As label and package printing companies plan for tradeshows in 2024, it is worth noting that two of the industry’s leading events – Labelexpo Americas and PRINTING United Expo – will occur at the same time this year. From September 10-12, Labelexpo Americas and PRINTING United Expo will take place in Rosemont, IL, USA, and Las Vegas, NV, respectively.

Due to a scheduling conflict, PRINTING United was forced to change dates. To update the industry on what can be expected at both shows, as well as the highlights of each event, L&NW caught up with Mark Subers, president, Events and Exhibitions, PRINTING United Alliance, and Tasha Ventimiglia, Americas Event Director, Informa.

“First and foremost, the overlapping of dates was not intentional,” says Subers. “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. We publish our future Expo dates publicly for years ahead of time and, at the time the new dates were cemented, we were unaware that Labelexpo would be at the same time.”

Even though the timing was not intentional, the conflict still creates an issue for converters and suppliers alike – many of whom will have to choose one show over the other. “When we heard the PRINTING United dates were changed from late October to the same week as Labelexpo, it was disappointing to say the least,” states Ventimiglia. “PRINTING United never contacted us about our dates, as is a courtesy in the events industry.  We knew it would cause issues within the industry, for both exhibitors and show visitors.”

She adds, “While it is certainly not ideal that there are two events over the same dates, we have had excellent feedback from our Labelexpo Americas exhibitors – with eight months to go, our event is already larger than it was in 2022.”

Plus, L&NW caught up with Tim Saur, CEO and managing director, Durst North America to learn more about PRINTING United. “I was on the board at the time of the date selection and can assure everyone that there was no consideration or knowledge of Labelexpo dates,” says Saur. “Many people may be unaware, but PRINTING United often selects dates 6-10 years in advance. We know the dates and location of the 2032 show, for instance. When we booked the 2024 dates, I believe Labelexpo had yet to publish their dates. In fact, I recall most of us were disappointed we could not have the event in October, as is traditional and our attendees plan for. It is important to note that the Alliance did not select these dates intentionally to coincide with Labelexpo.”

Here are the highest-trafficked news items from the week ending on February 2:

1. Label industry prepares for conflicting Labelexpo Americas, PRINTING United
2. L&NW discusses PRINTING United 2024 with Tim Saur
3. Omet targets growing flexible packaging space
4. TLMI assembles Direct Thermal Task Force
5. Accredo Packaging completes HQ expansion in Texas