Converting Takes Center Stage at ICE USA

With its fourth U.S. edition scheduled for April 25-27 in Orlando, Fla., ICE USA, the International Converting Exhibition, will bring the converting community together for three days dedicated to the several facets of the converting process.

According to Melissa Magestro, executive VP of show organizer Mack Brooks Exhibitions Inc., what makes ICE USA stand out among other trade shows, is its sole focus on converting.

“If you’re looking for that particular equipment — sure there are plenty of shows where converting is a vertical within it — but this is really your best opportunity to find the newest technology and newest products for the industry,” Magestro says. “That’s really what the show is all about.”

Magestro states that more than 250 exhibitors are expected at ICE USA, which has become well-known for its comprehensive converting equipment displays. But, she says that this year’s show will also include increased educational opportunities with the debut of the “Future of Converting Theater,” which will be hosting educational sessions on the show floor.

The theater will provide an opportunity for exhibitors to further discuss their latest equipment, as well as a platform for converters to discuss pressing issues in the industry, such as mergers and acquisitions, workforce development, regulatory issues, and more, Magestro says.

ICE USA will also feature a keynote presentation for the first time, which will be delivered by Dr. Robert Fry, a former chief economist from DuPont. Fry’s keynote will take place Tuesday, April 25, from 9 to 10 a.m., and will cover current economic conditions and forecasts, with an emphasis on manufacturing.

Additional educational opportunities include The Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL) Fundamentals training sessions, which will be held on Monday, April 24, prior to the show opening. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, the ICE USA Technical Sessions will take a deeper dive into converting topics such as web handling, process control, coating process, surface treatment and general technology.

One of the most exciting additions to ICE is the debut edition of InPrint USA, the Industrial Print Exhibition, featuring the latest print technologies used in the manufacturing process.

Magestro says that InPrint will target three main segments of the manufacturing community — packaging, décor and functional. Inkjet printing is going to be a major aspect of the show, particularly with the Global Industrial Inkjet Conference scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday.

In terms of the packaging market, Magestro says that all segments will be represented at InPrint, but flexible packaging is the segment that appears to be gaining the most steam with industrial print.

“Flexible packaging is one area that’s really starting to implement industrial print technologies into their processes,” she says. “We’re really focusing on the packaging market there.”

Both events will be held from April 25-27 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Fla. The show floor will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day of the event, except for Thursday, April 27, when the show will close at 3 p.m.