With the doors to Auspack set to open tomorrow the event seems to be staving off the ill effects of the economic climate with pre-registered visitors and exhibitor numbers on par with the last Sydney event in 2005.
Rob Keen, event director for Auspack says so far the response has been encouraging with 217 exhibitors booked for this week’s event, showing no decline from the two previous events. However he adds while pre-registered visitors are exceeding the last event’s figures, the show relies on interstate and international visitors for 25 per cent of its crowd.Keen says, “It’s been encouraging right from the word go, some businesses have been affected by the downturn but new companies are becoming involved in Auspack so exhibitor numbers are staying the same.”
He continues, “We are expecting between 5000 and 6000 visitors but who knows, the trend for other events this year has been around 10 and 15 per cent down but hopefully that won’t happen next week.”
Organisers say visitors will have the opportunity to gain insight into everything from automated processing machinery, robotics, mixing and batching equipment, product identification solutions, quality process and ancillary equipment, plastics extrusion, powder and liquid fillers and shrink wrap packaging machines.
While the Australian Bioplastics Association has had a presence at previous Auspacks, this year – in line with a growing environmental focus – the association will have a heavier impact with the Bioplastics Pavilion’s debut, which will house the presentations of association members.
Keen continues that along with the AIP National Technical Forums running alongside Auspack, this year’s show looks set to be a success with anyone who manufactures a product requiring a pack encouraged to attend.
He says, “If people are looking for solutions to automate their process, or looking for the best way to reduce costs then they can find something here with both local and international exhibitors.”
