CPP EXPO, A Success
PARAMUS, N.J.—At the recent CPP EXPO (co-located with PACK EXPO International and PROCESS EXPO), the concept of “bringing the supply chain together” was physically demonstrated within the McCormick Place Complex in Chicago, Ill., Oct. 29-Nov. 2, 2006.
According to CPP EXPO show managment, the combined attendance of the three events over the course of five days totaled 45,676, not including exhibitor attendance of 25,666 or a combined total of 71,407. Of the attendee total, 22 percent indicated converting/package printing and related services as their primary business. About 3,490 visitors indicated interest in package printing equipment/supplies; 3,106 were looking for innovations in coating/laminating, while 2,573 and 2,272 respectively searched for solutions in slitting/rewinding and finishing equipment, said show management.
“The numbers don’t truly tell the whole story,” stated Leo Nadolske, president of CPP EXPO. “The business discussions among the participants in the three different expositions was tremendous and added to the overall success exhibitors experienced from day one through to the close of the show. This type of cross-pollination is the key to the exhibitors’ success and one of the elements that allows CPP EXPO to transcend the old converting tradeshow model.”
Hundreds of new products and new ideas in converting/package printing technology were showcased at CPP EXPO and PACK EXPO International. Promoting the companies and the products being offered through an online portal (www.mypack-cpp-processexpo.com) allowed attendees and exhibitors alike to outline their daily schedules and ensure they had buying plans formulated before arriving in Chicago.
Participating exhibitors praised the on-site activity and the fact that buyers came with plans in hand:
“(We were) very surprised at the amount of activity received in the first 3 days: about 90 companies – some of which we expected, but many walked through that we didn’t expect. There was also a major presence from Mexico. We had many discussions on flexo presses, gravure presses, slitting equipment and laminators. We were also impressed by the number of senior executives that were present in our stand!” said Peter Medlicott, president, Comexi North America.
“We’re very pleased with the quality of potential customers at CPP EXPO. Very few came to look, they were prepared with the right questions and wanting quotes.” said Michael Pappas, president, Catbridge Machinery.
Exhibit space renewal for both CPP EXPO 2007 and 2008 continues to be robust after a tremendous start on-site at the 2006 event, according to show managment. In 2006, there were 132 exhibiting companies on the CPP EXPO show floor, and 57 percent has reserved space in future CPP EXPOs, 86 percent of whom have currently opted to contract for both events. The number of manufacturers planning to bring operating machinery to both Chicago and Las Vegas continues to increase, as well.
Future dates for the CPP EXPO Series are as follows: CPP EXPO 2007 takes place Oct. 15-17 at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV; CPP EXPO 2008 will take place Nov. 9-13, 2008 in McCormick’s Lakeside Center in Chicago, IL. Both events will, once again, partner with and co-locate with PACK EXPO and PROCESS EXPO.
“The concept of tying in with PACK EXPO for the CPP event is what attracted us in the first place – and we’re certainly glad we made the decision to be in Las Vegas at the CPP EXPO debut. The first two days were busy with lead quality being outstanding! We’ve already selected Pillar Technologies’ and select ITW companies’ space for CPP 2006 and 2007!” said Rob Hablewitz, sales manager, Pillar Technologies, an ITW Company
“CPP EXPO’s approach to the marketplace was right on target. We had quality visitors that we’re sure will turn into sales. This was a worthwhile experience; and we’re planning to be back in 2007!” said David Patel, vice president, Mamata USA, Inc.
“I would like to express my congratulations and thanks for the successful organization of the CPP EXPO show. During the run-up to the show and during the show itself, I found all members of (the CPP EXPO) team to be exceptionally helpful in solving any problems that arose. Please forward my thanks...As for the show itself, I was impressed with both the number and quality of potential customers we managed to see. We ended up with more than double the number of leads we had set as our original target, which clearly justifies our investment in the show, including the traveling and shipping expenses from the UK,” said Lee Fenney, chairman, Sigmala Ltd.
“We certainly see room for improvement as we move forward. One obvious element that will clearly enhance and increase CPP EXPO’s attendance and reach is our physical co-location with PACK EXPO International and Food Processing Machinery Expo – right within McCormick Place. There is no doubt that this will result in greater success for our exhibitors,” said Nadolske. “With a formal agreement in place with PMMI for 2006, we know we can do nothing but improve upon this concept. Select, joint marketing efforts and a cohesive operational plan will make our cooperation seamless, which is exactly what the attendees were asking for in Las Vegas.”
CPP EXPO is produced and managed by H.A.Bruno, LLC. (Paramus, N.J.), which has extensive experience in producing and managing trade shows and conferences that create results-oriented markets for buyers and sellers in the converting and packaging materials, information technology industries, as well as events in franchise business.
For additional CPP EXPO information, visit www.cppexpo.com
