LOUPE Americas 2026 closes with nearly 12,000 attendees
LOUPE Americas (formerly Labelexpo Americas), the first event under the new LOUPE banner, has closed its latest edition. Held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from 15–17 September, the show drew nearly 12,000 attendees, 86% of whom were directly involved in purchasing decisions.
The event welcomed attendees from 82 countries, a 14% increase on the previous edition in 2024. The top 10 countries represented were the United States, Mexico, Canada, Colombia, Japan, the United Kingdom, Brazil, China, Ecuador and Germany.
Attendance from Colombia increased by 12%, while Costa Rica and Panama each saw three times as many attendees as in 2024.
The show covered 185,000 sq ft and featured 425 exhibitors. Diversification into packaging formats beyond labels was evident across the show floor, with flexible packaging increasingly integrated into exhibitor offerings and folding cartons beginning to make an impact.
Technology highlights
Flexography featured prominently. Rotocon launched a non-stop, eight-colour press with turret rewind, while Nilpeter partnered with Kurz to demonstrate registered foil technology on an FA-17 press. Canon launched the Edale LabelLine FL4p flexo press in the US as part of a wider suite of package-printing technologies.
Digital printing also saw notable launches, including Konica Minolta’s global debut of the AccurioLabel 231 and Durst’s US launch of the Tau G3 Peak UV inkjet press.
Hybrid technology was well represented. Bobst launched its Digital Master 340 All-in-One press in the Americas, while Domino, Mark Andy and Durst also demonstrated hybrid systems.
Artificial intelligence moved into commercial applications across the show floor. Brotech launched its AI-controlled FFX530 flexo press in the US, while Dantex introduced its AI-driven Pico Adaptive Logic (PAL) natural-language technology globally. Mark Andy and AVT announced an AI-powered quality control system linking an on-press camera to a rewinder. CERM demonstrated its Lexis AI agent, which automatically extracts order information from unstructured emails.
Flexible packaging was also prominent. HP Indigo demonstrated its 200K Digital Press printing flexible packaging, laminated on a new 30-inch Gonderflex machine incorporating JetFX digital embellishment. ABG showed a digital embellishment unit inline on a Galaxy pouch-making line, while Mark Andy demonstrated a Performance P9 press with double extended dryers for water-based coating of flexible packaging materials.
Other technologies on display included sustainable materials and coatings, RFID labels and production systems, new curing technologies and automated finishing systems.
A group of suppliers—including Flint Group Digital Xeikon, Kurz, Scribos, Avery Dennison, CERM, Esko, GM and CarbonQuota—presented a complete label workflow focused on sustainability and brand security in the Label Trail.
Education highlights
Education was a major feature of LOUPE Americas 2026. Keynote presentations opened the two-day programme, which covered topics including artificial intelligence, the labour market, mergers and acquisitions, and RFID technology.
An AI Workshop and a Women’s Workshop also created opportunities for discussion, networking and exchanging ideas. The Spotlight Stage offered free programming throughout the event, giving attendees another opportunity to hear from industry experts and explore emerging trends.
Uliam Hoxha, General Manager of OMET Americas Inc., said: “LOUPE Americas 2026 gave us the opportunity to meet face to face, in one place, with converters from across North and South America. The conversations were focused and productive, and we came away with strong interest in our latest solutions. Our OMET team had valuable discussions with both existing customers and new prospects, and we’re already following up on several promising opportunities.”
Martin Teilberg, Global Marketing Manager at Nilpeter, commented: “LOUPE Americas 2026 was a new setup for us, and it worked extremely well. The partnership with KURZ brought something different to the show floor and proved what can be achieved when strong technologies come together. We’re already looking forward to coming back in 2028—even stronger.”
Dale Coates, CEO and President of TLMI, said: “TLMI was thrilled to support the first edition of the newly rebranded LOUPE Americas. The show highlighted the strength, innovation and collaboration that define our industry. It was inspiring to see so many leaders, partners and future-focused companies come together to share ideas, build connections and advance the print industry’s collective success. I personally heard stories of machines purchased and new relationships formed, with a promise of business opportunities to come. On behalf of TLMI, I want to thank everyone who exhibited and attended.”
Tasha Ventimiglia, Group Director, Americas, concluded: “LOUPE Americas 2026 has been a huge success. As the first official event under the LOUPE banner, this edition sets a benchmark for a new era of innovation in labels and package printing. We saw a stronger turnout from Latin American countries and clear momentum in mid-web and narrow-web flexible packaging, hybrid integration and AI-enabled workflows. The quality of conversations showed that buyers are investing in technology that delivers measurable performance, sustainability and brand value. We look forward to seeing labels continue to converge with wider packaging formats in future editions.”
LOUPE Americas will return to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center from 12–14 September 2028.