Labelexpo Americas 2006: Time to get smart
This year's show boasts an improved conference program and an emphasis on RFID/smart labels, plus all things related to secure packaging.
By Melissa Larson, Managing Editor -- Converting Magazine, 8/1/2006
As the narrow-web industry gathers in Rosemont, IL for the biennial Labelexpo Americas show September 11–14, participants may take time during the busy proceedings to pause and reflect on the many changes that have taken place in the tag and label field in the past few years.
Those changes are certainly evident among exhibitors. There will be approximately 450 of them this cycle, an increase over the previous show, and if there's any doubt in your mind that we live in uncertain times—whether the subject is geopolitics or package security—a quick stroll down the Labelexpo aisles will set you straight. From tracking and tracing devices (RFID tags are just the most well-known of them) to tamper-proof laminates, OVDs (optically variable devices), inks, coatings and substrates, security is the watchword. If package security is keeping you up nights, or if it's your customers who are pacing the floor, this is the place to be in September.
Conference callShow organizers Tarsus Group PLC have done an excellent job of presenting a vastly improved conference program at this year's show: one that is good enough to attract attendees even if they weren't going to browse the exhibits anyway. Sponsored by Avery Dennison, it stretches over three days and offers two tracks: Operations and Management.
Operations topics include prepress and digital workflow; lean manufacturing; improving gross margins despite overcapacity; selecting and implementing ERP; and creating leaders and empowering employees.
Management topics include digital printing; servo-based narrow-web presses; sustainable packaging; global label markets; and anti-counterfeit labeling and packaging.
There's also a separate half-day RFID Master Class on September 14th which, although pricey at $699, aims to give a crash course on RFID basics to converters and end-users who may feel they're behind on this crucial label technology.
Led by industry guru Mike Fairley of Tarsus, it will give a hands-on overview of RFID technology, construction, manufacture and testing.
According to Fairley, attendees have left similar previous master classes having made valuable contacts with suppliers, and having gained the confidence to make investment decisions, and able to talk to potential customers.
Gala nightAnd for those who like to keep up with the best in the label industry, or who just enjoy seeing and being seen, Labelexpo will again feature the Label Industry Global Awards.
Calvin Frost, CEO of Channeled Resources Group, has been unanimously selected by a judging panel as the winner of the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award.
He will be honored, and winners of the other award categories will be revealed, on September 11th at a gala dinner.
Editor's Note: For more information on Labelexpo Americas 2006, including how to register for conferences and the RFID Master Class, information on the Label Industry Global Awards, to search the exhibitor list, register for the show itself, and even book a hotel, visit the show's Website at www.labelexpo-americas.com
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