LOUPE Americas 2026 Chicago — The Complete Guide for Label and Package Printing Professionals (and Exhibitors Who Want to Make an Impact)
September 15–17, 2026 | Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Chicago, Illinois
If your business touches labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, or any part of the package printing and converting value chain, there is one event in North America this September that belongs at the very top of your calendar. LOUPE Americas 2026 — formerly known as Labelexpo Americas — is coming to Chicago, and it is the biggest, most focused gathering the label and package printing industry has to offer on this continent.
This guide covers everything you need to know about LOUPE Americas 2026: what it is, who attends, what happens on the show floor and in the education program, why exhibiting here is a smart investment, and how Interior Today LLC can help you build a booth that earns serious attention in a room full of serious buyers.
What Is LOUPE Americas 2026?
LOUPE Americas is North America’s largest dedicated event for the label and package printing industry. It was formerly known as Labelexpo Americas — a name the industry recognized for decades — but the rebranding to LOUPE reflects something important: the event has grown beyond labels alone.
Today LOUPE Americas covers the full converting value chain. That means inline flexo presses, digital printing technology, hybrid systems, finishing equipment, substrate innovations, automation solutions, flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, pouches, folding carton converting, RFID and smart packaging, inks and coatings, prepress technology, and much more.
This is where technologies launch. This is where live press demonstrations run for three straight days. This is where converters, brand owners, designers, suppliers, and manufacturers from across the Americas and beyond come to do business, learn, and shape the future of packaging.
The 2026 event runs September 15–17 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago — one of the most accessible convention venues in the United States, located just minutes from O’Hare International Airport.
LOUPE Americas 2026 By the Numbers
The scale of this event tells you immediately why it matters so much to exhibitors:
400+ exhibitors showcasing the latest in printing and converting technology.
Hundreds of live demonstrations running throughout the three days — this is not a static trade show. Machines run. Presses print. Products are evaluated in real time.
45 education sessions covering automation, AI, sustainability, smart packaging, business planning, workforce development, flexible packaging, folding cartons, and more.
65 speakers from across the industry, including CEOs, market intelligence leaders, sustainability directors, and innovative converters.
Over 12,000 attendees came to the 2024 event — all professionals actively interested in learning about and purchasing products and services in this space.
The Americas represent 27% of global label consumption. The North American label market alone is valued at 13.6 billion US dollars, driven by food and beverage demand and accelerating innovation in smart labelling. This is the market you are walking into at LOUPE Americas 2026.
Show Hours: When the Doors Are Open
Tuesday, September 15, 2026 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday, September 16, 2026 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday, September 17, 2026 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Last entry is 30 minutes before close each day. Three full days of exhibit floor access means extended time with buyers, decision-makers, and prospects — far more face time than most industry events allow.
The Education Program: Two Days of Focused Learning
The education program at LOUPE Americas 2026 runs across Tuesday and Wednesday and is built specifically for label and package printing professionals navigating a period of rapid change. Every session is practical, forward-looking, and presented by people who operate in the industry every day.
The Education Pass grants full access to all keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops.
Day 1 — Tuesday, September 15, 2026
RFID Keynote Address — 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM The day opens with a keynote focused on RFID technology and its growing role in smart and connected packaging. This is one of the most rapidly evolving areas of the label industry, and the keynote sets the stage for the technical depth that follows throughout the day.
Session 1B — RFID in Smart and Connected Packaging: From Market Outlook to Real-World Application (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Presented by Catalina Steenbakkers, Team Lead for Market Intelligence and Business Insights at AWA Alexander Watson Associates. This session explores how smart labels and packaging are transforming brand-to-consumer connections, product protection, and data generation. It covers connected and intelligent packaging across labels, flexible packaging, and cartons.
Session 2B — Automation Strategies that Drive Efficiency and Profitability (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM) Converting operations face growing pressure to deliver higher quality output while cutting costs and lead times. This session examines how smart automation strategies are transforming label production workflows and delivering measurable improvements in operational efficiency and profitability.
Session 3B — How AI Is Rewiring Packaging Manufacturing Workflows (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM) A hard look at how artificial intelligence is creating new paradigms in production planning, quality control, and supply chain integration across labels, flexible packaging, and folding carton operations.
