Labelexpo Americas 2014 will again feature a two-day conference program as it returns to Rosemont in September. This year’s conference includes leading figures from the label and package printing sector who will debate a host of themes including design and branding, new technologies and industry trends; as well as impart strategic insight into how label converters can embrace the challenges they face in their business.

The conference schedule will get underway with two high profile panel discussions. The opening CEO panel discussion with take an in-depth look at the business strategies employed by some of North America’s most successful converters. Panelists including Nigel Vinecombe from Multi-Color Corporation, Stephen T. Stewart of Brook & Whittle, Outlook Group’s John M. Cappy, Joel Carmany of Consolidated Label Company, Spear Group’s Rick Spear and Scott Fisher from Smyth Companies will share their advice on how to drive down costs while offering value and creating new opportunities for growth and profitability.

The second panel will explore the ‘Internet of Things’ and assess how the industry’s future will look. Considering the right tools to adopt to grow a business, the panel will also look at how to integrate process automation, innovation and creativity. Confirmed participants include Avery Dennison’s Dean Scarborough, Alon Bar-Shany of HP Indigo, EFI’s Guy Gecht, Niall Murphy from EVRYTHNG and Auburn University’s Dr. Bill Hardgrave.

The afternoon on day one will be split into two streams: digital printing and design & branding for the converter. The digital printing sessions will include a look at investing in digital as well as the latest in inkjet technologies. The other stream will focus on eye tracking technology for consumer shopping behavior and smart products that encourage consumer interaction and influence spending habits.

Day two will also commence with two panel discussions. Editors from some of the leading label printing trade publications along with Retail Leader will look at bringing the supply chain together. They will weigh up how the market has evolved in the last two years as well as deliberate what the changing retail environment means for converters. The converter panel will focus on various issues facing the label and package printing sector with panelists including Lofton Label’s Micheal Lane, Tom Carroll of Labeltape, John McDowell of McDowell Label and MATLET Group’s Ed Wiegand.

The afternoon will again be broken into two streams: label trends & technology and package printing. Label trends & technology will include presentations on new market opportunities in Latin America, brand protection and the latest developments in flexo technology. The package printing sessions will include an overview of the newest materials for flexible packaging and cartons and expert advice on moving from printing labels to flexible packaging.

Tasha Ventimiglia, event director for Labelexpo Americas commented: “This year’s conference program offers a fantastic line-up of cutting edge speakers and thought leaders. It will also provide the perfect opportunity for label converters to facilitate business partnerships and knowledge sharing with their colleagues. Designed to be beneficial for their everyday business, the conference will give delegates a number of new perspectives on specific aspects ranging from how to diversify, to being more efficient to how to maximize adding value for customers.” 

Pre-booked conference sessions cost from $135 and reservations can be made online at www.labelexpo-americas.com. Entry to the exhibition is free when one or more conference sessions are booked and further discounts apply for multiple bookings and for association members of TLMI, ACOBAN, AIMCAL, AMETIQ, FSEA, FTA and TAPPI.