and how we get that connected.”

Overall, the three-day event will include approximately 100 educational sessions that will enhance product knowledge and establish industry trends. Product roadmaps, product training, and various presentations and demonstrations are planned, as well. The Executive Summit and Brand Owner tracks will return, too. Esko wants to promote interaction with the industry’s key decision makers and the use of the latest technology available to the market.

“During this EskoWorld, we want to demonstrate how Esko’s future continues to be driven by innovation. Brand owners see a shift in their go-to-market strategies inspired by e-commerce and internet activities,” explains Panenka. “This calls for a strong connection between the physical package on the shelf and its online representation and promotion. Packaging is becoming a gateway to online content related to the product or brand, as a two-way communication tool between the brand and the consumer. This also calls for a faster time to market, feasible if the entire supply chain and the various stakeholders work in sync on a connected workflow platform. Esko’s future will be to continue to innovate the industry, to make ‘packaging connected.’”

The wide range of presentations will incorporate beginner, intermediate, and expert tracks. The topics will include everything from a deep into Automation Engine Quickstart and workflow controls to learning how to create nested layouts from one-up designs in ArtiosCAD.

Esko’s many partners will also be present, located in the PartnerZone in the Hill Country Foyer. The company will once again bring its Innovation Room to Esko. Guests can speak directly to Esko experts on how to tailor solutions to their specific workflows.

As part of EskoWorld, attendees will have a chance to network with their peers and Esko personnel. “Esko’s Networking Night Out: Texas Ranch Night” is scheduled to take place in Henry's Hollow. Guests can kick off their boots and relax for line dancing, country games and Southern BBQ.

Attendees are also encouraged to download the EskoWorld Mobile App, which will feature all the pertinent information on the event. EskoWorld details, such as sessions and presenters, maps and schedules will be located in the app.