Show reports 26 percent increase in attendees, 400 percent increase in exhibitor space

Crystal Lake, Illinois - “Innovation and Tradition Converged” at the 2015 IADD·FSEA Odyssey, which gathered attendees from across the US and abroad in record numbers. New technologies and advancements in industry trends took center stage at this year’s event - surpassing past Odysseys - so much so that attendees were blown away by the exposure! Odyssey’s all-new Digital Day on Friday showcased digital finishing technologies for foil stamping, specialty UV coating and embossed foil effects and digital workflow procedures for short-run cartons (including digital printing and laser cutting/scoring through to the final folding gluing system). 

Every two years, the IADD·FSEA Odyssey brings together the industry’s most innovative and progressive companies under one roof for an educational experience like none other. Held May 13-15 in Schaumburg, IL, USA, the three-day event not only set an all-time attendee record (with a 26 percent growth over the 2013 Odyssey), but it also set records in the number of exhibitors and amount of Techshop space sold (a 400 percent increase over 2013)!

From foil and specialty effects to diecutting, diemaking, folding/gluing and more, the Odyssey’s one-of-a-kind, fully operational Techshop™ once again provided attendees with a unique learning format that offered value beyond the average trade show experience. “Presenting another record-breaking Odyssey - having such an impressive increase in machinery and attendance, along with more exhibitors, Techshop activity and on-floor equipment and products sold - is certainly very satisfying," stated IADD CEO Cindy Crouse. "But our primary focus has always been the presentation of quality education. Hearing attendees comment that the technical presentations and information shared have been their 'best ever experience' is our true measure of success."

This year’s Odyssey Techshop buzzed with excitement and anticipation. Attendees were able to gather at equipment and participate in actual workshops as technicians tackled operational challenges on-press. The use of audio visual technology, including stationary and moving cameras, to pick up and project the action on-press onto large drop-down screens in real time is part of what makes these workshops so different from other trade show educational formats.
 
“The Odyssey Technical Conference continues to grow and has evolved into the premier technical event for print finishing and package converting,” stated Brandtjen & Kluge CEO, Michael Aumann. “The unique format really delivers valuable technical information while promoting networking opportunities and synergy between customers and their vendors. The “non-tradeshow” format results in real solution-driven communication.”

In addition to the Odyssey’s Techshop workshops, classroom sessions and Technology Hall, attendees had numerous opportunities to share best practices and discuss operational challenges with industry peers during the networking reception the first day and during the Awards Reception and Banquet on Thursday evening. Winners of the 22nd Annual FSEA Gold Leaf Awards competition were announced, with the Best of Show going to Trade Print Finishing, Salt Lake City, Utah, for its entry in the Self Promotion category for Best Use of Foil/Embossing (visit www.fsea.com for all Gold Leaf Winners). The IADD honored its 2015 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient Russell Smith, formerly with Mead Container and Ward Machinery (visit www.iadd.org for further details). 

To learn more about the 2015 IADD·FSEA Odyssey or the upcoming 2017 IADD·FSEA Odyssey, scheduled May 17-19 in Schaumburg, IL, USA, the industry's premier event sponsored by the International Association of Diecutting and Diemaking (IADD) and the Foil & Specialty Effects Association (FSEA) - visit www.OdysseyExpo.org, email [email protected] or contact the IADD directly at 1.800.828.IADD (local 1.815.455.7519) or the FSEA at 1.785.271.5816.