Five Can't Miss Labelexpo Sessions

Labelexpo has a well-deserved reputation for being a launching pad for the latest products and technology in label printing and converting. While it appears that trend will continue this year, attendees should ensure they’re not just spending their time in Chicago browsing through supplier booths.

Last week, Labelexpo finalized its list of conference sessions and speakers. The schedule features panels and discussions on the full spectrum of label production (and beyond — there’s a whole stream of sessions on package printing). All of the sessions will certainly be valuable for attendees, but these five stood out as can’t miss opportunities.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 11 a.m.

Attracting Skilled Labor and Retaining Key Employees

It’s often the elephant in the room that no one likes to talk about — but it cannot be ignored any longer. Despite all of its technological advancements and growth opportunities, the label and package printing industry is aging. And as key press operators, sales staff and executives retire, finding young and enthusiastic replacements is a major challenge.

But, there are several programs across the country that are trying to fill that void. Some are affiliated with colleges and universities and some are independent, but all are doing their part to keep talent flowing into the pressroom. This panel will feature Dr. Chip Tonkin of Clemson University, which features one of the top packaging programs in the country. It will also include Shawn Oetjen of Flexographic Tech, a relatively new training center on the flexo education scene, and Vince Ditrolio of Ditrolio Flexographic Institute, which also specializes in flexographic training.

Attracting young people to manufacturing positions and keeping skilled staff members from jumping ship is getting increasingly challenging. Attendees at this session will learn about internal strategies they can implement to improve their own training systems, and will be introduced to the top educational programs for career-oriented, packaging-minded students.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 3 p.m.

The Art of Possibilities: Unlocking the Power of Digital Printing for Brands

Labelexpo Americas 2014 attendees check out label samples on display.

You may already know all of the benefits digital printing can provide to brands. But, brand owners, who are often not well-versed in printing, most likely do not. As Marco Boer, VP of IT Strategies, explained to packagePRINTING in June, digital printing won’t take off in packaging until brand owner executives jump on board.

This session, which will feature Doris Brown-McNally, worldwide brands business development manager for HP Indigo, will cover how converters can best maximize their digital assets to entice brands to make the conversion to digital. With HP Indigo behind some of the most successful digital initiatives, which includes brands like Diet Coke and Bud Light, digitally-minded converters cannot afford to miss this one.

Tuesday, Sept. 13, 3 p.m.

Printing Highly Functional Smart Labels and Packaging to Increase Consumer Engagement

This session, which is all about consumer engagement, is being held at the same time as the digital printing for brands session — so choose wisely!

With how far technology has come in the label industry, it’s becoming more challenging than ever to differentiate from the competition. But representatives from two of the most technologically advanced converting companies will share their insights into what has worked for them.

Dan Muenzer of Constantia Flexibles and Tricia Sime of Inland will discuss how tactile ink can take a label further than just visual appeal, and will touch on how the Internet of Things can take packaging to the next level. Plus, they’ll share a case study on the label created for Oculto beer, which used tactile ink, black light ink and thermochromic ink to create a unique consumer experience.

It’s getting increasingly harder to trigger the moment of truth — peer success stories can provide great insight into how consumers are engaging with packaging.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 2 p.m.

Implementing an Effective MIS Software System for Enterprise-Wide Profitability

Labelexpo Americas will feature two days of sessions, equipment demonstrations and networking opportunities.

Efficiency and automation — we’ve been hearing these buzzwords for years, but it doesn’t mean they’re not essentials. This session will focus on how adding Management Information Systems (MIS) will make your operation more streamlined and how that means more for your bottom line.

This session will feature two executives from top label and narrow web software providers — Ken Meinhardt of Label Traxx and Gert Van Damme of Cerm. Plus, two converters with diverse backgrounds will share their insight. Digital label specialist, Andrew Boyd of Blue Label Digital, and flexographic printing specialist, Tim McDonough of Flexo-Graphics, will join the conversation.

No matter how you print, efficiency matters more than ever. With this well-rounded panel, it will be just about impossible to not take home some insight on how MIS can boost your business.

Wednesday, Sept. 14, 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Panel Discussion: Flexible and Folding Carton Printing
Moving Into New Markets: Film Labels and Flexible Packaging

Technically, these are two separate sessions, but I decided to combine them because they’re both about stepping outside the world of labels. It may seem odd to talk about other types of packaging at a show called Labelexpo, but as market demands shift and brands require multiple types of packaging, converters are being called on to be a one-stop packaging shop.

While the required technologies and processes may differ, label converters who can also tackle folding cartons and flexible packaging could soon find themselves in high demand. These sessions will feature representatives from Glenroy and GENflex Labeling Solutions, both highly versatile converters, discussing how expanding their capabilities has helped them stay at the forefront of the industry.