Loupe Americas 2026 sets new benchmark

Loupe Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas), the first event under the new Loupe banner, has closed its latest edition. Taking place at the Donald E Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois from September 15-17, the show drew nearly 12,000 attendees, with 86 percent directly involved in purchasing decisions.

Loupe Americas 2026 welcomed attendees from 82 countries, an increase of 14 percent from the previous iteration in 2024. The top 10 attending countries were the US, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Japan, United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Ecuador and Germany.

Notably, there was a 12 percent increase in attendance from Colombia, while Costa Rica and Panama saw three times more attendees compared to the 2024 edition.

Covering 185,000sqft of floor space, 425 exhibitors took part in this year’s edition. Across the show floor, diversification into adjacent packaging formats to labels was on full display, with flexible packaging more fully integrated into exhibitor offerings and folding cartons starting to make an impact.

Flexography made a strong showing. Rotocon launched a ‘non-stop’ 8-color press with turret rewind, while Nilpeter partnered with Kurz to demonstrate registered foil technologies on an FA-17 press. Canon launched in the US the Edale LabelLine FL4p flexo press as part of a wider suite of package printing technologies.

Digital also saw notable firsts, including Konica Minolta’s global launch of the AccurioLabel 231. Durst launched in the US its Tau G3 Peak UV inkjet press.

Hybrid technology was well represented by manufacturers including Bobst, which launched its Digital Master 340 All-in-One press in the Americas. Hybrid systems were also demonstrated by Domino, Mark Andy and Durst.

AI moved to commercial reality across the show floor. Brotech launched in the US its FFX530 flexo press, controlled by an AI model, while Dantex marked the global launch of its AI-driven Pico Adaptive Logic (PAL) natural language technology. Mark Andy and AVT announced an AI-powered QC system linking an on-press camera to a rewinder. Cerm demonstrated its Lexis AI agent automatically extracting order information from unstructured emails.

Flexible packaging was well represented. HP Indigo demonstrated its 200K Digital Press printing flexible packaging, laminated on a new 30in Gonderflex machine incorporating JetFX digital embellishment. ABG showed a digital embellishment unit in-line on a Galaxy pouch making line. Mark Andy showed a Performance P9 press with double extended driers for water-based coating of flexpack materials.

Other areas of the show floor demonstrated a huge range of technologies, from sustainable materials and coatings to RFID labels and production systems, new curing technologies and automated finishing systems.

A group of suppliers including Flint Group Digital Xeikon, Kurz, Scribos, Avery Dennison, Cerm, Esko, GM and CarbonQuota demonstrated a complete label workflow showcasing sustainability and brand security in the Label Trail.

Education was a major strength of Loupe Americas 2026. Keynote presentations provided a strong foundation for the two-day program, while sessions spanned a range of topics, including artificial intelligence, the labor market, mergers and acquisitions and RFID technology. An AI workshop and women’s workshop were other highlights, creating a forum for discussion, networking and exchanging ideas. 

The educational offerings extended beyond the main conference program. The Spotlight Stage on the show floor provided free programming throughout the event, giving attendees another opportunity to hear from industry experts and explore emerging trends. 

Uliam Hoxha, Omet Americas general manager, said: 'Loupe Americas 2026 gave us the opportunity to meet face to face, in one place, with converters from across North and South America. The conversations were focused and productive, and we came away with strong interest in our latest solutions. Our Omet team had valuable discussions with both existing customers and new prospects, and we're already following up on several promising opportunities.'

Martin Teilberg, global marketing manager, Nilpeter, commented: 'Loupe Americas 2026 was a new setup for us, and it worked extremely well. The partnership with Kurz brought something different to the show floor and proved what can be achieved when strong technologies come together. We’re already looking forward to coming back in 2028 – even stronger.'

Dale Coates, CEO and president of TLMI, said: 'TLMI was thrilled to support the first edition of the newly rebranded Loupe Americas. The show highlighted the strength, innovation and collaboration that define our industry. It was inspiring to see so many leaders, partners and future-focused companies come together to share ideas, build connections and advance the print industry's collective success. I personally heard stories of machines purchased and new relationships formed with a promise of business opportunities to come. On behalf of TLMI, I want to thank everyone who exhibited and attended.'
 
Tasha Ventimiglia, group director, Americas, concluded: 'Loupe Americas 2026 has been a huge success. As the first official event under the Loupe banner, this edition sets a benchmark for a new era of innovation in labels and package printing. We saw a stronger turnout from Latin American countries and clear momentum in mid-web and narrow web flexible packaging, hybrid integration and AI-enabled workflows. The quality of conversations showed that buyers are investing in technology that delivers measurable performance, sustainability and brand value. We look forward to seeing labels continue to converge with wider packaging formats in future editions.'

Loupe Americas returns to the Donald E Stephens Convention Center September 12-14, 2028.