AUSPACK transitions to APPEX

The Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association (APPMA) has announced that the AUSPACK convention will be transitioning to a new industry event in the form of APPEX — the Australasian Processing & Packaging Expo. The event will welcome in new sectors of the processing and packaging sector to make it an inclusive, all-of-industry expo.

The transition is occurring after the conclusion of AUSPACK 2022, with the first APPEX event happening in March 2024 and running every three years in Melbourne after that point. This time frame was chosen to fit in with other trade shows, maximise the number of visitors and showcase technological developments.

The news was announced at the APPMA Awards of Excellence gala dinner at AUSPACK 2022 by APPMA Chairman Mark Dingley.

“We’re proud of how AUSPACK has grown, and the value that it gives exhibitors and visitors,” Dingley said. “AUSPACK is more than just a packaging-only exhibition, it is a show aimed at encompassing the total processing and packaging sector — from machinery, ancillary equipment, materials, packaging and food processing, right through to industry services. Now is the right time to truly bring everyone together across the spectrum of processing and packaging into one show.”

Dingley said that opening the show to additional sectors would mean it can reach more levels of the packaging and processing machinery industry, allowing the expo to showcase and attract an increased number of visitors across the sector. It will continue to be industry-run.

“APPEX being run by the industry means that exhibitors, APPMA members and key players will all have a strong voice in the show’s development. APPMA will continue to reinvest the exhibition’s profits to further support and develop the processing and packaging industry, Australia wide. And with more on offer for visitors, the Australian marketplace overall will benefit.

“The APPMA Board is excited to reveal this next step for Australia’s manufacturing industry. It is one that our research has shown will even better showcase the innovation of Australian manufacturing businesses, which are at the forefront of the Australian economy.”

APPEX ’24 will be held from 12–15 March 2024, with bookings to open shortly.