ICE USA 
Set For Orlando Debut

The inaugural ICE USA show opens its doors to an array of international converting professionals in Orlando, Florida April 6-8. Close to 250 exhibitors from around the globe are set to showcase the latest equipment, machinery, and technologies at the Orange County Convention Center.

In addition, a multi-faceted conference program developed by the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) will be featured during the 3-day event, as will pre-show educational programs by the Technical Association of the Pulp and Paper Industry (TAPPI) and the Converting Equipment Manufacturers Association (CEMA).

The industry's response to the show has generated a great deal of excitement. In fact, ICE USA had to be moved to a bigger hall in the convention center because there was so much demand for space. It is clear that the North American market is anxious for a stand-alone, converting-exclusive event that is highlighted by operating machinery and a comprehensive educational program.

Although this is the first official ICE event in the U.S., the ICE franchise hosts very successful converting events in Europe, Asia, and South America. Owned and operated by UK-based Mack Brooks Exhibitions, the decision was made to launch ICE USA after purchasing CMM International. Many of the exhibitors at the first ICE USA have been long-time exhibitors at CMM International. ICE USA combines the best elements of the global ICE shows with those of CMM.

Comprehensive conference program

The ICE USA 2011 conference program provides converting professionals with valuable information and insight they need to enhance their companies' operations and productivity. Organized by AIMCAL, the main three-day program will focus on new technology and is divided into three tracks: web coating/laminating, web handling/winding, and package printing and converting.

Each day will begin with a keynote presentation by well-known industry experts on such critical topics as "Global Consolidation in the Packaging Industry." These presentations will be followed by three concurrent technical sessions, one in each track, led by such industry icons as Dr. Edward D. Cohen, Dr. David Roisum, Timothy Walker, and Steve Zagar.

More then 30 papers will be offered from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. each day to provide attendees ample time to visit the show floor and experience converting technology in action. Some of the topics covered under the three tracks will include:

1. Web Coating/Laminating

• Optimized die technology
• Plasma treatment

• Coatweight and thickness measurement

• Drying technologies

2. Web Handling/Winding

• Conveyance roller nip mechanics

• Precision tension control

• Simulation of drive systems

• Quantifying web bagginess

3. Package Printing and Converting

• Solvent-related emissions

• Advances in color measurement

• Laser processing of flexible packaging materials

• UV-curable PSAs

TAPPI PLACE and CEMA pre-show programs

In addition to the three-day conference program, other valuable educational opportunities will be offered on April 5, the day before the show opens. CEMA is running two educational programs, and TAPPI is offering a comprehensive full-day flexible packaging symposium covering a variety of current and sensitive topics including:

• Developments in Renewable Source Resins and Films

• Extrusion of Biopolymers

• Employing Sustainable Flexible Packaging Practices

• Progressive Sustainability: Achieving Your Goals

The full-day event will feature presenters from such industry-leading organizations as European Bioplastics, Allied Development, Optex Process Solutions, and the Flexible Packaging Association. This is the only Polymers Laminations Adhesives Coatings Extrusions (PLACE) event scheduled for North America in 2011. The sessions begin at 8:30 a.m. in the convention center.

At the same time, CEMA will present two of its most popular sessions on slitting and rewinding and coating and laminating. The "Slitting and Rewinding Fundamentals for Converters Seminar" is tailored to those who are new to the industry, while providing advanced information to those with more experience. It provides a step-by-step explanation of the best practices in such areas as winding, slitting, cores and cutting, retrofitting, chucks, shafts, spreading, and guiding.

Ask the experts

ICE USA will also offer a valuable new feature designed to help converting professionals find solutions to their specific technical challenges. Named "Ask The Experts," four industry consultants, widely recognized for their expertise in specific segments of the converting industry, will be available all three days of the show to help attendees solve their technical and operational problems.

Show attendees can schedule 10-minute consultations in a special "Ask The Experts" area on the show floor with one or more of the experts, based on their availability. Show management is encouraging attendees to schedule these sessions in advance at www.ice-x-usa.com to ensure they book the times they want.

But the most valuable aspect of the show is the technology being exhibited on the show floor, since virtually any problem converting professionals experience can likely be solved with these new technologies. pP