SuperCorrExpo 2024 – Why I Love This Show and How We Can Make It Even Better

Daniel Velema

Managing Director, Koenig and Bauer Durst

SuperCorrExpo remains, without a doubt, the best place to quickly meet a wide range of corrugated customers, prospects, and business partners from North and Latin America. I was particularly pleased with the strong attendance from Latin American countries such as Mexico, Brazil, and Chile. While there wasn’t an overwhelming number of visitors, the quality of attendees was outstanding – and that’s exactly what such trade shows are about: networking and exchanging ideas that drive growth in our industry.

For Koenig & Bauer (US)/(CA) , Durst Group AG , Koenig & Bauer Celmacch and Koenig & Bauer Durst , SuperCorrExpo once again provided an excellent platform to present ourselves and showcase our joint ability to advise and support collaboration. Whether the discussion ended up being around printing or post-print conversion, conventional or digital, water-based or UV inks, our “customer-first, technology second” approach was much appreciated.

While I see the show in a positive light, there is, of course, room for improvement. Here are a few initial ideas:

1. Modernization of the show concept: A simple online tool that helps attendees find the right people or companies would significantly enhance networking. Short townhalls, debates, or polls on current topics could also foster interaction among participants and spark new ideas.
2. Optimization of the schedule and ticket structure: The current schedule leads to a fragmented program. The show runs for only about 3-5 hours per day, while prices for breakout events are steep for those unfamiliar with the details. Clearer communication of the value of these sessions could help, as well as better streamlining of the schedule.
3. Improving the fourth day: Attendance drops significantly on Thursday, which suggests that this day offers little benefit. It could be more effective to compress the show into three days and cut the Thursday. Alternatively, the fourth day could be a different concept altogether. Should we perhaps invite brands, retailers and packaging designers to explain their vision for us as an industry??

Looking ahead to the future of SuperCorrExpo, I would expect more attention on how to effectively help brands and retailers with their challenges, more discussion around the digitization of print manufacturing, and sustainability being a clear “right to play”. AI will no longer be just a buzzword that we conceptually kind of understand, but a tangible reality with clear monetary benefits for our industry. Yes, the future belongs to those who prepare for it today!?

Lastly, a big thank you to the entire team at Koenig & Bauer, Durst, Koenig & Bauer Celmacch and Koenig & Bauer Durst – see you next time!