Visitors can build their own programme from over 30 sessions across all three days of the event, while still allowing time to explore the technologies and services being demonstrated on the show floor. The show runs from 14-15 May at teh Harrogate International Centre.
Packaging converters and printers are advised to head for theatre two, where the ‘Thinking Outside the Box’ programme has been devised in collaboration with European Flexographic Industry Association (EFIA).
EFIA chairman David Galton will kick proceedings off with a look at the significance of product packaging in driving purchase and consumption. Subsequent sessions on day one include: Packaging as Advertising – Communicating in New Ways with the Customers; The Importance of Investing in People before Technology; The Latest Value-Added Package Techniques; and Latest Trends of Packaging in a Digital World – Maximising the On- and Offline Experience. Dick Searle, chief executive of The Packaging Federation, will close with a presentation on the organisation’s Myth Busters campaign.
Day two in the Thinking Outside The Box theatre will start with an exploration of packaging usability, delivered by self-titled ‘Chief Tinkerer’ Alistair Vince. The following presentation will look at finding better ways to package products, while the afternoon sessions, hosted by the Institute of Packaging Professionals (IoPP), will cover a series of stand-out packaging case studies from high profile brands.
Day three will begin with a session from IoPP managing director Kevin Vyse on ‘Responding to Increasing Demands for Design Accountability’, followed by Jane Bickerstaff, director of Incpen, considering whether innovation is being stifled by the pressures of cost reduction, recycling and waste management.
The lunchtime presentation from Bobst will address ‘Fitting into the Customer’s Business Plan’. Delegates can then look at the case for more sustainable practices with ‘Can You Measure the ROI for Going Green?’ The penultimate presentation will consider the impact of OpenColor on the packaging industry. The agenda will return to innovation in a final session which will be presented by Gregory Bentley, Packaging Innovator at Coca-Cola.
