Cost Cutting, Sustainability, and New Technologies at CMM
Q: How do you expect this year’s show will compare with previous shows? A: Of course, CMM International 2009, like its predecessors, will be the place for the converting community to come together and experience firsthand the newest trends and technologies. This year, we expect two of the most visible trends at the show to be operational costs and sustainability. During the past two years or so, sustainable packaging and eco-friendly practices have grown to become some of the most-discussed issues in the packaging and converting industries, and we do not see that trend changing in 2009. In fact, those attending CMM International 2009 (June 1-4, Rosemont, Ill.) will see many more products and services touting sustainability benefits. In addition to complying with the wants and requirements of consumer product companies (CPCs), industry policies, local governments, and federal regulations, the converting community is becoming “greener” because, well, it’s just a good business decision.
Converters and suppliers alike are trying to cut costs wherever they can. Last year, the impetus for cost-cutting was attributed to the record-high oil and raw material prices. This year, it is the state of the global economy that is forcing cost reduction. Whatever the reason, converters and suppliers are finding that adopting eco-friendly, more sustainable practices not only provides a great marketing tool, but also improves their bottom lines.
In addition to the exhibition floor and conference program, exhibitors and attendees can also benefit from CMM Online (www.cmmonlineportal.com), an information and news portal for converting. Working hand-in-hand with the tradeshow, CMM Online will provide extensive coverage before, during, and after the 2009 event, including print stories, e-newsletters, blogs and videos.
Q: In light of the current economic situation, will CMM offer conference sessions or other show features geared toward surviving these tough times?
A: While we are not specifically addressing the economic situation, our conference sessions and show floor offerings are directed toward increasing converters’ productivity and efficiency and improving their bottom lines, regardless of the global economy. The conference program has been completely reworked for CMM International 2009. We have a new conference director, Brendan O’Neill, who has structured the conference sessions into three informational tracks: Business Management, Technology, and Operations. The conference session tracks will take place June 2 and 3, while June 4 is reserved for the Sustainability Mega-Session, where experts across all segments of the industry will come together for a roundtable discussion about the state of sustainable packaging and what the future holds.
Q: What can attendees expect to see in the Technology Centers?
A: For CMM International 2009, we’ve expanded our Technology Centers, which were extremely successful when they debuted in 2007. Our Technology Centers will provide attendees the opportunity to see live, real-time demonstrations of start-to-finish workflows in the areas of flexible packaging, narrow- and mid-web, folding cartons, prepress, and digital printing. Jim Lepp, president of PLGA and Lepp & Associates; Vincent DiTrolio, president of the DiTrolio Flexographic Institute; and Fred Shapiro, president of PF Technical Services will aid in all technical aspects of the technology centers.
Q: What are some other highlights of this year’s show?
A: AIMCAL (the Association of Industrial Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators) will again have a pavilion on the show floor that will concentrate on companies that provide products and services in the coating and laminating market. The AIMCAL pavilion (reserved for AIMCAL supplier members) will include a hospitality area where customers can meet with exhibitors to conduct business in a relaxed setting.
The day before the exhibition floor opens, attendees can get their golf fix while networking with other industry insiders at the CMM-DFI Golf Outing at Maple Meadows Golf Club in Wood Dale, Ill. Benefitting the DiTrolio Flexographic Institute Scholarship Fund, the CMM International Golf Outing provides golfers a free shuttle to and from the convention center, a networking lunch, and a 27-hole course.
After a day of golf, registered attendees and exhibitors can relax at the free networking reception on the exhibition floor. They can also enjoy food and drinks at the CMM International Taste of Rosemont Exhibit Floor Reception. This is the first look at the CMM exhibit floor and a chance to network with hundreds of delegates and exhibitors while sampling food from local restaurants.
Finally, show goers will have the opportunity to win a brand new Smart Car. CMM International 2009 attendees receive a stamp in their show passport each time they visit a sponsor’s booth. A full passport qualifies the attendee for a chance to win the Smart Car. Attendees must be present to win at the giveaway, which will be held on the last day of the event. For more details, visit our Web site at www.cmmshow.com. pP
