Labelexpo Americas, North America’s largest event for the label and package printing industry, has announced its conference program for 2016. Sponsored by HP Indigo, it is scheduled to run September 13-14 as part of the three-day trade exhibition. Sharing the latest advances in key and emerging technologies, delegates will also hear first-hand about industry trends, changes and developments from sector specialists.

Featuring 16 sessions, the conference opens with the CEO panel discussion and an overview of the market trends. Moderated by Georges Gravanis of Avery Dennison, panelists will include John Attayek of Inovar Packaging Group, McDowell Label’s John McDowell, John M. Cappy from the Outlook Group and Fortis Solutions Group’s John Wynne. They will discuss issues including consolidation in the marketplace, investing for the future and how to equip the industry’s workforce of tomorrow.

The afternoon sessions will be split into two streams with the first focusing on digital technologies. Individual presentations will include a look at inkjet systems for industrial applications with contributions from TLF Graphics and McLoone Metal Graphics, as well as digital print finishing for labels and packaging and customizing seasonal products using digital printing.

The second stream will highlight smart and interactive products and include several real life case studies. Thin Film Electronics and Canadian printer Jones Packaging will be sharing their expertise of integrating NFC labels with packaging for global pharmaceutical products. The second case study will highlight the use of smart labels and packaging in increasing consumer engagement with Constantia Labels and Inland giving an insight into working with the Oculto and Cubanisto beer brands.

Day two will include the converter panel discussion and an update on how the Internet of Things (IoT) is impacting on the market. The afternoon is again split into two streams and concentrates on new technical innovations and package printing. New innovations being covered will include the latest advances in linerless labels, as well as implementing an effective MIS solution to improve workflow and profitability. Package printing presentations will feature a panel discussion on flexible and folding carton printing and with the market moving away from paper, the last session explores diversifying into new markets by adopting film labels and flexible packaging.

Celebrating its 15th edition, Labelexpo Americas will be held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont, Illinois from September 13-15. This year’s show will convene over 400 exhibitors, host multiple master classes in association with the Label Academy and include two brand new feature areas – the Linerless Trail and the Digital Finishing Experience.

Tasha Ventimiglia, Labelexpo Americas event director, comments: “Once again the Labelexpo Americas conference program will be tackling the big issues facing the label printing sector from skilling up the workforce, to diversifying into niche packaging. Attendees will be able to find out about the latest technologies and processing techniques hitting the market and hear about how new smart and interactive technologies are being increasingly integrated into label and packaging design and functionality. As usual there is a strong mix of panel discussions, technical presentations and practical case studies highlighting actual experiences and lessons learned, which will give delegates the opportunity to discuss the advances and challenges facing their businesses going forward.”

An early bird discount rate is available until September 2 with both days costing from $755, one whole day at $455 and half day conference packages from $255. Further discounts apply for members of TLMI, ACOBAN, AIMCAL, AMETIQ, FSEA and FTA. Registration and accommodation bookings can be made online by visiting www.labelexpo-americas.com.