EskoWorld returns with live event in Texas

More than 450 packaging and label converters and industry experts convened at the Gaylord Texan Convention Center & Resort in Grapevine, near Dallas, for the return of a technology-focused event for packaging professionals.

‘As this was our first live event in three years, we secured a bumper line-up of more than 120 sessions, demonstrations and workshops, and truly inspiring and thought-provoking speakers,’ said Melissa Plemen, Esko’s senior director of onside sales and marketing. ‘For two-and-half packed days, we looked at how the latest developments in automation, digitization and connectivity through cloud-based solutions will help businesses overcome the challenges they face today and those on the horizon.’

Jan De Roeck, director of marketing, industry relations, and strategy at Esko, kicked off the event with a thought-provoking presentation that set the tone for the rest of the event. 

‘Jan’s opening speech detailed how the need to accelerate digital transformation was being exacerbated by the ever-changing challenges faced by businesses today,’ added Plemen. ‘He contextualized how businesses need to digitize, automate and connect in order to not only keep pace with the demands of their customers, but also to thrive in the future.’

A keynote speech from Maimouna Diakhaby, Associate Partner at intelligence experts McKinsey, then examined the five key industry trends McKinsey identified in 2019 that have further evolved during the pandemic. 

‘An expert in the global paper and packaging industry, Maimouna detailed how sustainability, e-commerce and digitalization would be the key trends in the industry for the coming decade. Following these two insightful presentations on day one, we enjoyed more than one hundred sessions dedicated to helping attendees stay ahead of the rapidly evolving trends in our industry,’ added Plemen.

A special interaction suite - featuring continuous live demonstrations of everything from 3D technology that helps packaging designers achieve maximum on-shelf standout through to 100% inline printing inspection for narrow web and labels - proved incredibly popular with visitors from around the world, while some of the dedicated sessions were so popular, they ended up being standing room only.

The event’s closing speaker was Randy Pierce, President and CEO of Future in Sight, a non-profit organization dedicated to transforming the lives of those who are blind, visually impaired, and their families. 

‘While it was great to catch up with friends and colleagues for the first time in three years, more importantly, we know the takeaways will be vital for manufacturers and converters looking to optimize operations in the post-pandemic market. The industry is still trending strongly towards eCommerce, with an increased focus on sustainability issues and food-safe packaging, and attendees can now use Esko solutions more effectively to digitize, automate, and connect processes to boost efficiency, reduce waste, and increase print quality,’ concluded Plemen.