Labelexpo Appoints Five Industry Ambassadors for 2025 Event
Labelexpo announces five ambassadors for Barcelona event
Labelexpo has appointed five industry professionals as official ambassadors ahead of its 2025 exhibition which takes place in at the Fira Barcelona Gran Via from 16-19 September. The move is intended to bring targeted expertise to the event, which focuses on the evolving needs of the label and package printing sector.
The ambassadors will contribute to discussions on topics including folding cartons, flexible packaging, raw materials, sustainability, and automation and artificial intelligence. According to Labelexpo organisers, the initiative aims to foster dialogue on the key challenges and opportunities currently facing the industry.
Representing flexible packaging, Chris Ellison, managing director of OPM Labels and Packaging Group, will draw on over four decades of experience in the printing sector. Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, will serve as ambassador for materials, while Marius Tent, founder of ViaPackaging UG and 360 PackMastery, will lead discussions on sustainability. Will Parker, a senior packaging executive, will focus on folding cartons, and Steve Metcalf, CEO of Imagine AI Live, will cover automation and AI.
The ambassadors will have a presence during Labelexpo Europe 2025, particularly in The Pulse Arena, a space dedicated to education, networking, and the exchange of ideas. They are expected to lead keynote sessions, Q&As, and informal meet-and-greet events.
Mr Parker said his role is an opportunity to guide label converters exploring new packaging formats. "Folding cartons represent a powerful new chapter for label converters, especially those looking to scale into adjacent, sustainable formats," he said. He added that he expects increased interest in hybrid technologies and automation-ready workflows.
Mr Reardon commented: "I look forward to bringing together material suppliers from across the globe and learning of new materials, technologies, and how we can secure our supply chains moving forward."
Labelexpo organisers said the industry is navigating a period shaped by technology-driven transformation, regulatory pressure around sustainability, and market consolidation through mergers and acquisitions.
Jade Grace, managing director of Labelexpo Global Series, added:"Labelexpo has evolved from a show focused on pressure-sensitive labels to a comprehensive platform covering the full spectrum of package printing." Ms Grace continued stating that the ambassador initiative aligns with the industry's move toward more collaborative and cross-sector engagement.
Organisers of the Labelexpo stated that it has expanded by 15 percent compared to its 2023 edition and is expected to host over 650 exhibitors.