LOUPE Americas, formerly Labelexpo, is set to return to Chicago from 15-17 September at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre with over 400 exhibitors and refreshed networking, education and technology showcases.
The global platform for the package printing industries, LOUPE Americas connects business professionals in labels, flexible packaging, more specifically shrink sleeves and pouches, and in-line folding carton converting.
Building on a 37-year heritage, this update to the event offerings reaffirms its position as the America’s largest dedicated label and package printing trade show, which serves a market accounting for 27 per cent of global label consumption – with the North American market alone worth $13.6 billion.
The portfolio delivers the insight, expertise, and innovation to help the industry navigate technological shifts, unlock new capabilities, and drive growth.
Combined with local events in Mexico, Asia, India, South China, Southeast Asia, Europe, Americas and the MENA region, LOUPE represents the largest dedicated platform for the labels and package printing industry.
What is new at LOUPE Americas
With its extended scope covering labels, shrink sleeves, pouches and in-line folding cartons, the event offers exhibitors expanded market reach across the packaging sector and access to new customer segments.
Similarly, visitors will continue to benefit by attending the largest and most targeted event focused on labels and package printing. Expect to see product launches and technology to reflect this enhanced scope.
“Tag and Label Manufacturers Institute (TLMI) is proud to support LOUPE Americas as a vital partner in advancing the future of label and package printing,” said Dale Coates, CEO and president of TLMI.
“Our converter and supplier members are driving innovation across the industry, and this collaboration strengthens their access to insights, education, and connections that will fuel continued growth.”
Education and expertise
LOUPE Americas is expanding its education program in 2026, and will now cover two days of the event.
Each day begins with high-impact keynote presentations led by influential voices from across the value chain. These sessions focus on big-picture insights delving into current market trends, innovation landscape and competitive advantage.
Later in the morning, the program shifts to breakout educational sessions diving into the practical realities shaping converting businesses today.
The content will cover automation, smart packaging, sustainability, workforce development, diversification into flexible packaging and folding cartons, and long-term business planning with an executive-level converter panel.
The morning sessions are then followed by practical workshops. Industry professionals will be able to experience AI deployment for label and packaging printing businesses, as well as the impact of packaging design and materials on consumer choices.
Also, free to all LOUPE Americas attendees, the Spotlight Stage will be the platform delivering short sessions on new technologies implemented by some of the world’s leading industry suppliers.
LOUPE Americas is currently accepting applications for speakers interested in sharing expertise across a range of prominent topics spanning automation and AI to leadership and sustainability.
Connection, inclusion and sustainability
With a renewed focus on industry connection, organisers are launching the LOUPE Americas Ambassadors Program, engaging renowned industry leaders across labels, flexible packaging, folding carton, market intelligence and sustainability.
On sustainability, partnerships have already been formed with Innovative Waste Strategies (IWS) and Resource Label Group to collect and reprocess matrix waste.
Off the show floor, the inaugural ‘Loop to LOUPE Fun Run’ will take place on the evening of 14 September.
“For LOUPE Americas 2026, we have magnified our focus on connection and education,” explained Tasha Ventimiglia, Americas group director at LOUPE Global.
“From audience-focused meetups for women and the next generation of leaders to enhanced workshops and conferences, we are creating opportunities for the industry to network and make connections that truly matter in the Americas market.”
LOUPE Americas runs from 15-17 September 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Centre in Chicago.