ICE USA Stirs Up More Activity

Published: September 21, 2010, By Yolanda Simonsis

Yesterday I mentioned in my Blog that ICE USA had nearly 200 exhibiting companies already reserving more than 40,000 sq ft of space. That’s good news for a show that has yet to prove itself, but even better news is that Mack Brooks Exhibitions had to abandon original plans for the smaller South Hall at the Orange County Convention Ctr. for the larger North Hall.

Michael Boyle, event director for ICE USA, said several leading global machinery suppliers had signed on to exhibit over the last few weeks, including Comexi (Spain), Megtec (USA), and LAEM System (Italy). These joined companies such as NEW ERA, Kroenert, Polytype, Faustel, Catbridge, Maxcess, and Enercon.

At a Steering Committee meeting, held on Friday September 17 following the close of Labelexpo, participating members might have been exhausted from the previous hectic three days at the exposition, but no one was complaining. There was a definite buzz at the label show that we’re all hoping will carry through the remainder of this year and into the next.

Here’s a line-up of activities and events at ICE USA that promises to keep the buzz humming right along:

• Free passes to the show will be made available through exhibitors. Check with your favorite suppliers.

• The conference portion to the show–coordinated by the Assn. of Intl. Metallizers, Coaters & Laminators (AIMCAL)–will include three FREE keynote presentations (one per day) at 9–10 A.M. Additional 30-minute presentations will be given between 10–12 P.M. each day, running on four different tracks: Measurement/Quality; Package Printing/Converting; Process; and Web Handling. Pricing for the conference sessions will be $79 for a one-day pass and $149 for a three-day pass.

• Free lunch vouchers will be given to all paid conference attendees.

• A never-before-attempted component to the show that should prove enormously popular will be an ASK THE EXPERTS session on the show floor. This feature will allow attendees to book face time with technical consultants/experts (with no commercial preferences) who can either resolve your production/process difficulties or at least direct you to people or companies that can. Free appointments in 15 min. increments will be available, so listen up and schedule your appointment once ICE USA opens the flood gates. A categorized list of exhibitors will help you on this treasure hunt to track down answers to your problems.

• Exhibitors can look forward to a pre-show kick-off party as they take a last check of their finished booths.

•There will be a Mobile App available for this show–compliments of PFFC–so you’ll know what’s going on, when, and where.

• For those attendees who have not tapped a supplier for a free pass to the show, cost for entrance to ICE USA will be $40 at the door.

• ICE USA management is reaching out to converters who may wish to co-locate a meeting at the show. Call Bob Chiricosta, director of sales & marketing for ICE USA, to see what arrangements can be made to accommodate your staffs at 781-791-5091.

• Exhibitors on the Steering Committee are committed to featuring WORKING EQUIPMENT at this show. Your insight on what will make this show a success in terms of meeting converters’ needs are incredibly important. Don’t be passive–actively provide your valuable input!

• Post your ideas and comments right here!!