Narrow web converters were among the exhibitors at The Health and Beauty America show, held from September 30 to October 2 in New York City. The three-day event, which traditionally attracts a number of high-profile buyers, was not as well attended this year as it had been in the past.
“We have been regular exhibitors at HBA for many years, and this was certainly one of the more poorly attended shows,” says Elisha Tropper, president of Prestige Label in Burgaw, NC. “There was a solid predominance of individuals from small businesses and start-ups walking the show. Certainly, the larger cosmetics and personal care companies attended, but in nowhere near the numbers that they did in previous years.”
Tropper plans to attend again next year, but only because of its proximity to his plant. “If the show were elsewhere, requiring a more extensive investment, I doubt that I would attend,” he says.
Other narrow web converters were also disappointed with the show’s attendance. “I was here last year too, and I think this year is a little slow, a little quiet,” says Fran Kellogg, sales representative for Macaran Printed Products in Cohoes, NY.
In addition to exhibiting, two narrow web converters also had the chance to participate in a packaging conference titled “Labeling and Decorating: Putting The Right Face On Your Product.” Paulette Carnes, president of Ampersand Label in Garden Grove, CA, spoke about extended text and extended content labels. Tropper discussed the importance of creating the right label for your product and audience. Also presenting was Holly