LOUPE Americas 2026 is expanding its education pass to provide access to keynote presentations, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops during the first two days of the event, alongside exhibit floor access across all three days.
The event, formerly known as Labelexpo Americas, takes place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from 15–17 September and is aimed at label and package printing professionals.
The conference programme will focus on automation, artificial intelligence, smart packaging, flexible packaging, inline carton converting, workforce challenges and mergers and acquisitions.
On the opening day, sessions will cover automation, AI, smart packaging and diversification into flexible packaging, including shrink sleeves and pouches, and inline carton converting.
A converter panel featuring Dale Coates, CEO and President of TLMI, and Thomas Dahbura, President of Hub Labels, will discuss workforce development and retention, AI implementation, succession planning in family and privately held businesses, and capital expenditure strategy.
A separate session, Understanding Flex Pack Materials and Pouching, will examine material structures and pouch converting processes, while a hands-on AI workshop will focus on building and customising AI agents for business applications.
The second day will include keynote presentations from Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers' Association, on manufacturing in North America and its implications for print and packaging operations, and Corey Reardon, President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, on market trends in the label and package printing sector.
Breakout sessions will cover labour market challenges, talent retention, private equity activity, acquisitions and valuation trends in the label market.
Education pass holders will also receive session summaries and an executive summary of the conference programme, accessible on mobile devices.
The programme concludes with a women's roundtable, open to all attendees at no additional cost, covering career pathways, mentorship, networking, personal branding, work-life balance and preparing future generations for the industry.
Katie Chapman, conference manager, LOUPE Americas, said: "By introducing the new education pass, we are making it easier for attendees to build a solid learning journey, allowing them to reserve time for the most in-demand sessions, gain access to summaries if they can't attend every session, and leave with practical insights."
Tasha Ventimiglia, group director, LOUPE Americas, said: "By putting together keynotes, breakouts, and hands-on workshops across the first two days, attendees can immerse themselves in the latest technology and market intelligence. They will come away with actionable knowledge and expertise to help shape the future development of their converting business."
An early bird discount on the education pass is available until 21 August.