The inaugural event under the LOUPE banner unfolded at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from September 15-17. Nearly 12,000 visitors walked the 185,000 sq ft exhibition floor, and a striking 86% of them were directly involved in purchasing decisions. Delegates arrived from 82 nations, with the United States, Mexico, Canada, Colombia and Japan forming the top five source markets. Attendance from Colombia rose 12% over 2024, while Costa Rica and Panama each tripled their presence, signalling growing interest from Latin America.
Showcasing the next generation of printing technology
Four hundred twenty-five exhibitors displayed a broad spectrum of solutions, extending beyond traditional label presses into flexible packaging and folding cartons. Flexography remained a cornerstone, highlighted by Rotocon’s nonstop 8-color press equipped with a turret rewind system and Nilpeter’s partnership with Kurz to demonstrate registered-foil capabilities on an FA-17 machine. Canon introduced the Edale LabelLine FL4p flexo press, reinforcing its commitment to high-speed package printing.
On the digital front, Konica Minolta unveiled the AccurioLabel 231 on a global stage, while Durst rolled out the Tau G3 Peak UV inkjet press for the U.S. market. Hybrid technologies attracted equal enthusiasm; Bobst revealed the Digital Master 340 All-in-One press, and Domino, Mark Andy and Durst all staged live demonstrations of systems that blend conventional and digital workflows.
Flexible packaging and embellishment
Flexible packaging earned a prominent place. HP Indigo operated a 200K Digital Press that printed on flexible substrates before laminating the output on a brand-new 30-inch Gonderflex machine, complete with JetFX digital embellishment. ABG integrated a digital embellishment unit directly into a Galaxy pouch-making line, while Mark Andy’s Performance P9 press featured double-extended dryers for water-based coatings on flex-pack material.
Artificial intelligence moves from concept to shop floor
AI technologies transitioned from experimental labs to commercial reality throughout the exhibit hall. Brotech’s FFX530 flexo press was governed by an AI model that automatically adjusted printing parameters. Dantex announced the global launch of its AI-driven Pico Adaptive Logic (PAL) natural-language engine, and Mark Andy together with AVT unveiled an AI-powered quality-control system linking on-press cameras to downstream rewinders. CERM demonstrated Lexis, an AI agent capable of extracting order details from unstructured emails without human intervention.
HiFlow Solutions used its booth to illustrate how an AI-powered ERP can eliminate repetitive admin work for converters. Six AI-enabled workflows—estimate processing, order handling, supplier delivery, price-list updates, bill-of-lading management and accounts payable—were presented live. The company’s new AI Quote Agent allowed users to converse with the system, supplying job specifications and receiving instant estimates. According to CEO Mariusz Sosnowski, the demonstration proved that AI can move beyond assistance to actually perform tasks, freeing staff to focus on higher-value activities.
Education, networking and the road ahead
The conference program emphasized knowledge sharing. Keynote sessions covered topics ranging from artificial intelligence and labor-market trends to mergers, acquisitions and RFID technology. An AI workshop and a dedicated Women’s workshop sparked lively discussion and networking. Throughout the exhibition, the Spotlight Stage delivered free talks by industry experts, offering attendees continual access to emerging insights.
Quotes from participants underscored the event’s impact. Uliam Hoxha of OMET Americas highlighted productive, face-to-face meetings with converters across the Americas. Nilpeter’s Martin Teilberg praised the collaboration with Kurz, noting the powerful combination of technologies on display. TLMI CEO Dale Coates described the show as a showcase of innovation and collaboration, while Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director for the Americas, declared the edition a benchmark for a new era of label and package printing, pointing to growing momentum in mid-web flexible packaging, hybrid integration and AI-driven workflows.
Looking forward, LOUPE Americas is slated to return to the same venue from September 12-14, 2028, promising an even larger platform for technological breakthroughs and market expansion.
