Finally. It’s your time. I’m talking specifically to North American label converters, the group that comprises the vast majority of L&NW’s readership. And to commemorate the occasion, in partnership with our friends at Kurz, we’ve designed a special cover.

Over the last 12 months, most of you have only heard or read about, or have seen online videos, of the newest label printing technologies generating buzz within the industry. And unless you attended Dscoop or one of the recent Open House events, hosted by the likes of Domino, Omet or MPS, to name a few, this month’s Labelexpo Americas 2016 is the place to be. Under one roof, more than 400 vendors will be demonstrating what sets their products apart.

It’s been an eventful year since the 2015 Brussels edition of Labelexpo. That show was notable for a number of reasons, one of which was the large number of digital press and printer exhibitors. I counted 62 sellers of digital printing equipment in one form or another, whether it was a small footprint tabletop unit or a production class machine with a seven figure price tag.

Then came drupa. The quadrennial event was characterized for the first time as both a “Digital Show” and a “Packaging Show.” Accounts from attendees made it clear that digital printing as well as labels and packaging generated the biggest buzz in Dusseldorf. And many drupa exhibitors that were in Brussels and will also be in Chicago. I’m amazed at the size of some of these companies’ tradeshow budgets.

I have looked at the list of exhibitors heading to Chicago, but I am yet to compile numbers or make any lists of who is featuring what. There is still time for that. But if you are so inclined to do so, much of the information you need is right here in this issue, starting on page 74. In addition to a complete directory of exhibitors, we have a preview of what approximately a quarter of the vendors will be showcasing at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Along with the accompanying map we’ve produced, L&NW has you covered. If only we could pinpoint which areas of the show floor have the softest carpet and which exhibitors serve the coldest 4 PM beers.

As we bring this issue to press, the run-up to Labelexpo is at a fever pitch. While many exhibitors prefer to not show their hand prior to the show, waiting until the doors open to make their big reveal, some have provided the media with information on what we can look forward to seeing.

Right after we closed this issue, but before I wrote this column – it’s always the final article written before going to print – Mark Andy announced it will be unveiling the new Digital One, an entry-level digital label press designed to print short run prime labels with inline converting. All at what the press manufacturer says is “an unprecedented low investment level.”

How’s that for a Labelexpo tease. See you there.




Steve Katz, Editor
[email protected]
Twitter: @LabelSteve