AUSPACK, the biggest packaging and processing event in the Southern Hemisphere held in Melbourne last month – has broken all its previous records.
AUSPACK 2019 recorded the highest number of visitors, biggest floor space, most adjacent events and the biggest influx of international exhibitors.
The show attracted nearly 8,000 trade visitors – 25% more than the previous-largest show.
“The entire Packaging and Processing Week has been a fantastic success,” said Mark Dingley, Chairman of the Australian Packaging & Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), which owns AUSPACK.
“This year we had the largest floor space we’ve ever had – it was close on 20,000 square metres. Not only did floor space sell out nearly six months before the event, but we attracted 105 international exhibitors, which is the most ever and a 15% increase compared with the previous edition.”
Mr Dingley said the APPMA continues to expand AUSPACK in line with industry demands.
Working hand in hand with Exhibitions & Trade Fairs, 2019 featured the highest number of adjacent events running alongside the free exhibition.
Monumental achievement
The Business & Industry Conference was launched for the first time at AUSPACK this year.
More than 40 speakers from across the globe gave expert presentations during two days to a sold-out attendance of more than 300 people.
“This is a monumental achievement for an inaugural conference and truly speaks of how relevant the depth and breadth of content was to industry,” Mr Dingley said.
Also, the re-instated APPMA Awards of Excellence, which were not held in 2017, received more than 50 entries – another record.
More than 400 guests attended the Gala Awards Ceremony to celebrate the winners and the industry as a whole.
Another first
The NextGen Breakfast Forum was another first at AUSPACK 2019.
About 50 people heard how to attract and retain the next generation, Gen Z, into the workforce.
“Addressing skill shortages in the manufacturing industry is paramount to business success, and this informative event was a great way to begin the closing day of Packaging and Processing Week 2019,” Mr Dingley said.
And with IIOT becoming part of the vernacular in Australian manufacturing, there was strong interest in the newly formed Industry 4.0 user group, Open IIOT, Mr Dingley said.
Open IIOT comprises prominent Australian automation brands including SMC Corporation, Beckhoff Automation, NORD Drivesystems, Balluff and ZI-Argus.
“We were very excited to use AUSPACK as the launch platform for our new initiative,” said Rene Rose, Project Manager for Open IIOT, which promotes the real-world implementation of Industry 4.0.
“We chose AUSPACK because of the quality audience it is known for – smart buyers who are key in the decision-making process within their business. As Industry 4.0 is a relatively new and complex topic, we felt that choosing the right audience to get our message across was key.”
The place to launch new technology
ETF’s Anne-Marie Mina, Marketing Manager for Exhibitions and Trade Fairs (ETF) said: “AUSPACK 2019 has continued to build on its reputation for being ‘the place’ to launch new technology.
“This also included the very popular livestreaming videos on AUSPACK’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages, where suppliers showcased the benefits of their solutions.
“These videos are a great way for people to learn about potential new suppliers and are just one more reason visitors and exhibitors find AUSPACK so informative.”
Ms Mina said AUSPACK has continued to grow for the past four consecutive shows – and continues to break records.
“It’s so very exciting that the entire Packaging and Processing Week 2019 offered absolute value to both visitors and exhibitors.”
AUSPACK 2021 will be held in Sydney.
For more information visit: https://www.auspack.com.au/.
