CPP EXPO Comes to Cleveland!

CPP EXPO is branching out this year for a two-day show at the I-X Center in Cleveland, OH on April 18 and 19. Leo Nadolske, CPP EXPO president, shares his thoughts (and excitement) on what this 2012 version has to offer for attendees, as well as exhibitors.

Having been co-located with Pack Expo the past several years, what differences will attendees see at CPP EXPO as a standalone show?

Nadolske: Not so much different, but the fact that technologies and solutions that are of importance solely to converters will be readily available. Everything at the event will be of interest to all attendees—so the difference is "ease-of-use".

What attracted you to the Cleveland venue?

Nadolske: The concentration of consumer product goods (CPGs) companies and the number of converters in the region are undoubtedly the key attractions. We had investigated regional spin-offs for many years and personally, I'm so pleased to see this come to fruition.

What equipment will be on display?

Nadolske: Major converting equipment manufactures will be exhibiting at CPP EXPO, including Bobst Group, Davis-Standard, Flexotecnica (North American Cerutti), Goss International, Mark Andy, Muller Martini, and Nordmeccanica. Due to the nature of this regional event, the breadth of offerings is more than just equipment for the attendee, and the exhibiting manufacturers will have the opportunity to see people that they wouldn't normally see at a major trade show due to current economic constraints many companies are facing.

What can attendees learn at CPP EXPO to help their companies move forward in the continuing tough economic environment?

Nadolske: In these difficult economies, attendees are looking for solutions that give a competitive edge, but don't break the bank. Testing, measurement, and inspection systems are always sought after, as quality and efficiency are the most effective sales tools in this harsh climate. There are a number of sessions in the Packaging Solutions conference track that focus specifically on this. Consulting and strategizing with solutions providers will help companies move forward in this tough environment.

What advice can you give attendees to get the most from CPP EXPO?

Nadolske: Besides networking—which is the main takeaway from any industry event—I would advise attendees to most definitely take advantage of the educational program. There are cost-savings solutions, expansion ideas, and specific technical applications that can make a positive difference in your operation.

What do you find most rewarding in putting together CPP EXPO?

Nadolske: Truly, seeing the expo "come to life" each year! And, of course, seeing satisfied customers!

Having been around this industry for some time, what do you find most appealing about the converting and package printing industries?

Nadolske: I think the appeal is involvement in a technology where you see the final products right on the supermarket shelf! When the average consumer may see just a box or container, I tend to see something different or unique—and many times know that the innovation that spawned the packaging may have first been showcased on a converting trade show floor!

How will CPP EXPO continue to evolve during the next several years?

Nadolske: We will continue to evolve by remaining in touch with our customers to ensure that all offerings meet the attendees/buyers' and exhibitors' demands. CPP EXPO's mission is to be the resource for the global converting community. To do so, we must deliver information and solutions as our customers need them—online; in their "backyard" regionally; or in main, major-city venues that foster unmatched information exchange. In a nutshell, our evolution will be customer-driven. pP