Pack Print International Postponed to October 2022
Messe Düsseldorf Asia and joint organizers The Thai Packaging Association and The Thai Printing Association announced the move of PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL to the later part of 2022. The trade fair is now scheduled for Oct. 19 – 22, 2022 at BITEC in Bangkok, Thailand. The decision was made together with partners in Thailand as well as domestic and international exhibitors.
Due to the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand with large events still restricted in Bangkok and the varied quarantine requirements for returning international travelers, the original February 2022 dates made planning very challenging for exhibitors.
Gernot Ringling, Managing Director of Messe Düsseldorf Asia, stated: “With the exhibition about three months away, this would mean that international exhibitors and attendees would need to start their preparations now - especially those bringing in machinery and equipment. However, considering the growing uncertainty despite falling COVID-19 cases in Thailand and increased vaccination efforts, it has been understandably difficult for companies to commit their trade fair participation. Therefore, the proactive decision to act was made early in the interest of all participants involved, both from health and economic standpoints. We believe that the shift to October will give sufficient time for the industry to adjust their plans as in-person meetings in a safe environment continue to be in demand and the world prepares to transit to the endemic stage of COVID-19.”
For the two trade associations, The Thai Packaging Association and The Thai Printing Association, the unanimous decision to postpone the exhibition by eight months was welcomed by the industries they represent. According to Manit Kamolsuwan, President of The Thai Packaging Association, with prospects for an economic recovery this year lowered due to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections, focus for many businesses, especially SMEs, will be getting back on track. Therefore moving the exhibition to the later part of 2022 was a difficult but necessary decision.
Pongthira Pathanapiradej, President of The Thai Printing Association, added: “Until recently, we assumed that the pandemic situation would improve, making large-scale events, international travel, and no-quarantine periods possible. The latest COVID-19 situation has dampened these expectations somewhat and with the majority of exhibitors coming from overseas, we believe the shift to October is the right move. The printing industry has been hit hard and requires fresh impetus and investment, so a PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL edition with strong overseas participation would give the industry the stimulus it needs – the market can expect an impressive trade fair with the October edition.”
The preceding press release was provided by a company unaffiliated with Packaging Impressions. The views expressed within do not directly reflect the thoughts or opinions of Printing Impressions.
