North America’s largest dedicated label and package printing event, LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas), is making its highly anticipated return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Chicago, from 15–17 September. To mark this year’s landmark biennial event, Group Director for the Americas Tasha Ventimiglia reflects on her 25-year journey in the industry. From her early days at her very first trade show to her bold vision for the future, she shares an insider’s look at how far the industry has come. Read the inspiring excerpt below:
Late 80s, the early days
The origins of LOUPE Americas trace back to 1989, when the first Labelexpo Americas—then called Labelexpo USA—was launched in Rosemont. With around 60 exhibitors occupying a section of Hall A, the event was born out of the label sector’s need for a dedicated platform, as it felt overshadowed by general printing shows of the time. This marked the beginning of the “Labelexpo” family, a specialized event that has since grown into a cornerstone of the label and packaging industry.
My journey began in June 2001. Even though I had been working behind the scenes on our event for over a year, to be completely honest, I had no idea what the event really was until I walked onto our show floor for the first time in 2002. I vividly remember being completely blown away by the scale and innovation shown at the event, and thinking “OK, now I get it – this industry is huge!” It was eye-opening to see the complexity behind printing a label. The 2002 event buzzed with discussions about the beginnings of e-commerce, in-mold technology, advancements in digital printing, and the ability to print on multiple substrates. It was a stunning introduction to an industry that thrives on innovation.
© LOUPE Americas – Market differentiation is growing as brands adopt innovative embellishment technologies.
The Team making it big today
Fast forward to today, and the event has evolved significantly. The equipment is faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. Sustainability has become a priority, and automation and smart technologies are now integral to suppliers’ offerings. The industry’s rapid changes are driven by brand-level demands, such as the need for sustainability, SKU (Stock Keeping Unit) proliferation, and the importance of brands differentiating from each other through advancements in embellishment technology. The event has also expanded its global reach over the years, bolstered by initiatives such as the launch of our Label Summits, which debuted in Mexico City in 2004 and have since extended across South America.
What makes LOUPE Americas extraordinary is the dedicated team behind the scenes. With many team members having over 15 years of experience and newer additions bringing fresh energy and valuable contributions, we’ve cultivated a close-knit, family-like environment.
© LOUPE Americas – The USA Team
Our operations team works tirelessly behind the scenes to make certain that our events run smoothly. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave at our events, ensuring every detail is perfect. Our sales team plays a crucial role in understanding clients’ needs and helping them grow their businesses. The marketing team ensures our messaging connects effectively with all attendee personas, while actively managing our websites, social media campaigns, and partnerships. Meanwhile, the education team curates cutting-edge content and trends, transforming the event into a premier hub for learning and industry growth. The Labels & Labeling team is our voice in the industry. Our editors are constantly traveling to industry events and meeting with our converters and suppliers to understand what’s trending and where the future is heading.
This year, LOUPE Americas is not just about showcasing the latest in labels, flexible packaging (specifically shrink and pouches), and short-run, in-line folding cartons; it’s about fostering community and connection. We’re introducing initiatives like a fun run/walk, relevant educational sessions, and networking opportunities to bring like-minded industry professionals together. Our goal is to make LOUPE a place where the industry gathers to learn, connect, and grow every two years.
© LOUPE Americas – the major “crowd-pullers” at the 2024 edition were focused on high-speed automation, robotics, and integrated hybrid flexo-digital presses.
Looking to the future
Reflecting on my 25-year journey, I feel incredibly fortunate to have found this industry and job. The welcoming nature of the community has allowed me to build lifelong friendships, learn invaluable lessons about business and relationships, and grow both personally and professionally.
I’m particularly inspired by the future of the industry. The passionate and intelligent leaders joining the field, the bright college students eager to make their mark, and the increasing presence of women in leadership roles are all signs of a promising future. I’m excited to see what’s next for LOUPE Americas and the industry.
As LOUPE Americas continues to grow, I can’t wait to witness the innovations, connections, and transformations that lie ahead. This event is more than a trade show—it’s a celebration of an industry that thrives on creativity, collaboration, and progress. Here’s to the future of LOUPE Americas and the label and packaging industry!
Discover LOUPE Americas here: https://www.loupe-americas.com
About TASHA VENTIMIGLIA & LOUPE AMERICAS
For more than 20 years, Tasha Ventimiglia has been a driving force in the label and packaging events industry. As a strategic planning and sales development expert, she specializes in creating stellar customer experiences and uniting the printing community. Tasha oversees LOUPE Americas—the American edition of the global LOUPE events portfolio (formerly Labelexpo)—and contributes to Labels & Labeling publications. Armed with a Business Administration degree from Marquette University, she is a marketing powerhouse, published author, and world-class expert in high-tech printing.
LOUPE Americas, formerly Labelexpo Americas, is the hub for package printing and converting. The biennial show is the largest dedicated label and package printing event in the Americas. Its previous edition in 2024 attracted over 450 exhibitors and 12,000 visitors from 73 countries.
