TRADE SHOW NEWS London Packaging Week Unveils Speakers For 2026 Conference London Packaging Week has unveiled the first wave of speakers for its 2026 conference program, bringing to- gether senior leaders from global brands, retailers, sus- tainability organizations, creative studios, and design consultancies to explore how packaging is evolving from a functional discipline into a strategic business driver. Taking place on September 16-17 at Excel London, the event will welcome more than 5,700 visitors, 220 exhibitors and 90 speakers across three conference stages. The program reflects packaging’s evolution into a central strategic consideration that now influ- ences sustainability performance, regulatory readi- ness, consumer engagement, brand growth, and com- mercial resilience. Catch The Wave The first wave of speakers reflects that transforma- tion. Among those confirmed is Esther Carter, Chief Strategy Officer at PackUK, who will bring a national perspective on packaging reform and system align- ment. Her keynote, Next steps for industry in the evo- lution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) , will explore the UK EPR scheme’s journey to date and highlight key innovations being implemented across industry and local authorities. Joining her is Alex Center, Founder and Design- er at CENTER, whose career spans nearly a decade shaping iconic brands at The Coca-Cola Company, including vitaminwater and smartwater, before going on to build culturally influential brands, including Liq- uid Death, Kin Euphorics, Apple, and New Balance. At London Packaging Week, Center will take audiences behind the creation of Tom Holland’s premium non-al- coholic beer brand BERO, exploring how packaging, storytelling, and visual identity can transform products into cultural brands. The program will also feature Piera Toniolo, Glob- al Head of Influencer Marketing at Dolce & Gabbana, who brings more than a decade of experience span- ning luxury fashion, beauty, and global marketing, having helped shape communications and influencer strategies for brands including Dolce & Gabbana, Mis- soni, and Estée Lauder. Her keynote will explore one of luxury’s defining challenges: how brands preserve heritage and authenticity while remaining culturally relevant to new generations. Also confirmed is Jeremy Lindley, Global Design Director at Diageo, who joins Ico Hernandez, Creative Director at Bulletproof, in a session exploring how global brands show up on the world’s biggest cultural stage through the FIFA World Cup.
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discussions about the beginnings of e-commerce, in-mold technology, advancements in digital printing, and the abil- ity to print on multiple substrates. It was a stunning intro- duction to an industry that thrives on innovation. Fast forward to today, and the event has evolved sig- nificantly. The equipment is faster, more efficient, and of higher quality. Sustainability has become a priority, and automation and smart technologies are now integral to suppliers’ offerings. The industry’s rapid changes are driv- en by brand-level demands, such as the need for sustain- ability, SKU proliferation, and the importance of brands differentiating from each other through advancements in embellishment technology. The event has also expand- ed its global reach over the years, bolstered by initiatives such as the launch of our Label Summits, which debuted in Mexico City in 2004 and have since extended across South America. Team-Building What makes LOUPE Americas extraordinary is the ded- icated team behind the scenes. With many team members having over 15 years of experience and newer additions bringing fresh energy and valuable contributions, we’ve cultivated a close-knit, family-like environment. Our operations team works tirelessly behind the scenes to make certain that our events run smoothly. They are the first to arrive and the last to leave at our events, ensuring every detail is perfect. Our sales team plays a crucial role in understanding clients’ needs and helping them grow their businesses. The marketing team ensures our mes- saging connects effectively with all attendee personas, while actively managing our websites, social media cam- paigns, and partnerships. Meanwhile, the education team curates cutting-edge content and trends, transforming the event into a premier hub for learning and industry growth. Rosemont Return This year, LOUPE Americas is not just about show- casing the latest in labels, flexible packaging (specifically shrink and pouches), and short run, in-line folding cartons; it’s about fostering community and connection. We’re in- troducing initiatives like a fun run/walk, relevant educa- tional sessions, and networking opportunities to bring like-minded industry professionals together. Our goal is to make LOUPE a place where the industry gathers to learn, connect, and grow every two years. I’m particularly inspired by the future of the industry. The passionate and intelligent leaders joining the field, the bright college students eager to make their mark, and the increasing presence of women in leadership roles are all signs of a promising future. I’m excited to see what’s next for LOUPE Americas and the industry. The Americas iteration will return to Rosemont, Illinois, from September 15-17 at the Donald E. Stephens Conven- tion Center.
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