Converting and its sister publication, Packaging Digest, reunite with U.K.-based market researcher Pira Intl. to produce a unique look at the exciting new technology of digital printing for the label and packaging industry. The team's next conference will be held March 13-14 at The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco.

Focusing on plateless, full-color digital print techniques for paperboard, plastic-film packaging and labels, this two-day program has been researched with leading companies throughout the industry to ensure it addresses the newest and most pertinent developments. The conference has the unique advantage of including case studies from throughout the supply chain—not just suppliers.

Among the end-user packaging buyers and converters scheduled to speak:

Bristol Myers Squibb talks exclusively about its in-house digital press; Kraft Foods investigates the current and potential impact of digital print on the consumer products company; Coors Brewing Co. assesses its use of digital print for marketing purposes; Smurfit-Stone Container gives insight into its current and planned use of digital print for folding cartons; CCL Labels considers the future potential of digital print for label-making; and Field Container examines its use of DI equipment and how this compares and contrasts with digital print.

The conference also takes a decidedly West Coast slant with presentations from a winery discussing the advantages digital print brings and Hewlett-Packard assessing the role of "Digital Print in the Packaging Supply Chain" from a buyer's perspective.

Helping to promote the event, the Tag & Label Manufacturers Institute, Inc., Naperville, Ill., has signed on as an official sponsor and will offer a registration discount to TLMI members.

This exclusive event is fast growing a reputation as the most important forum in America for developments in the fast moving world of digital printing for packaging and labels. It attracts senior delegates from throughout the packaging supply chain to discuss and learn the very latest strategic and technical developments.

A third, more general conference on the topic is also planned for the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Chicago on June 4-5, 2002.

More information on the conference agenda, registration and hotel accommodations is available at 888/901-1397, www.digitalpackagingconference.com