Labelexpo Europe2009 attracts largest audience ever

Labelexpo Europe2009 lived up to its tagline as ‘the greatest label show on Earth’ last week with a show that defied the recent economic woes and surprised many. Not only was there an increase in exhibitor numbers and exhibition space, but visitor numbers were almost the same as the previous show, resulting in a large number of machinery sales.

24,169 visitors from 125 countries (the widest geographic distribution ever) attended this year’s show. Despite the total number being slightly lower than the previous show (by 2%), many exhibitors reported more visitors and more sales on their stands (see the quotes below). Even before the show had finished, over 80% of exhibition space had already been booked for Labelexpo Europe 2011.

Dates for Labelexpo Europe 2011 were announced as being 27-30 September, a Tuesday to a Friday to meet the demand for visitors who find it more convenient to attend the show on a weekday.

Extra hall attracts large crowds
Due to an increase in exhibitors (544 compared to 511 in 2007), this year Labelexpo Europe had to expand into a sixth hall, which featured many of the latest digital solutions that the label industry has to offer. Digital press manufacturers have also reported a number of machinery sales already confirmed, with leads from the show already bringing in more business in the immediate days after the exhibition. A major development for Labelexpo Europe 2009 was the successful Digital Label Experience feature area in this new hall. This was an extensive seminar program featuring key players in the industry.

Label Industry Global Awards
Almost 500 people attended the gala dinner and award ceremony at the Albert Hall in Brussels on the first night of the show.

The following winners were announced:

-  R. Stanton Avery Lifetime Achievement Award: Michael Fairley

- Label Industry Award for Continuous Innovation: EskoArtwork

- Label Industry Award for New Innovation: EFI Jetrion

- European Converter of the Year Award: Rako Group

- Green Award: GEW

Information regarding the Awards will be released separately.

Roger Pellow, Labelexpo Managing Director, said: “Labelexpo Europe 2009 was a truly incredible show given the current global economic crisis; it showed how resilient this wonderful industry is. There was a huge amount of exciting new products that the manufacturers had to offer. Digital has now become a reality and it was also interesting to see how established companies are embracing these new technologies. The event is the industry’s meeting place where everyone comes together to do business, learn and network. It is truly a global family.

I would like to thank everyone involved with Labelexpo Europe. The visitors, exhibitors, media and associations have all contributed to make this one of the most successful events that we have ever had.”

SOURCE: Labelexpo