Special 40th anniversary celebrations at Labelexpo
It hardly seems possible that some 40 years have passed since the very first fledgling show dedicated solely to labels, coding and marking was held in London in the spring of 1980, supported by a one-day label seminar in a nearby hotel.
Today, that small, niche exhibition has evolved into the world's largest label and package printing show, with more than 600 exhibitors and an expected 40,000 plus visitors from all corners of the globe coming together at Labelexpo Europe 2019. Additional features this year include masterclasses, a workshop, a Flexible Packaging Arena, and a Sustainability Insight Cafe.
Labelexpo has undoubtedly become a truly global brand which is at the forefront of showcasing everything that is required for an ever-changing and still growing print sector ? with more products, more launches and more live demonstrations than was ever thought possible.
1980s Theme Celebration
To celebrate its 40th-anniversary edition in style, Labelexpo Europe 2019 will make its Label Industry Global Awards evening on the first night of show a real night to be remember, with a gala dinner and back to the 1980s themed celebration party spirit, which is not to be missed.
Headlining the program for these 16th Label Awards, and host for the evening, is chart-topping 1980’s singer-songwriter and solo artist, Tony Hadley. Tony rose to fame in the 1980’s as lead singer of New Romantic band Spandau Ballet, earning himself the accolade of being one of pop music’s greatest vocalists. As a solo artist, he has performed across the world both with his band, swing bands, and orchestras.
Alongside Tony will perform Spring Break, a six-piece sell-out band hailing from Ireland. Europe’s premier good-time supergroup, they play the very best floor fillers from the 1980’s. Since their beginnings in 2005, they have performed thousands of shows and festivals around the world. They even played at the 40th birthday party of actor Michael Fassbender!
Continuing the 1980s theme, there will be a replica DeLorean car on display, as well as 1980’s arcade games to bring guests back to the future!
Global Label Industry Awards
This year sees a number of new Label Award categories ? a Rising Star Award, and a European Converter of the year Award ? as well as awards for Innovation (over 300 employees and up to 300 employees), Environment & Sustainability
The shortlisted finalists for each of these Awards were announced over the summer. The Award winner for each of category will be announced on the night.
The main Award being made during the evening is the prestigious R. Stanton Avery Global Achievement Award 2019, which will be presented to Jim DeFife, VP Pressure-Sensitive Materials, Multi-Color Corporation.
DeFife has been a driving force in the global label industry for almost 40 years, with a focus throughout his career on the development of technical solutions that have revolutionized and grown the pressure-sensitive market – firstly with Avery Dennison and then, for the past 17 years, with Spear and Multi-Color.
During his 20 years with Avery Dennison he led the company’s specialty films division, coming up with new filmic constructions. He subsequently led a global initiative for materials down-gauging at Spear, C-Flex and Multi-Color.
DeFife has also been a long-term pioneer in thin film technology, adding wide-web coating into Spear’s facilities, including major work with the entire supply chain incorporating all the film/paper, adhesive and coating suppliers. He also developed the first plastic bottle recyclable PS label recognized by the APR.
Given such an important milestone, Labelexpo had invited the previous winners of the R. Stanton Avery Lifetime/Global Achievement Award attend the evening as possible, as its VIP guests, including FINAT’s Past President Kurt Walker.
Clive Smith, the founder of Labelexpo was also in attendance for the Awards evening, together with most of his senior Labelex/Cowise team from the pre-Tarsus days. Many suppliers attending the evening will surely remember them.
The Label Industry Global Awards 2019 will take place on the first night of Labelexpo Europe 2019, Tuesday 24th September, at Brussels Expo, Hall 10. It will be a celebration not to be missed!