Session 1A — Converter Panel: Navigating Growth, Change and Opportunity (11:00 AM – 12:00 PM) Featuring Dale Coates, CEO and President of TLMI, and Thomas Dahbura, President of Hub Labels. This panel covers workforce development and retention, practical AI implementation, succession planning in family and privately held businesses, and capital expenditure strategy in an uncertain economy.
Session 2A — Understanding Flex Pack Materials and Pouching (12:00 PM – 12:30 PM) For label converters considering diversification into flexible packaging, this session breaks down key material structures, how they perform across different applications, and the converting processes behind pouch production.
Session 3A — New Market Opportunities: In-Line Folding Carton (12:30 PM – 1:00 PM) Presented by Steven Haedrich, President of New York Label and Box Works. This session outlines the strategic, operational, and market considerations for converters looking to expand into carton production, with real-world lessons from a converter already doing both.
Workshop — AI in Action: Practical Implementation for Label and Packaging Converters (2:00 PM – 4:00 PM) An interactive, hands-on workshop that demystifies AI for label and packaging professionals. Participants explore real-world applications — from estimating and production scheduling to image quality control and inventory management — and learn how to identify high-impact use cases within their own operations. Guided exercises and live demonstrations are included.
Day 2 — Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Rise and Shine Sessions: Powered by Amplify (8:00 AM – 10:00 AM) Four back-to-back Amplify sessions run from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, kicking off the second day with energized, focused discussions before the main program begins.
Keynote — Today’s Manufacturing Reality (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM) Two speakers tackle the big picture facing North American manufacturers in 2026.
Mark Denzler, President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, addresses the forces shaping the manufacturing sector and what they mean for label manufacturers — including price increases, supply chain shortages, and the broader economic environment.
Corey Reardon, President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, presents the latest market statistics and data-driven insights on where the label and package printing industry stands right now, including emerging trends and key performance indicators.
Session 1A — A Guide to GS1 Sunrise 2027 Compliance (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM) With the global transition from 1D UPC barcodes to 2D data-rich codes fast approaching, this session helps brand owners, converters, and retailers understand compliance requirements, data management considerations, and implementation pathways.
Session 2A — Building a Succession Plan That Secures Your Company’s Future (12:15 PM – 12:45 PM) Presented by Brian Van de Water, Founder and CEO of SPL Consulting. For label and packaging companies where succession planning has moved from distant consideration to urgent priority, this session covers family transitions, management buyouts, private equity investment, and external sales.
Session 3A — Turning EPR into a Competitive Advantage (12:45 PM – 1:15 PM) As Extended Producer Responsibility laws expand across the United States, packaging decisions face greater regulatory scrutiny. This session explains how to design labels for optimal recyclability and how to position your company as a valued sustainability partner rather than just a supplier.
Session 1B — Ambassador Forum: Perspectives from Label and Packaging Thought Leaders (11:15 AM – 12:15 PM) Featuring Corey Reardon, Steven Haedrich, Tyler Matusevich (Director of Sustainability at Brook and Whittle), Katie Harrington (Senior Marketing Manager at Winpak), and David Totten (Director of Innovation at Nosco). This forward-looking panel covers market trends, technology shifts, evolving customer expectations, and new opportunities for converters across all segments.
Session 2B — The Talent Landscape: Navigating Today’s Labor Market (12:15 PM – 12:45 PM) Presented by Claudia St. John, Founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors. Labor shortages, evolving skill requirements, and generational shifts are changing how packaging operations attract, develop, and retain talent. This session provides actionable workforce strategies for converting businesses.
Session 3B — Inside M&A Activity in the Label Market (12:45 PM – 1:15 PM) Presented by Thomas Blaige, Chairman and CEO of Blaige and Company. A look at the latest mergers and acquisitions trends in North American label and packaging — including private equity activity, strategic acquisitions, valuation trends, and how deals are changing operational strategy on the ground.
Workshop — Women’s Networking Event (2:00 PM – 3:30 PM) A panel discussion and networking session exploring career pathways and mentorship, community building, personal branding and visibility, work-life balance, and preparing future generations with essential skills. Open to all event attendees.
Who Will You Meet at LOUPE Americas 2026?
