The LMAI 2019 conference and celebration commenced on 25 July 2019 at Kochi with a hi-tea networking session at 4 pm – after registering and checking-in at the Hyatt Bolgatty. The conference was inaugurated by LMAI’s committee members and past presidents with a traditional lamp lighting ceremony.
Kuldip Goel, president, LMAI, in his warm welcome to the delegates thanked the sponsors of the event including Avery Dennison, the platinum sponsor. Pankaj Bharadwaj, senior director and general manager, Avery Dennison, in his keynote address, said, “These are interesting times for the industry because so much is happening in terms of technology and we are all curious to know what is happening in digital, flexo, reverse auctions, with nerve wrecking competition and ever growing and insatiable customer needs. However, we are a part a fantastic industry that shows huge growth potential due to the country’s demographic dividend. It is my appeal to the industry to make cumulative efforts to ensure industry growth. It is important that we work with brand owners closely. They have a wide variety of options in terms of innovative decoration solutions and in order stay relevant to them, we need to use the creativity present in this room and provide solutions to the problems faced by brand owners.”
A special guest address was given by Pradeep Saroha from Tarsus Group, attending the event for the fifth time. He said, “It is the 40th anniversary of Labelexpo. We have the brand innovation showcase, the sustainability insight cafe, the flexible packaging arena, a masterclass on inks, coatings and varnishes, and master classes on digital printing and package printing, self adhesive materials and workshops as well.”
“LMAI has supported Labelexpo since 2008 and we support their initiatives as well. The last Labelexpo India was a huge success. The next Labelexpo India 2020 will take place from 29 October to 1 November 2020 in hall 9,10, and 11 at India Expo Centre and Mart Greater Noida. The best part about these halls is that they are pillarless, everyone would be happy to know that there will no pillars to obstruct machinery displays. For the next Labelexpo India shows we are looking at visitors from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangadesh and from Chennai, Guwahati, Ludhiana, Nepal, Mumbai, Kerala and Delhi,” he said.
Manish Desai, conference chairperson, LMAI, presented the conference agenda for the next three days while Ainan Shahidi laid down the guidelines for the presenters.
Sponsors and committee members were felicitated by the LMAI committee members and other dignitaries who merrily walked the ramp with props in hand. A longish day of travel, arrival and anticipation ended with dinner and a performance by the band, Carnatic.
