CPP EXPO Teaming with PLGA & IBWA: A Success

PARAMUS, N.J.—At the conclusion of CPP EXPO in Chicago, November 2006, a post-show survey was conducted with the converters and package printers in attendance. The results confirmed the overwhelming sentiment of optimism and enthusiasm from exhibitors and buyers attending the three expos (CPP EXPO, PACK EXPO International, and PROCESS EXPO) that the concept of “bringing the supply chain together” supported the way they conduct business.

About 80 percent indicated that their attendance and ultimately their purchasing decisions were influenced by the supply chain concept. In fact, co-location of these three key expos was listed as one of the top reasons buyers came to the show.

Attendees searched for diverse package printing processes; of those surveyed, 43 percent were currently performing printing processes using a variety of methods. Close to 50 percent were using flexography, with offset, gravure, and digital almost evenly split among the balance surveyed. Flexible packaging dominated the primary business category, with labeling, folding carton, and corrugated boxes following in order; close to 40 percent of these were produced for the consumer packaged goods market and food/beverage led the field.

To further industry involvement and expand the diversity and disciplines represented, two new associations will be a part of the 2007 Las Vegas event: PLGA (Package Label & Gravure Association) and IBWA (International Bottled Water Association). They will join over a dozen associations/industry groups taking part in this forum in a variety of manners from technical and educational presentations, as well as annual business meetings and participation in package design/awards forums. Partnering with industry leaders such as these expands the expertise and solutions offered to attendees, while ultimately growing the buying audience.

PLGA will participate as an exhibitor on the CPP EXPO show floor and also feature its annual award recipients in PACK EXPO’s Showcase of Packaging Innovations. These recipients are leading converters representing major CPGs, many of whom are also exhibitors in PACK EXPO’s Containers & Materials Pavilion.

“This is just another of the many synergies that will be evident throughout all of the exhibit halls in Las Vegas,” stated Leo Nadolske, president of CPP EXPO. “The list continues to grow and as it expands, so does the business opportunities for the participating exhibitors. The more value we can offer, the greater the ROI for the exhibitors and buyers alike.”

The IBWA Convention will provide an expanded educational seminar program to educate bottled water professionals about innovative technologies, processes, marketing, and sales techniques, as well as industry trends. Additionally, IBWA will debut its new Tabletop Trade Show, which will provide all the networking opportunities exhibitors have come to expect, but in a more intimate atmosphere. Convention attendees will receive complimentary access to PACK-CPP-PROCESS EXPOs Las Vegas.

“IBWA’s decision to co-locate in Las Vegas adds a significant presence at the show from the fastest growing beverage market,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, Packaging Machinery & Manufacturers’ Institute (PMMI). “Between PACK EXPO, IBWA, PROCESS EXPO, and CPP EXPO, the industry will be well served with thousands of exhibiting companies featuring thousands of packaging and processing solutions.”