In 1998, gravure was largely a misunderstood process with a reputation for high cost, long lead times and being efficient only for long runs. Over the last 10 years, thanks to PLGA, those cob webs of misperception have largely been erased and wisely replaced with a new label; “The gravure process is a good solution for high quality work at an affordable cost”. Without dwelling on the past, the 2008 Winter Conference will explore the road ahead to highlight where the gravure process will likely go. A HOST OF STIMULATING, THOUGHT PROVOKING PRESENTATIONS ARE PLANNED.
OPENING KEYNOTE ADDRESS; Tomorrow's Package -- Are You Ready?
Thom Blischok, President. Strategic Consulting Information Resources, Inc.(IRI) and Michael Gorshe, Partner, Client and Industry Development; Accenture, will team up to provide insights to the changing consumer, brand and product development, optional channel shopping and the importance in meeting tomorrow's consumer packaging demands. They will touch on ways to differentiate yourself in this highly competitive, changing market. This interactive session will highlight a blending of research and actual client experiences. Hear Thom and Mike share a logical, provocative look into tomorrow and how that will impact the packages we make and buy.
GRAVURE + DIGITAL = PERSONALIZATION -- How Gravure Can Leverage Digital Technology.
Explore the possibilities of combining Gravure with Digital Technology. Although the high speeds of gravure printing limit our ability to run digital printing in-line with mounted equipment, there are still plenty of opportunities for gravure label and packaging printers to take advantage of the flexibility that digital printing provides. We will learn about the competing technologies of inkjet and toner printing and how you can use these technologies to capture more customer share or offer new looks to the marketplace. Representatives from Jetrion, a division of EFI, and Indigo will provide their perspective on this new market opportunity.
WHAT WILL TRADITIONAL MARKETS BE DOING IN 2013?
Film and Shrink Label Markets are still surging, with double digit growth in some areas, that is projected to continue. We will hear more about latest trends such as roll-on, shrink-on (ROSO) which aims to merge the of ease of application advantage of roll fed labels and the versatility of sleeve labels. Pressure Sensitive Labeling, which a decade ago was growing at a double digit rate, has slowed considerably. This however is a huge market segment and hot spots in this area still approach the double digit growth rate. New applications with good growth opportunities for gravure will be also explored. Paper, Cut and Stack and Folding Carton Markets continue to comprise a major portion of the industry. Where are the markets going in the future for these products? The above topics will be explored by experts such as Gary Duncan, Industry Consultant, Bud Gray former Executive Director of TLMI, and Frank Passerelli, Bobst Group and more.
NEW TECHNOLOGY AREAS INCLUDING SECURITY PRINTING, RFID and Electronic Circuit Printing will be the subject of Sessions 5 and 6.
Drug and retail chains continue to be plagued by increasing numbers of counterfeit merchandise coming from 3rd World sources. Once limited to harmless products like music CD’s; counterfeit items such as over the counter drugs, pharmaceuticals, beauty products etc. containing defective and harmful ingredients made by counterfeiters are costing manufacturers millions in claims. What protection can these manufactures utilize in the form of security printing and what can this technology offer to screen out counterfeit items at the retail level? Is it cost effective? In depth presentations will cover this subject.
While RFID has reached a plateau in some areas Parelec will explain how to achieve what they believe is a cost effect Gravure printed RFID label. Gravure technology is finding applications in security and other high value products. Electronic Circuit Printing is taking off and finding new applications in widespread areas. Experts from AEP and Clemson University will discuss where these applications are likely to go, and grow.
“SUSTAINABILITY”, something many buyers are asking suppliers about. If you don’t know what this word means you need to attend this session. Experts from Alcan, Stora-Enso and Megtec will be covering the various aspects of this growing trend from a printers perspective, as well as from the perspective of a Substrate and Equipment supplier during Session 7.
CLOSING KEYNOTE PRESENTATION
The Conference will conclude with an Economist who will provide “A FUTURE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK” With details on how this outlook will impact the Printing and Packaging industry.
Wednesday Evening: Join us for the 2007 Print Quality Award reception. Help recognize and congratulate your customers, clients and peers for being “The Best of the Best”
Thursday Evening; Suppliers will host a Tabletop Display and Cocktail Reception providing a chance for networking with suppliers and colleagues.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE FEBRUARY PLGA CONFERENCE?
CEO’s and Business Owners; large and small, Managers, Planners, Sales Executives, decision makers, buyers, suppliers to the industry and academia should all plan on attending.
PLEASE CIRCLE THESE DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR:
FEBRUARY 27, 28 and 29, 2008 - Miami Florida
