North America’s largest converting event will be 25 percent to 30 percent larger than the 2011 biennial show and more than 100 first-time exhibitors have signed on to join the nearly 200 returning exhibitors. Many of these companies have also expanded their original space to accommodate running equipment in their booths.
ICE USA is also on track to attract a record number of converters from throughout the Americas who are looking to discover the latest products, technologies and industry trends. Pre-registration is running well-ahead of the 2011 event when 3,000 converting professionals filled the aisles of the show floor.
Comprehensive Educational Program
In addition to a much larger exhibition, ICE USA 2013 will also feature the most comprehensive educational program in the converting industry. The robust educational program features nearly 40 educational sessions, offering something for all converting professionals. Leading industry associations have brought together top experts from all segments of the converting industry to present a wide variety of informative seminars and conference sessions.
Once again, AIMCAL will sponsor the very successful ICE USA Conference that will feature more than two-dozen sessions offered in three parallel tracks – Web Coating, Web Handling and Adhesives/Adhesion. Running all three days of the show, these sessions will explore a variety of different critical topics within these three tracks.
In addition, several pre-show seminars will be presented on Monday, April 8, by the converting industry's leading associations including: TAPPI PLACE, RadTech, CEMA and the Pressure Sensitive Tape Council (PSTC). Ranging from such technical topics as web slitting and rewinding to understanding new innovations, these seminars will provide attendees with the knowledge they need to gain a competitive edge.
Arthur Watson Associates (AWA) will also present its popular DecTec - Label & Packaging Decorating Technology Seminar 2013 during the pre-show conference. It will feature key industry leaders providing valuable insights into product decoration in its broadest context as a prime component in packaging.
Stimulating Keynote Presentations
This comprehensive educational program will also include three complimentary keynote presentations one each morning of the show to kick-off the day's events. Paul Gaster, director of flexible packaging at PCI Films Consulting, will present the Tuesday and Thursday keynotes on "Opportunities and Threats in the Global Flexible Packaging Market" and "BOPBET and BOPP Film Trends to 2016.”
Thomas E. Blaige, chairman & CEO, Blaige & Company, will present Wednesday's keynote presentation entitled “Merger & Acquisition Trends in the Converting Industry.” Blaige & Company is an international investment-banking firm dedicated exclusively to the plastics, packaging and chemicals industries.
Another popular feature returning from ICE USA 2011 is the ‘Ask the Experts’ Pavilion, where attendees can find solutions to their technical and operational problems from five leading industry gurus. These complimentary one-on-one sessions are with experts in five key areas: Web Coating, Flexographic Printing, Static Control, Web Handling & Converting, and Slitting & Rewinding.
Technology Showcase Theater
Another value feature for attendees is the Technology Showcase Theater on the show floor where exhibitors will present their latest innovations in brief 15-minute sessions. It is a great way to get a preview of what is new and exciting in the converting industry. These presentations are free to all registered attendees.
ICE USA 2103 Golf Tournament
Converting Week starts on April 8 with the ICE USA 2013 Golf Tournament. The tournament will be held at one of Florida’s most prestigious courses located at Rosen Shingle Creek on the award winning Shingle Creek Golf Club course. It will follow a Four Man Scramble format allowing golfers of all skill levels to enjoy the round.
If you have a presence in the converting and package printing marketplace, you won’t want to miss ICE USA 2013. For more information on ICE USA and all the show features listed here, visit www.ice-x-usa.com.
