It's been a long time coming, the evolution of AUSPACK into an ell-encompassing trade show for packaging and processing, truly reflective of the industry represented by show owner the APPMA. And last night at the APPMA Gala Dinner during AUSPACK, the APPEX show was launched.
"We’re one industry; it’s time to show it." With those words, Mark Dingley, chairman of peak body the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA), announced its flagship exhibition AUSPACK is transitioning into an all-of-industry event: APPEX – Australasian Processing & Packaging Expo.
APPMA has run its flagship event, AUSPACK, since 1985.
“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
Dingley said in representing Australia’s leading packaging and processing machinery and allied component companies, APPMA aims to promote, integrate, and foster participation and development at all levels of the packaging and processing machinery industry.
He said the development of APPEX had strong industry support.
Tania Carey, GM of Food Processing Equipment Australia & New Zealand, said, “We had never thought 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.”
Changes and benefits
Dingley said the transition to APPEX will occur after the current AUSPACK is completed, with APPEX running in March 2024, and every three years thereafter. The event will be anchored in Melbourne.
“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. APPMA chose Melbourne for its position as Australia’s premier venue for holding larger shows, with facilities allowing APPEX and Processing & Packaging Week to grow while still retaining AUSPACK’s renowned experience. Operationally, the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre site facilitates easier move-in and move-out for exhibitors.”
Dingley said benefits of APPEX include having the largest showcase of processing and packaging equipment, thus attracting more targeted visitors across all of industry.
“APPEX being run by the industry means that exhibitors, APPMA members and key players will all have a strong voice in the show’s development. APPMA will continue to reinvest the exhibition’s profits to further support and develop the processing and packaging industry, Australia wide, and with more on offer for visitors, the Australian marketplace overall will benefit.
“The APPMA Board is excited to reveal this next step for Australia’s manufacturing industry. It is one that our research has shown will even better showcase the innovation of Australian manufacturing businesses, which are at the forefront of the Australian economy.”
APPEX ’24 will be held in Melbourne from 12-15 March, 2024.
The exhibition will be open for bookings shortly after AUSPACK 2022.
