Renowned label and package printing leaders have joined Labelexpo as ambassadors in a unique affiliation with the global brand. The partnership is set to benefit the industry with targeted expertise and insights on folding carton, flexible packaging, materials, sustainability, and automation and AI.
The event, which spans a 45-year history, is once more supporting the industry in its current transformative shift powered by technology, M&As and sustainability mandates reshaping the market.
Meet the Labelexpo ambassadors
As prominent industry experts, Labelexpo ambassadors will share their knowledge across the label and package printing ecosystem, targeting their specific areas of expertise and addressing the industry’s current trends both online, via Labelexpo’ s platforms, and in person, at Labelexpo Europe 2025.
They are:
• Flexible Packaging: Chris Ellison – Managing Director, OPM Labels and Packaging Group Ltd
• Materials: Corey Reardon – President & CEO, AWA Alexander Watson Associates
• Sustainability: Marius Tent – Founder, ViaPackaging UG and 360 PackMastery
• Folding Carton: Will Parker – Senior Packaging Executive
• Automation and AI: Steve Metcalf – Founder, CEO, & Chief AI Officer – IMAGINE AI LIVE
The ambassadors will command a prominent role at the Barcelona event by leading dedicated keynote, meet & greet, and Q&A sessions at The Pulse Arena: a bespoke space designed for education, networking and the convergence of innovative ideas.
Commenting on the partnership, ambassadors have said:
“Being named a Labelexpo Ambassador is both a privilege and a responsibility. Folding cartons represent a powerful new chapter for label converters especially those looking to scale into adjacent, sustainable formats. I expect to see growing interest in hybrid technology, automation-ready workflows, and carton-ready narrow-web platforms. For many, this will be the show where diversification becomes action.” Will Parker – Senior Packaging Executive
“It is with great pleasure and honor to be asked to be a Labelexpo Ambassador, providing independent expertise as a face and a voice of the materials segment of the labeling and packaging value chain. I look forward to the show in Barcelona, bringing together material suppliers from across the globe and learning of new materials, technologies and how we can secure our supply chains moving forward.” Corey Reardon – President & CEO, AWA Alexander Watson Associates
“I am honoured to be chosen as an ambassador for Labelexpo. Having dedicated over 40 years in print, I am passionate about our industry’s potential for future growth and fostering collaboration with the technology suppliers that will help converters make that possible. I look forward to bringing my unique experiences and insights to this role. Together, let’s inspire the next generation and build a legacy of innovation and excellence.” Chris Ellison – Managing Director, OPM Labels and Packaging Group Ltd
The Pulse Arena
The Pulse Arena, located at Hall 7 – Stand 7B27 at Fira Barcelona Gran Via, will be a central hub for learning and innovation, focusing on sustainability – with an emphasis on PPWR, diversification opportunities for label converters into flexible packaging and folding cartons, and the future of AI and automation in the industry.
Commenting on the show’s evolution and the contribution ambassadors will bring to the industry, Jade Grace, Managing Director, Labelexpo Global Series said: “Labelexpo has evolved from a show focused on pressure-sensitive labels to a comprehensive platform covering the full spectrum of package printing. Our ambassadors embody the collaborative business mindset that’s emerged across the value chain, bringing expertise in folding carton, flexible packaging, sustainability, and automation that reflects how our industry has evolved to co-drive innovation.”
Labelexpo Europe 2025, the leading event for the label and package printing industry, will take place at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona from 16 – 19 September. The show has expanded 15 percent compared to the 2023 edition and is set to welcome over 650 exhibitors.
