At L&NW, we pride ourselves on using the latest data and information to curate content for our readership. Historically, readers have flocked to stories about M&A activity, automation, workforce challenges, sustainability and regulations, digital printing, and countless others. Our March issue is no exception, as all of these topics are covered in one form or another.

Over the last month, however, a new topic has begun trending – the conflict between Labelexpo Americas and PRINTING United. As many now know – and our data indicates that you do – two of the printing industry’s most prominent tradeshows will take place at the same time in 2024. From September 10-12, attendees will have to make a calculated decision – Rosemont or Las Vegas? Tried-and-true or new?

Both shows offer a tremendous amount to our readership. Labelexpo – now under the watchful eye of Informa – has delivered the latest in narrow web printing for decades. PRINTING United, meanwhile, is an all-encompassing print show, with something to offer everyone – narrow web printers included. Both events will highlight the aforementioned trends of digital printing and sustainability while expanding into growing areas of interest like flexible packaging and shrink sleeves (read more in our feature on page 45).

While they each offer value, the odds of attending both tradeshows are slim. Show executives will tout the benefits of America’s airline system, but the realities of travel budgets and time away from print shops likely only allocates an appearance at one.
So, how did we get here? According to PRINTING United, the timing is purely coincidental and unfortunate. “First and foremost, the overlapping of dates was not intentional,” says Mark Subers, president, Events and Exhibitions, PRINTING United Alliance.
“The Las Vegas Convention Center awarded our usual October show dates to a significantly larger show in Vegas (not in our industry), and the replacement date option that was selected landed us in the same time slot.”

“It was disappointing, to say the least,” acknowledges Tasha Ventimiglia, Americas Event Director, Informa.

These unfortunate circumstances have not stopped either show from feeling bullish about the future. In fact, both have received strong feedback for recent iterations. Labelexpo Americas is already seeing strong renewals for booth space, and PRINTING United Expo has moved from the 98th to the 32nd largest Expo in the US over the course of just three events in this format. 

And while the tumultuous timing might make for some sleepless nights for show executives, industry members might turn out to be the real winners in this scenario. In the future, the shows will not coincide. Plus, as the saying goes in sports, there’s nothing wrong with healthy competition, spurring each player – or show in this case – to bring out the best in one another. The label and package printing industry will certainly be taking notes in the meantime. Follow along with us for all the latest news, and turn to page 12 for more details.


Greg Hrinya, Editor
[email protected]