Loupe Americas 2026, formerly known as Labelexpo Americas, has expanded its education pass offering as it prepares for its first edition under the new Loupe brand.
The updated pass will provide access to keynote presentations, breakout sessions and hands-on workshops during the first two days of the event, alongside entry to the exhibition floor and show activities across all three days.
Commenting on the new pass structure, Katie Chapman, conference manager, Loupe Americas, said: “By introducing the new education pass, we are making it easier for attendees to build a solid learning journey, allowing them to reserve time for the most in-demand sessions, gain access to summaries if they can’t attend every session, and leave with practical insights.”
The event will take place at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, from 15 – 17 September 2026. Organisers say the conference programme is designed to address issues facing label and package printing professionals.
Under the revised education package, attendees will also receive access to session summaries and key takeaways from conference presentations, as well as an executive summary of the overall programme. These materials will be available via mobile devices.
The conference programme begins on 15 September with sessions covering automation, artificial intelligence (AI), smart packaging and diversification into areas including flexible packaging, shrink sleeves, pouches and inline carton converting.
A converter panel titled “Navigating Growth, Change and Opportunity” will feature Dale Coates, CEO and president of TLMI, and Thomas Dahbura, president of Hub Labels. The discussion is expected to address workforce development and retention, AI implementation, succession planning in privately held and family-owned businesses, and capital expenditure strategies.
Additional sessions include “Understanding Flex Pack Materials and Pouching”, which will examine material structures and converting processes used in pouch production. The first day will conclude with an AI workshop focused on building and customising AI agents for business applications.
On 16 September, keynote presentations will focus on manufacturing and market trends. Mark Denzler, president and CEO of the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association, is scheduled to discuss manufacturing conditions in North America and their implications for print and packaging operations. Corey Reardon, president and CEO of AWA Alexander Watson Associates, will present market data and analysis relevant to the label and package printing sectors.
Breakout sessions will include The Talent Landscape: Navigating Today’s Labor Market, presented by Claudia St. John, founder and CEO of The Workplace Advisors, which will explore recruitment, employee development and retention strategies. Another session, Inside M&A Activity in the Label Market, presented by Thomas Blaige, chairman and CEO of Blaige & Company, will examine private equity investment, acquisitions, valuation trends and the impact of dealmaking on business operations.
The programme will conclude with a women’s roundtable open to all attendees. Topics will include career development, mentorship, professional networks, personal branding, work-life balance and preparing future generations for industry careers.
Tasha Ventimiglia, group director, Loupe Americas, commented: “By putting together keynotes, breakouts, and hands-on workshops across the first two days, attendees can immerse themselves in the latest technology and market intelligence. They will come away with actionable knowledge and expertise to help shape the future development of their converting business.”
