CMM International, the mainstay of converting trade shows, got some direct competition last month with the premiere of CPP Expo. Now, add a third industry event to the mix—PackPrint.

The Graphic Arts Show Co. (Reston, VA) and the Ronkonkoma, NY-based Flexographic Technical Association will join forces to launch PackPrint, Sept. 9–12, 2007. It will run in conjunction with Graph Expo® 2007 at Chicago's McCormick Place, and feature what organizers say will be a comprehensive collection of package printing and converting exhibits. Attendees will be able to gain access to both shows with one badge, says GASC.

Meanwhile, the initial success of CPP Expo in Las Vegas lead that show's organizer, H.A. Bruno LLC (Paramus, NJ), to announce 2006 dates. It will again be co-located with PMMI's Pack Expo Intl., Oct. 29–Nov. 2, 2006, at Chicago's McCormick Place. CPP Expo 2005 hosted more than 200 exhibitors and a comprehensive conference program. Many exhibitors launched new technologies while others introduced new product lines to the US market. Among them were Fife, PlastiSoft Corp., Kampf USA, Pillar Technologies, Tidland, Keene Technology and Kroenert Corp.

CMM Intl. will relocate to the Stephens Convention Ctr. in Rosemont, IL, for its next run June 4–7, 2007. New owner PennWell (Nashua, NH) plans several show enhancements as well as consistent marketing and promotion leading up to the event, says Steve Taneman, PennWell publisher and general manager.