The benefits of digital transformation were the key takeaways from this year’s two EskoWorld events. Running concurrently, an EskoWorld conference program dedicated to suppliers was complemented by an event schedule geared toward brands. Over the course of the events, hundreds of brands and packaging supplier professionals gained insight into how automating processes and deploying cloud-based solutions can boost efficiency and productivity in packaging.

From May 17 through May 21, almost one thousand online attendees joined daily sessions, demonstrations and workshops with Esko experts and packaging supply chain partners to learn, share and discover the latest innovations. Held virtually for the second year, there were more than 15,000 registrations for the 81 dedicated sessions across the five days of the annual technology showcase.

“As the industry continues to navigate the new normal, we were thrilled to be able to give so many of our valued packaging supply customers the opportunity to benefit from such a wide-ranging program,” said Melissa Plemen, Esko Sr. Director of Inside Sales and Marketing. “We welcomed online attendees to more than 80 dedicated sessions, tailored to each audience’s specific needs. Our supplier-focused sessions addressed everything from the latest cloud technology solutions and new flexo platemaking hardware developments, through to the latest artwork, design and prepress software innovations.

“The sessions on Automation Engine and WebCenter were hands down the most popular with suppliers throughout the week,” said Melissa. “From roadmaps on integration through to workshops on how Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) models can deliver new freedoms to businesses, they highlighted how Esko innovations had made improving digitization and automation of processes simple and underlined the importance of improved connectivity across a business through cloud-based solutions,” she said.

On May 19 and 20, EskoWorld’s brand delegates were treated to a keynote presentation by David Feber and Daniel Nordigarden of leading management consultant firm McKinsey & Company, detailing the megatrends affecting the global packaging industry and the ‘next normal’ for the supply chain. On the second day of the brands showcase, attendees had access to retail insights from Dr. Gino Van Ossel, Professor of Retail Management at Vlerick Business School, Belgium

“A standout feature of the brands event was the high-level of interaction we experienced with delegates,” said Andy Warnement, Vice President and General Manager of Esko | Brand Solutions. “We had over 80 questions that led to lively debate on topics such as content management, color management and digital asset management through to the power of scalability. EskoWorld was a great platform for hundreds of brand executives to benefit from first-hand access to the challenges, best practices and the technology leading brands use to help inform their own digital transformation journeys.”

With its range of presentations and discussions with leading industry experts over the two specialist events, EskoWorld 2021 covered all aspects of packaging and brand management.

“From the positive, pragmatic and optimistic opening presentation by Esko President Mattias Byström and VP Esko Supplier Solutions Charles Ravetto, through to the clever and intelligent keynote speech from award-winning journalist Shane Snow, the whole five days was incredibly positive and exciting,” added Melissa.

“For more than a year now, companies worldwide have all faced the same challenges and restrictions, relying on online communication and video conferencing to ensure the continuation of business as usual. Despite this, and the growing fatigue for video calls and remote events, we have continued to enjoy the support of our colleagues, industry partners and our incredible sponsors in making sure the annual EskoWorld events could not only go ahead, but also be of significant benefit to those who attended,” she said.

“While the virtual events for the past two years have been successful, like the rest of the world we are really looking forward to being able to meet our colleagues, partner customers and suppliers face to face again. That’s why I am delighted to announce that we will be staging EskoWorld 2022 live and in person again next year.”

EskoWorld 2022 will take place from June 7-9, in the picturesque city of Grapevine, near Dallas, Texas, USA. More information and registration details will be announced later this year.

Recordings of the EskoWorld Brands event are available to download now.