LOUPE Americas 2026 (formerly Labelexpo Americas), the first event to take place under the new LOUPE banner, is expanding its education pass to a new ‘access all areas’ offering as part of delivering an enhanced show experience for the label and package printing community.
Making A Pass
The new pass provides full access to all keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops across the first two days of the show, plus unlimited access to the exhibit floor and show floor activities for all three days.
Taking place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from September 15-17, LOUPE Americas 2026 will feature a focused conference program designed for label and package printing professionals navigating rapid change.
For the first time, education pass holders will benefit from session summaries featuring key takeaways and overviews of each session, along with an executive summary of the full program – all easily accessible via a mobile phone, making the process as seamless as possible.
What to expect
Day 1 – Automation, smart packaging and AI in focus
On September 15, the program promises to deliver focused sessions on automation, AI, smart packaging, and diversification into flexible packaging (shrink sleeves and pouches) and inline carton converting.
The Converter Panel Navigating Growth, Change and Opportunity, featuring Dale Coates, CEO and President of TLMI, and Thomas Dahbura, President of Hub Labels, will explore workforce development and retention, practical AI implementation, succession planning in family and privately held businesses, and capex strategy in an uncertain economy.
For converters expanding beyond pressure-sensitive, the session on Understanding Flex Pack Materials and Pouching will break down key material structures and the converting processes behind pouch production.
The day concludes with a hands-on AI in Action workshop, where attendees will learn to build and customize an AI agent tailored to their specific business requirements.
Day 2 – Industry insights and opportunities
On September 16, the program will continue with keynote sessions delivering actionable intelligence on key industry trends. Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, will address today’s manufacturing reality in North America and its implications for print and packaging operations, while Corey Reardon, President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, will deliver data-driven market insights for label and package printing professionals.
Breaking Out
The day’s breakout sessions include The Talent Landscape: Navigating Today’s Labor Market presented by Claudia St. John, Founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, offering actionable strategies to attract, develop, and retain talent amid labor shortages and evolving skill requirements.
Inside M&A Activity in the Label Market presented by Thomas Blaige, Chairman and CEO of Blaige & Company, examines private equity activity, strategic acquisitions, valuation trends, and how dealmaking is reshaping operational strategy.
The program concludes with a dedicated women’s roundtable open to all attendees at no additional cost. The session will explore topics including career pathways and mentorship, community building and peer networks, personal branding and visibility, balancing work and life, and preparing future generations with essential skills.
