• The National Technical Forums will take place alongisde Auspack, from 7-10 March at Sydney Olympic Park.
    The National Technical Forums will take place alongisde Auspack, from 7-10 March at Sydney Olympic Park.
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Running alongside the show are the 2017 National Technical Forums, another good reason to make sure you attend AUSPACK.

 

Following a number of highly successful National Technical Forums held over the last seven AUSPACK exhibitions, the 2017 event will be designed to deliver a four-day educational program that will cover a broad range of topics relating to the theme Innovation and Design.

 

With over 40 speakers, an extensive range of topics will be covered over four days. Keynote speakers will include: Tanya Barden, Director Economics and Sustainability, Australian Food and Grocery Council; Chris Vains, Manager-Digital Factory, Siemens; Sara Agostino, Research Analyst, Euromonitor International; John Bigley, Managing Director, Jamestrong Packaging; and Trish Hyde, CEO, Australian Packaging Covenant.

 

International speakers include: Alan Spreckley, Global Industry Segment Manager (Food and Beverage) Robotics, ABB Limited; Giulio Ghisolfi, General Manager, Idealpac; Paul Irvine, Chairman, PMMI; Ben Gunneberg, Chief Executive Officer, PEFC International; and Steve Davies, Director of Corporate Communications, Nature Works.

 

AWARDS PROGRAM

The new PIDA (Packaging & Processing Innovation & Design Awards) program will also form part of the line-up, with winners announced at a gala dinner on 8 March, during Auspack.

 

The awards are jointly run by the Australian Institute of Packaging and the APPMA, and supported by the World Packaging Organisation (WPO). The PIDA Awards have been established to recognise companies and individuals who are making a significant difference in their field. Entries Close on 20 January 2017. To access the submission forms and criteria visit www.aipack.com.au/education/pida/

Food & Drink Business

Suntory has appointed Ashish Gandham as managing director for Suntory Global Spirits – Oceania, following the launch of the company’s $3 billion multi-beverage business in July 2025.

The federal government has established a new Trade Diversification Network, consisting of 40 peak industry bodies, as part of its $50 million Accessing New Markets Initiative. The member groups will work with government to support global diversification for exporters.

Leading contract manufacturer, Hitex Confectionery, has appointed Darren Butler as its new CEO, aiming to propel a new stage of expansion following two years of transformation.