Since registrations for AUSPACK 2022 opened in mid-January, visitors have been eagerly registering to attend, with anticipation building for the first industry expo since 2019. Exhibitors, too, have their sights set on a successful show.
From wanting to see the latest in technology to help make their business more efficient, to seeking out innovative companies that can provide sustainable options, to immersing in the full experience of all Packaging & Processing Week activities, visitors are keenly anticipating this year’s event.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the latest in technology at AUSPACK 2022 that can help make our businesses more efficient,” said Nikk Taylor, general manager of on-farm dairy plant and supplies specialist Daviesway/Dasco.
“I’m also interested in ideas that can help our business improve efficiency through automation, and possibly reduce labour costs, meeting new suppliers and improving my knowledge in general.
“I’ll be spending a lot of time on the show floor, talking to suppliers, and will be attending relevant Solutions Theatres to gain knowledge and ideas for our warehouse and chemical manufacturing facilities.”
For well-known industry figure Ralph Moyle, sustainable packaging and process technologist, who is also education coordinator at the Australian Institute of Packaging (AIP), AUSPACK 2022 is the ideal place to seek out innovative companies who can provide sustainable options to the Australian industry.
“My focus is education, so exhibits and presentations on sustainable packaging options will be a key area for me,” he said.
Educating herself on the latest in sustainability options is also high on the agenda for Zaidee Jackson, national business development manager for sustainable packaging with Ball & Doggett, one of Australia’s largest distributors of printable materials and consumables.
“Stepping into my new role this year, it’s timely to connect with suppliers and leading brands in our country,” Jackson said.
“I am eager to experience AUSPACK, which has successfully delivered an opportunity across a wide range of industries for over 36 years. Sharing in the physicality of an event, and connecting with suppliers and clients face-to-face, is an exciting prospect.“
Jackson is confident that the week will be a space to network, learn and be exposed to conversation with specialists and industry thought leaders.
“There is a keen interest in our business around sustainability and the circular economy, and we are also looking forward to discussions around investments, supply chain disruption and solutions, along with future technology,” Jackson said.
“The innovations around this are all areas that are part of the critical-thinking paradigm we are shifting with – whether you wear the hat of brand, supplier, distributor or converter. Every aspect is pertinent at AUSPACK, which is set to deliver a powerful experience to all who attend.”
Using the online highly searchable AUSPACK Leaders Forum program, Jackson has already selected sessions to optimise her time.
“I am thoroughly looking forward to listening to the trends driving our industry, and understanding insights and strategy from thought leaders. I’ve already selected presentations to attend – the international keynote presentation on ‘Sustainability innovation’, the panel discussion on ‘Future packaging, recycling & the circular economy’ and ‘Business Trends Report: The 10 trends your business needs to know for 2022 and beyond’.
“I plan to immerse myself in the full AUSPACK experience and ensure I visit the show floor, AUSPACK Leaders Forum and Solutions Theatres.”
Exhibitors keen for AUSPACK
Exhibitors are also looking forward to AUSPACK 2022 as the ideal forum to launch new products and build meaningful relationships.
“As Australia’s preeminent packaging and processing exhibition, AUSPACK is the perfect forum for ABB to launch our two new families of collaborative robots. We will also be displaying our market-leading range of industrial robots,” said Peter Bradbury, channel manager – robotics with ABB Australia (stand G085).
“ABB Robotics have been exhibiting at AUSPACK for over 20 years, and the expected 7000+ visitors will include hundreds of our existing customers and many more potential clients. We anticipate recovering the exhibition costs many times over the following months.”
Marcus Lee, marketing manager with premium Australian and New Zealand packaging and processing equipment agent Selpak (stand E115), said while this is his second time organising Selpak’s AUSPACK booth, as a founding APPMA member, Selpak has exhibited at every AUSPACK event since its inception.
“The majority of what we do as an industry is far from virtual, so while I may miss the mute button, I’m definitely looking forward to seeing and interacting with equipment and subject-matter experts in person,” explained Lee.
“As a hallmark sales and education event, our team will be focusing on listening, problem solving and building relationships with those who visit us on our stand We have some new products to launch, so increasing our brand awareness and informing our customers are also some of our key objectives.
“I would love to visit the AUSPACK Leaders Forum or Solutions Theaters if my existing commitments allow. Selpak has two manufacturing partners slotted in to speak during the seminars, so I’ll definitely make time to attend those and develop my knowledge and understanding.”
Following strict Covid-safe guidelines, AUSPACK 2022 will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17-20 May 2022.
Tickets to the exhibition are free and are now available on the website, and entry to the Solutions Theatre is also free via the registration pass.
Tickets to the AUSPACK Leaders Forum (18-19 May) and APPMA Awards of Excellence Gala Night (18 May) will go on sale in February. Visit the AUSPACK website for more information.
