Xeikon Café Europe 2019, with a conference program providing a 360° view of the trends, challenges and solutions for today’s packaging industry and an application-driven technical Academy, attracted nearly 1,000 visitors over the event’s three days. The turnout included over 500 label and packaging converters attending from over 55 countries.

”We are delighted with the success of this year’s Xeikon Café Europe. Once again it has shown its value to the industry with a substantial increase in visitors,” says Danny Mertens of Xeikon Café. “We are dedicated to sharing our knowledge and expertise in packaging innovation and digital production, and each year we plan ahead to evolve and improve the visitor experience. For 2019, we further streamlined our Conference and Academy programs, inviting speakers that provide ‘spot on’ and challenging insights, intellectual entertainment and food for thought. This year a key discussion addressed the significant changes in consumer behavior and communication that are impacting brand packaging and subsequently packaging production.”

Mertens continues, “The event delivered something for everyone, whether newcomers to digital processes or those with more experience. It was clear that many of the visitors discovered new applications and production possibilities. We clearly recognize the need from the industry for straight-forward objective, hands-on information – both from a technical and a business perspective. It was particularly rewarding this year to see the label and packaging converters taking the chance to learn and connect and be inspired. Their enthusiasm was evident from the interaction and the many questions asked while they attended Xeikon Café’s demonstrations and discussions. We have had great feedback this year from both visitors and exhibitors. Media and partner feedback stated this is becoming the biggest event on the planet dedicated to digital production in labels & packaging.”

Aljan de Boer, head of inspiration at Trendsactive and this year’s Conference keynote speaker, stated, “There was a very strong vibe among visitors searching for new insights. They were looking for new things to inspire their future direction and wanted to explore new perspectives. I also found it great to see such a varied bunch of printing professionals from such a wide range of regions.”

For AB Graphic, this was the fourth Xeikon Café the company has attended as an exhibitor. Mark Hyde, UK Ireland and Australasia sales manager, noted, “We have had a lot of interest from visitors who are keen to develop creative labels with our embellishment capabilities. We try to be a one-stop shop for them with easy to use, high quality and affordable systems and that has certainly been part of the many conversations we have been having.”

To register or find out more about the upcoming Xeikon Café North America (May 14-16 in Chicago, IL, USA), visit here. A full agenda includes keynote speaker Peter Muir with an intriguing and pragmatic view on how to achieve and sustain success; Xeikon CEO Benoit Chatelard will update the audience on the company’s goals and achievements, and Paul Reilly of New Direction Partners will address printing industry megatrends.