With over 1044 brands, over 263 separate exhibiting companies, more than 102 new exhibitors and 45 international exhibitors AUSPACK PLUS 2011, which was held in late March at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre, was the largest and most successful exhibition of its kind to date.
Event manager Mark Walsh said that “AUSPACK PLUS 2011 expanded to embrace packaging, processing, plastics, materials and associated technologies all under one roof to deliver a stunning array of solutions for industry.”
“Visitors and buyers that attended AUSPACK PLUS 2011, embraced the changes to what has traditionally been Australia’s largest and most successful packaging machinery display, with large numbers of visitors attending to see the expanded format presenting processing, plastics, materials and associated technologies,” Walsh said.
“Early feedback from visitors or buyers demonstrates they have been successful in achieving their missions to see the latest products, new technologies, see live working demonstrations, consult with expert exhibitors, meet new suppliers, and find solutions to improve their business.”
“We were looking to find some different options for packaging machines for our business. We found the show extremely effective because there were many companies to show us the different options available. We will certainly attend again.” Jonothon Doubleday, director AusPac Ingredients.
“I found AUSPACK PLUS 2011 to be a valuable visit. A great way to stay informed of industry trends in our region. The AIP National Technical forums were an excellent series of presentations and very worthwhile for all Packaging professionals.” Anthony Druitt, packaging manager, Coca-Cola South Pacific.
“It was good to see all the biodegradable packaging stands together at AUSPACK PLUS 2011, as this makes it easier for delegates to see all that is available in a short space of time. It is always good to see some operational equipment, such as filling lines and palletisers,” noted Jason Fields, packaging development manager, SunRice.
“AUSPACK PLUS continues to grow and offers everyone interested in packaging and processing the opportunity to gain an insight into components, equipment and processes that are at the leading edge of technology. Everyone in the industry looks forward to AUSPACK PLUS and the AIP National Technical Forum as the occasion to catch up with like-minded individuals to discuss issues and seek solutions,” said Llew Stephens, senior packaging technologist, National Foods.
Walsh added that AUSPACK PLUS exhibitors have also experienced good results from highly qualified buyers.
“The vast majority of visitors who attended AUSPACK PLUS 2011 had authority to purchase and came actively seeking solutions and new products, equipment and technologies to improve their businesses,” Walsh said.
Result Packaging, first time exhibitor at AUSPACK PLUS, described the show as a fantastic way of launching its product into the market place. “Our intention at AUSPACK PLUS was to build the brand name and let the market know that we are here and we do exist. The show has been exceptional for us and we are very happy with the result.”
“I found the show overwhelming for a first time exhibitor. Our products are new to the market and this has been a brilliant way to launch our new product ‘Flexible’. The show has been much better than we expected and we are very keen to participate in Sydney in 2013,” commented Joe Foster of Foster Packaging.
“AUSPACK PLUS 2011 was the best show we have ever had; it exceeded the expectation over the first two days. AUSPACK PLUS for us is an opportunity, not an expense. We will be back with a bigger and better stand in 2013,” enthused HMPS managing director Mark Emmett.
“AUSPACK PLUS 2011 was very well organised by ETF, we have had some good leads. The AIP National Technical Forum was also very beneficial to us,” observed Kumar Sinha, vice president, Dhunseri Petrochemical & TEH Ltd (India).
“Our first AUSPACK was in 1997 and this has been one of the best shows we have attended. We had the smoothest move in and the flexibility of both the move in and move out was exceptional. The communication from the organisers has been fantastic,” concluded Pro Pack.
AUSPACK PLUS 2013 will be held May 7 to 10 at the Sydney Showgrounds, Sydney Olympic Park.