The LOUPE Americas audience is purpose-built for this industry. Every person on the floor has a direct connection to label and package printing, converting, or the extended supply chain.
On the buyer side, you will find printers and converters of labels, flexible packaging (shrink sleeves and pouches), and folding cartons. You will also meet brand owners, label and packaging designers, and industry suppliers.
On the exhibitor side, you will be surrounded by manufacturers and suppliers of digital and conventional printing presses, high-tech label and packaging materials, prepress and platemaking technology, finishing and converting systems, inspection and overprinting equipment, dies and cutters, inks and coatings, RFID and security solutions, and software and interactive technology.
This is a room of buyers who are ready to invest. Decision-makers come to LOUPE Americas specifically to evaluate equipment, compare solutions, and place orders. Live demonstrations on the show floor mean attendees are not just browsing — they are testing products in real conditions before committing.
Why Exhibiting at LOUPE Americas 2026 Is One of the Best Investments Your Company Can Make
LOUPE Americas gives you five core advantages as an exhibitor:
Connect — Network with existing clients and develop meaningful new prospect relationships over three full days.
Show — Put your latest innovations directly in front of the key decision-makers who have the authority and the budget to act on them.
Launch — There is no better platform in North America to launch a new product in the label and package printing space. Live demonstrations create immediate impact and generate industry-wide visibility.
Demonstrate — Hundreds of live demonstrations run throughout the show. If your product performs, this is the platform to prove it.
Sell — The LOUPE Americas audience comes ready to buy. This is not a conference where people are just collecting brochures. These are professionals evaluating capital equipment, materials, software, and services with real purchasing timelines.
The North American label market is worth 13.6 billion dollars. The Americas account for more than a quarter of global label consumption. This is the market you are standing in front of when you exhibit at LOUPE Americas 2026.
Our Exhibition Stand Design Portfolio In Chicago.
At Interior Today we are offering flawless services for the exhibition and trade shows. We are working with brands and businesses of all sizes, designing and installing amazing stands. We believe in combining excellent design and superior project management to deliver high quality custom built exhibition stands. Just take a glance at some of our recent work given below.
Frequently Asked Questions About LOUPE Americas 2026
What is LOUPE Americas 2026?
LOUPE Americas 2026 is North America’s largest dedicated event for the label, package printing, and converting industry. Formerly known as Labelexpo Americas, it has expanded its scope to include flexible packaging, folding carton converting, and the full package printing value chain. The 2026 event takes place September 15–17 in Chicago, Illinois.
When and where is LOUPE Americas 2026?
September 15–17, 2026 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago (Rosemont), Illinois. Show hours are 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday, and 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on Thursday.
Why was Labelexpo Americas renamed to LOUPE Americas?
The event was rebranded from Labelexpo Americas to LOUPE Americas to reflect the industry’s evolution. The show now covers not just labels but the full package printing and converting value chain, including flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, pouches, folding cartons, and inline converting — a wider lens on the industry.
Who should attend LOUPE Americas 2026?
Label printers and converters, flexible packaging converters, folding carton producers, brand owners, packaging designers, equipment manufacturers, material suppliers, technology companies, and anyone involved in the label, package printing, or converting industry in North America and globally.
How many people attend LOUPE Americas?
The 2024 event welcomed over 12,000 attendees. The 2026 event in Chicago is expected to match or exceed that figure.
How many exhibitors will be at LOUPE Americas 2026?
Over 400 exhibitors are expected, representing every major category in label and package printing — from press manufacturers and material suppliers to software providers and finishing equipment companies.
What education is available at LOUPE Americas 2026?
The two-day education program includes keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and hands-on workshops across two tracks each day. Topics include smart packaging and RFID, automation, AI in manufacturing, sustainability and EPR compliance, flexible packaging diversification, folding carton opportunities, GS1 Sunrise 2027 compliance, succession planning, M&A trends, workforce development, and more. An Education Pass is required for full access.
Who are the keynote speakers at LOUPE Americas 2026?
Day one features an RFID keynote. Day two features Mark Denzler (President and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association) and Corey Reardon (President and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates) addressing the current manufacturing landscape and market data for the label and packaging industry.
Is there an AI workshop at LOUPE Americas 2026?
