Back in its second year running, PROPAK Ghana returns to Accra, Ghana (April 23 to 25) as the industry premier platform for connecting businesses, nurturing relationships and developing opportunities. With excitement of a great show ahead, Mr. George Pearson – Regional Director, Afrocet Montgomery not only shares his thoughts on what to expect at the three-day show but also what singles out PROPAK Ghana from others in the region. Find out in excerpt below:
CONGRATULATIONS PROPAK GHANA IS NOW IN ITS SECOND EDITION; AS ORGANISER, WHAT ARE THOSE CHALLENGING ISSUES YOU EXPERIENCED DURING THE MAIDEN EDITION THAT YOU’VE LEARNT FROM AND EXPECT NOT TO HAPPEN THIS YEAR?
Thank you and we’re excited to be back! Launching an exhibition is always a tough challenge but we know the market wants it and the stakeholders are ready to see more. From last year to this year, we have a much better understanding of the dynamics of the industries; their pain points and what they want to see at the event and that is what we have tried to tie into the offering this year and we hope we have been able to do justice to that. We look forward to meeting many people over the next few days and we are always welcome to feedback on how we can do better next year.
WHAT IS THE THEME OF THIS YEAR’S EVENT AND WHAT INFORMED YOUR DECISION?
This year we’re looking at Packaging Innovations and Winning with Sustainability as the key drivers for the event. These are pivotal subject areas for the industry and something that everyone wants to hear and learn more on; so I think they are very fitting.
WHO SHOULD BE AT PROPAK GHANA THIS YEAR AND WHY?
The exhibition is open to all those that work within or alongside the packaging, print, plastics and processing industries. Be it from large scale manufacturers or SME’s looking for ways to enhance their brand. We have over 100 brands represented and showcasing their products, so there is truly something for everyone.
The conference sessions taking place at the exhibition are now complete and have been curated as a series of discussions featuring leaders and innovators from a cross section of sectors, designed to spark meaningful conversations within the industry and its auxiliary services.
The first day will bring together a wide range of companies and sessions that cover: Smarter Packaging, Packaging Innovation, the impact of Digital Printing on branding and labelling and opportunities in Sustainable Packaging in Ghana.
The second day has been put together in collaboration with the event’s Strategic Partner – KPMG, under the theme of ‘Winning with Sustainability’. The day will revolve around the central theme of sustainability with the day split to look at ‘Thriving with Sustainable Finance’ in the morning and ‘Empowering Sustainable Innovation’ in the afternoon. As ever, KPMG’s knowledge and understanding of the subject area will provide exceptional insight for all those in attendance.
On the third and final day, the sessions switch to trainer lead Executive Masterclasses, Powered by the Africa Trade Academy. With a session covering ‘Branding, Packaging and Labelling’ followed by ‘Opportunities for export marketing and AfCFTA Trade’, there is truly something for everyone at PROPAK Ghana.
WE FOUND OUT THAT, MORE THAN EVER, THERE ARE OTHER REGIONAL EXHIBITIONS ACROSS THE CONTINENT; WHAT DISTINGUISHES PROPAK FROM OTHERS?
What distinguishes PROPAK Ghana from other events is the long history that PROPAK has enjoyed on the continent, first appearing in South Africa over 30 years ago and more recently in Nigeria more than 10 years ago. This brand recognition and reputation for quality, professionalism and understanding of the markets in which we operate is the cornerstone of Montgomery Groups culture and ambition.
WHAT ASSURANCE ARE YOU GIVING EXHIBITORS AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW?
We have made a really big push in the last year to engage with the countries surrounding Ghana; to invite and bring both private and government stakeholders to Accra in order to meet with the exhibitors and other attendees at the event due to ease of travel and welcoming culture of Ghana. We have also built our network locally from learnings from the previous year and started the marketing campaign a lot earlier and with more focus to ensure the visitor base is the right one for them.
WHAT DATES ARE WE LOOKING AT FOR NEXT YEAR’S SHOW?
The event returns next year to the month of June. With more crowded international event calendar and after speaking with many of our stakeholders, it was felt (that) this was the best time of year to fix the date. So we look forward to seeing you from 17 to 19 June 2025.
FINALLY, WHAT ARE YOUR EXPECTATIONS FROM PROPAK GHANA IN TERMS OF IMPACT WITHIN THE SUBREGION?
We hope that the outreach program we have been through over the previous year has helped to bring the wider community together and understand the invaluable offerings that PROPAK Ghana provides. We see the first edition as the marker in the sand, this year as the welcoming of neighbours and next year we hope to continue that trend and see many more stakeholders from the sub region joining both from an exhibitor and visitor viewpoints. Register now to attend for FREE: www.propakghana.com as I look forward to seeing you!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME
