PackPrint to Debut at PRINT 09
During the past several years, one trend has emerged in the graphic arts industry that has become impossible to ignore—more and more commercial print shops have discovered the value of offering package-printing services. To meet the growing demand from the graphic arts industry for packaging-related products, PRINT 09 will debut PackPrint—a show within a show specifically geared toward package-printing professionals.
A little about the show
PackPrint is designed for veteran package printers and other attendees seeking to enter the package-printing industry. "We recognized that a lot of NPES members and exhibitors were looking at expanding into the package-printing industry for some time," says Ralph Nappi, NPES and GASC president. "We felt that it is a natural fit with PRINT and GraphExpo and that's why we're in this space now."
Visitors will find suppliers for flexible packaging, labels, converting, RFID and printed electronics, folding cartons, digital printing, and flexographic printing. "When you come to PackPrint, you will have the advantage of seeing other applications and closely related equipment," adds Nappi. "It is package printing but also touches on some other areas."
Another area of PRINT 09 that overlaps with packaging is the conference program. "We have more than 90 sessions at our show, a lot of them devoted to package printing."
Don't forget that this is a show about new technology. "From a technology standpoint, we're told that those who are exhibiting in the PackPrint show are bringing the latest and the greatest in their technology," contends Nappi. And, that's really what these shows are about when you consider the economy. "If there was ever a time for companies to show up, to invest in seeing new technology, and network with peers, it's now," cajoles Nappi. Most importantly, companies should not look at participation as a cost of doing business, but as an investment for staying in business, he asserts. "There are too many companies saying, 'I've got to hunker down. I can't afford to go to events.' This is the time where the really successful companies are taking a look at what's going on in the marketplace right now and saying, 'I'm looking for opportunities,' not 'I'm trying to keep my head above water.'"
Why do you need to be there?
Quite simply, the time is right. "There couldn't be a better opportunity to rub elbows with or walk a hall even if you don't have checkbook in hand," claims Nappi. What attendees will be doing is seeing what technology is out there, and what they should be considering 12, 16, or even 18 months from now. Nappi says these people have a counter mentality. "That means not only showing up at PRINT, but showing up there with two or three people from the shop to literally brainstorm and strategize what the future is going to be, based on what they see and hear at the show," he says. "It's not about the art of printing or packaging; it's about the business of the business—those that know how to address the business from a strategic perspective, not tied to the art or the history of what got them here today. It's what's going get them there tomorrow." pP
