Page 55 - Food&Drink Business magazine June 2022

APPMA NEWS
APPEX: One show for one industry
It’s been a long time coming, the evolution of AUSPACK into an all-encompassing trade show for packaging and processing. APPEX 2024 will be that show.
The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) has run its flagship event AUSPACK since 1985, and since that time, the show, and the association’s membership, has expanded and evolved.
“We’re one industry; it’s time to show it,” said APPMA chairman Mark Dingley, as he announced that AUSPACK will be transitioning into an all-of-industry event: APPEX – Australasian Processing & Packaging Expo.
“We’re proud of how AUSPACK has grown, and the value that it gives exhibitors and visitors. AUSPACK is more than just a packaging-only exhibition, it is a show aimed at encompassing the total processing and packaging sector – from machinery, ancillary equipment, materials, packaging, and food processing, right through to industry services. Now is the right time to truly bring everyone together across the spectrum of processing and packaging into one show.
“APPEX will be one exhibition for the industry, run by the industry.”
INDUSTRY SUPPORT
In representing Australia’s leading packaging and processing machinery and allied component companies, APPMA aims to promote, integrate, and
APPEX unpacked at AUSPACK: Jon Perry, director at show organiser Exhibitions & Trade Fairs (left) and Mark Dingley, chairman of APPMA.
foster participation and development at all levels of the packaging and processing machinery industry.
Dingley said the development of APPEX had strong industry support.
Tania Carey, GM of Food Processing Equipment Australia & New Zealand, said, “We had never thought of joining APPMA until we learned about these changes. This is a great change for the industry in Australia, and one we believe will set future expos on an exciting new path.”
Geoff Bourke, MD of long-term AUSPACK and APPMA supporter Linco Food Systems, said, “Linco is excited to see AUSPACK develop and embrace the whole of processing and packaging into a single, all-of-industry event.”
Dingley said, “These two comments are among many from APPMA research into developing APPEX, and with all of this broad industry momentum, now is the time to transition AUSPACK into the all-of-industry event APPEX.”
APPEX will run from 12-15 March 2024, and every three years thereafter. The event will be anchored in Melbourne, at the MCEC.
“Three yearly is an optimal cycle for a large show with more exhibitors and visitors, it is a neater flow with other international shows and facilitates better alignment with developments in new technology,” Dingley said.
The APPEX 24 exhibition is open for bookings. Contact the APPMA office to find out more.
APPMA makes strong showing at AUSPACK
(From left): APPMA board members Rosanne Jessop and Mark Dingley accompanied Vic govt officials Nanette Fitzgerald and Morgan Druce, along with APPMA CEO Michael Moran, on a tour of the show floor.
The inclusion of the APPMA members and exhibitor network lounge as an extension to the APPMA stand was a great success, providing an on-floor destination to relax, meet with customers, and engage with the APPMA team while enjoying coffee and snacks.
“The flow of visitors was consistent through the four days,” says APPMA CEO Michael Moran, “providing the opportunity for the APPMA team to engage and promote both the benefit of memberships and the launch of APPEX 2024.”
The exclusive members-only lounge, located off the main floor, was exceptionally busy every day, providing member exhibitor teams with a refuge away from the exhibition where they could relax
and enjoy lunch before heading back out onto the show floor.
“AUSPACK provided a fantastic opportunity to re-engage, face to face, with our members,” Moran said. “During the show Denni Egan, Vicki Callaway and I, visited every APPMA member stand. We were able to engage with members, capture feedback and explore ideas, while also distributing Award and member certificates, copies of industry publications, along with a few treats, to help the teams get through the day. We also took the opportunity to introduce the Association to exhibitors who are not yet members, an approach that was very well received by all. Stay tuned for announcements about new APPMA members coming soon.” ■
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