Yes. On Tuesday, September 15 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, a hands-on workshop titled AI in Action walks label and packaging professionals through practical AI deployment — covering estimating, production scheduling, image quality control, inventory management, and customer service applications with guided exercises and live demonstrations.
What is the Women’s Networking Event at LOUPE Americas 2026?
A workshop and panel discussion on Wednesday, September 16 from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM focused on career pathways, mentorship, community building, personal branding, work-life balance, and preparing future leaders in the packaging and printing industry.
Why should I exhibit at LOUPE Americas 2026 rather than a general trade show?
LOUPE Americas is purpose-built for the label and package printing industry. Every attendee on the floor is a potential customer, partner, or industry peer. There are no general business visitors. With over 12,000 attendees, hundreds of live demonstrations, and a market worth 13.6 billion dollars in North America alone, it is the highest-concentration opportunity to meet buyers and close deals in this sector.
How do I book exhibit space at LOUPE Americas 2026?
Visit the official LOUPE Americas website at loupe-americas.com to view the floor plan and contact the exhibit sales team to book your space. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.
How do I build a custom booth for LOUPE Americas 2026?
Contact Interior Today LLC. We specialize in designing and building custom trade show stands for exhibitors at major industry events including LOUPE Americas. We manage the entire process from design through on-site installation. Reach out early — our production schedule fills ahead of major shows like this one.
Where is the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center located?
The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center is located in Rosemont, Illinois — a suburb of Chicago just minutes from O’Hare International Airport (ORD). It is one of the most conveniently located convention venues in the United States for national and international travelers.
What future LOUPE Americas events are planned?
LOUPE Americas runs annually. The 2026 event is in Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center. Visit the official website for future event dates and locations.
Build Your LOUPE Americas 2026 Booth with Interior Today LLC
Here is where Interior Today LLC becomes your most important partner for Chicago.
We design and build custom trade show booths and exhibition stands for companies exhibiting at major industry events — and we understand what it takes to create a presence that earns attention in a highly competitive show environment.
At LOUPE Americas, you are surrounded by 400-plus exhibitors, hundreds of live demonstrations, and over 12,000 attendees moving through three full days of show floor. Your booth needs to do more than exist. It needs to draw people in, communicate your value instantly, and give your team the environment they need to have productive conversations.
That is exactly what Interior Today LLC builds.
What we bring to your LOUPE Americas 2026 exhibit:
We design with your goals at the center. Whether you are launching a new press, showcasing a substrate innovation, promoting a software platform, or establishing your brand in a new market segment, we build your stand around what you need attendees to experience and remember.
We handle the complete build — from the initial design concept through installation on the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center floor. Your team arrives ready to demo, ready to talk, and ready to close — not exhausted from setup logistics.
We design for the LOUPE Americas environment specifically. This is a technically sophisticated audience. They respond to clean, professional presentation that gives them room to engage with your product or team without feeling crowded or rushed. We build booths that invite people in and encourage them to stay.
We work within your timeline and budget. Whether you are a first-time LOUPE Americas exhibitor or a returning company ready to upgrade your presence, Interior Today LLC has the experience and capacity to deliver.
Contact Interior Today LLC today to begin planning your LOUPE Americas 2026 booth. September will arrive faster than it feels right now, and our build schedule fills well ahead of major shows. The earlier you engage, the more creative flexibility we have — and the better your result.
Final Thoughts
LOUPE Americas 2026 is the defining event for the North American label and package printing industry. With over 400 exhibitors, hundreds of live demonstrations, 45 education sessions, 65 speakers, and more than 12,000 attendees expected in Chicago, the scale and quality of this event is unmatched in this sector on this continent.
If your company makes, sells, or supplies anything that touches labels, flexible packaging, folding cartons, or the broader converting value chain, September in Chicago is where you need to be — and your booth is how you make your first impression on 12,000 buyers.
Do not leave that impression to chance. Partner with Interior Today LLC and show up in Chicago with a stand that reflects the real quality and ambition of your brand.
Let us build something excellent together for LOUPE Americas 2026.
Interior Today LLC is a professional trade show booth builder serving exhibitors at major industry events across the United States. Contact us today to begin planning your LOUPE Americas 2026 exhibit stand.
