Converting Industry Exhibitions Show Promise
- Published: May 07, 2002, By Teresa Koltzenburg, Senior Editor
CHICAGO, IL, USA—If one tried hard enough, one might be able to visit an industry-relevant trade show every month of the year—at least in the converting industry. In five months of 2002 alone, the industry has seen coverage via several expositions—Graphics of the Americas, Ipex, Interpack, RadTech, FTA 's Info-Flex—and the year's not even half over yet. Over the months left in 2002, the industry will glean US coverage at LabelExpo (September 10–12, 2002, Donald E. Stephens Convention Ctr., Rosemont, IL); Graph/Converting Expo (October 6–9, 2002, McCormick Pl, Chicago, IL); and Pack Expo (November 3–7, McCormick Pl, Chicago, IL). Abroad industry expos/shows include: LabelExpo Asia (June 4–6, Singapore Expo Center); Corrugated 2002 (June 10–15, Paris, France); and LatinPack 2002 (June 24–25, Mexico City, Mexico). And of course, there also are the smaller conference-oriented shows that combine meetings and seminars with tabletop exhibitions. Indeed one wouldn't have to try very hard at all to attend some type of industry show every month of this year.
Overkill aside, these exhibitions and trade shows are bringing industry professional news of technological developments, innovations, and breakthroughs almost as fast as they occur. And while virtual trade shows offer the same immediacy, at real trade shows, many times, you can see the processes demonstrated LIVE.
The key to getting the most of out of your "trade show travel" is planning. In that spirit, PFFC provides you with the following press release updates on recently past and upcoming shows. Also, the Internet provides a bevy of information regarding all these industry events; many of today's expositions feature a dedicated site that can help you maximize your time in the trade show halls and minimize wasted time viewing irrelevant demonstrations and in unnecessary travel.
Interpack Boasts Almost 200,000
DÜSSELDORF, GERMANY—The recent staging of Interpack 2002, the 16th annual Intl. Trade Fair for Packaging Machinery, Packaging and Confectionary Machinery, attracted 175,000 visitors from 103 countries and 2,557 exhibitors from 51 nations, according to show organizer Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA).
The number of attendees exceeded the trade show organizers' expectations, says MDNA. Adds Ernst H. Berndl, Interpack 2002 president, "From the first day on, visitor participation was outstanding and the percentage of international trade visitors was high."
MDNA says the next staging for Interpack is slated for April 21–27, 2005, at the fairgrounds in Düsseldorf. More info is available through This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit mdna.com.
Miami's GOA: Strong Show Sales Leading to Early Sign-Ups
MIAMI, FL, USA—According to Graphics of the Americas (GOA) organizer, PAF (Printing Assn. of Florida), in an effort to ensure the best possible locations at GOA 2003, hundreds of exhibitors are signing on now for the 28th annual printing/converting expo, slated for January 24–26, 2003, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Show organizers attribute the high number of early commitments to the buying strength of the 2002 show. "Our 2002 exhibitors reported extremely strong sales and leads. As a result, they're doing everything in their power to ensure 2003 is every bit as successful as 2002," reports Chris Price, GOA VP/GM. According to Price, Heidelberg, Perez Trading Co., and Kodak Polychrome Graphics are among the companies that already have signed on for 2003.
For information on exhibiting or becoming a GOA show sponsor, contact PAF at 800/749-4855, ext. 12. (From outside the US and Canada, dial 305/558-4855, ext. 12.). Visit Graphics of the Americas on the web at graphicsoftheamericas.com.
Graph/Converting Expo to Benefit from New Tax Rules and Economic Rebound
RESTON, VA, USA—"A reviving national economy, a favorable new tax climate, and the continuing surge of highly productive new technologies are combining to boost expectations for [a] successful Graph Expo®/Converting Expo® 2002 this fall in Chicago," says event sponsor, Graphic Arts Show Co. (GASC).
According to GASC, more than 80% of all available exhibit space has been commmitted, six months before the show's opening, which is slated for October 6. GASC adds that more than 350 exhibiting companies have reserved over 340,000 net sq ft of display space (as of April 2002).
"The recent congressional action on the President's economic stimulus package included a number of provisions designed to encourage corporate investment in high productivity technology and equipment," says GASC president, Regis J. Delmontagne. "Specifically, the new accelerated depreciation rules mean we are likely approaching the most favorable conditions for investment in many years.
More information about Graph/Converting Expo is available through the GASC site, gasc.org.
Drupa Exhibitor Kits Available
CHICAGO, IL, USA—According to Drupa organizer, Messe Düsseldorf North America (MDNA), exhibitor kits for Drupa 2004 now are available. Slated for May 6–19, 2004, at the Düsseldorf fairgrounds, Drupa 2004 will include exhibitors from various industry segments (prepress, printing, paper converting, packaging production, materials, services). MDNA says exhibitor applications for Drupa 2004 are due by October 31, 2002. For visitor info or to obtain a kit, contact MDNA at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit mdna.com.
Have a great show!
PFFC
