Labelexpo Americas 2022 was hailed an outstanding success by show organizers, exhibitors and attendees, as over 13,000 flocked to the Donald E Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, USA.

In total Labelexpo Americas 2022 attracted 13,569 attendees from 77 countries. It was notable that attendees stayed at the show longer than in previous years, up from an average of 1.8 days in 2018 to 2.0 days this year, and that it welcomed large numbers of first-time attendees, particularly from Latin American countries.

The key theme at Labelexpo Americas 2022 was the digital transformation of the labels industry. The focus was squarely on the latest developments in digital printing and digital embellishment, along with sustainability and workflow automation.

There were many global digital press debuts at the show, including HP Indigo’s V12 digital press, the Durst 20in Tau RSCi and Dantex Pico 1200e. On the converting side, automation and digital replacement of analog processes were key themes, with new machine lines from a range of companies.

Sustainability was demonstrated across the show floor, with TLMI holding a series of presentations on its Eco Stage and arranging the recycling of printed rolls into fuel pellets. Labelexpo Americas 2022 featured a packed education program including conference sessions and master classes. The Digital Embellishment Trail allowed visitors to assess printed examples of tactile finishes and digital metalization.

Reviewing the show, Haim Levit, SVP and general manager of HP’s Industrial Print Business, says,  ‘HP Indigo’s vast portfolio of solutions for label production are allowing more and more converters to capitalize on the growing advantages of digital printing. And it was clear from the event that more and more industry professionals are looking to do just that. In fact, over the course of the show, sixteen letters of intent for the HP Indigo V12 Digital Press were signed by customers around the world, eleven of which are based in North America, and five in Europe.

Matt Burton, global sales director, A B Graphic International, adds, “Labelexpo Americas was an overwhelming success for ABG. The level of interest we received across a whole range of finishing lines was really gratifying after a few years of no exhibitions. On a personal level, it was great to be back at Labelexpo meeting customers and partners in person. It’s these moments that make the label industry a great place to work.”

Steve Lynn, director labels and packaging, Durst North America says, “Labelexpo 2022 was an excellent event, everything the Durst team had hoped for after not being able to showcase our company and technology for several years.”

States Victor Gomez, director, industrial labels, Epson America, Inc, “It was the most successful Labelexpo Americas at which I’ve exhibited. Labelexpo Americas continues to be the most important trade event for the narrow web industry in North America, as well as Latin America. Customers at our booth seemed to be jostling to have a close look at our SurePress digital UV label presses. More importantly, they seemed to have come with investing in mind. We came away from the show with units sold, and with many solid prospects with whom we expect to conclude business shortly.”

Linnea Keen, president of TLMI, comments, “Labelexpo Americas 2022 was a fantastic event for our association and our members. The energy was infectious. Visitors were eager to learn, reconnect, engage, and conduct business. After four long years of conducting business virtually, it’s clear that exhibitions like Labelexpo are vital to the health of our dynamic industry. TLMI couldn’t be prouder to partner with Tarsus Group and Labelexpo on its much anticipated, and successful return. It was the reunion we all needed!”

Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas show director, concludes, “It was wonderful to finally welcome the label industry back to Rosemont. The show floor was buzzing with excitement during the three days of the show, multiple deals were done, and visitors got the chance to see close up the new presses, materials and converting equipment developed by suppliers over the four years. We look forward to welcoming exhibitors and visitors back to Labelexpo Americas 2024!”