A tradeshow glossary

Telling the story of an intense week, like the one that just ended at IPACK-IMA and Pharmintech powered by Ipack Ima, isn’t easy in just a few lines. So I tried to do it through a glossary (not exactly a few lines), knowing full well it’s still not exhaustive.

Gian Paolo Crasta
General Manager Ucima

ANNIVERSARIES: Many were celebrated at the tradeshow. One among them, Cavanna SpA celebrated its 65th anniversary in the iconic setting of the Museo Alfa Romeo. The story of the group’s industrial journey, told in parallel with the glorious history of the iconic car brand, gave way to the story and values of the family behind it. Three generations were present and took turns greeting the many Italian and international guests. Among them, of course, the dynamic Riccardo Cavanna, who demonstrated his commitment to the future professionals of our sector with a fundraising campaign for a scholarship at Università Bocconi.

BEST PACKAGING: The awards ceremony held by the Istituto Italiano Imballaggio took place in a packed hall: sustainability, digitalization, and process and technology optimization were at the heart of the jury’s reasoning, an honor for me to chair.

COLLABORATION: One of the most frequently heard words of the week. And for once, it wasn’t just an empty term, real intent and concrete initiatives were clearly visible.

EUROPAMA: Ipack-Ima hosted the meeting of European associations of packaging machinery manufacturers, who approved the constitution of a new European Federation.

GIFLEX: A key player in the packaging supply chain, the Italian flexible packaging association, Giflex - Gruppo Imballaggio Flessibile, celebrated its 40th anniversary at the fair. It did so by taking guests on an inspiring journey that recounted the personal and professional story of one of the industrial geniuses of our time, the experience of an astronaut, and of course the key milestones of its first forty years.

GIVING: During tradeshows, we give our entire days to the companies we work for, to colleagues and partners, but in return we receive warmth, knowledge, and enthusiasm.

HOTEL: Our temporary home. Closing the hotel room door for the last time is one of those rituals that signals the end of the fair.

INTERNATIONALITY: A core part of our industry’s DNA, and it was palpably present in Milan. International professionals filled the exhibition halls, and the fair confirmed itself as a not-to-be-missed event for our industry.

LOUNGE: Our lounge was one of the key meeting points of the week. It was wonderful to weave through the constant stream of people.

MACHINERY: But also materials, software, and components. Numerous and innovative. A further confirmation of the sector’s vitality and of the fairs as a privileged showcase for presenting innovations.

MAGAZINES: A term that barely captures what media companies mean for our industry. All were present at the fair with great commitment. Our own ItaliaImballaggio distributed a rich and engaging issue, and through videos and online articles helped us attend events and meet companies that packed agendas would otherwise have kept us from.

PARTIES: Every evening was an opportunity to be together, meet new people, and have fun. Because social interaction should be an important part of our professional community.

PRIDE: The week reaffirmed the global leadership of Italy’s packaging system. And that fills us with pride.

PLEASURE: Another frequently uttered word in recent days, often following a handshake that marked the start of a new and interesting acquaintance.

QUALITY: It was evident throughout the entire week - in the care put into the hundreds of stands, the event setups, the level of content (not least the opening event, Visioni d’Avanguardia), and the professionals met along the way.

STORYTELLING: So many stories were shared last week, all part of a broader common storytelling. The processing and packaging industry is one of the most vibrant in the world, rich in innovation, skills, companies, and people.

SEE YOU AT: Trade shows are recurring appointments - often crucial stages for an industrial supply chain. Ipack-Ima and Pharmintech will return in 2028, but we already have events planned over the next three years, starting with Bevertech and SIMEI, to gather stakeholders once again.

SUGAR: The most consumed category of nutrients during the long days of the fair. A source of support and comfort for our fatigue, but also extra fuel for the neurons working at full speed.

TEAM: Without a passionate and competent team, results aren’t possible. So thanks to everyone -within companies, associations, and organizations - who made these fairs a reality. A special thanks to the team led by Simone Castelli, and to my own dream team, without whom none of what we do (and will do) would be possible.

UCIMA: We UCIMA (Confindustria) were also key players throughout the week - not only through the many member companies present, but also by organizing events, contributing speakers to official programs, and working tirelessly in the past months to make the fair a success.

WORLD PACKAGING ORGANISATION: Another cornerstone institution in our world, WPO World Packaging Organisation. A group driven by passion for packaging, as Soha Atallah reminded us during the Award gala, a wonderful evening that closed this trade show marathon.

VISITORS: While awaiting the official numbers, the crowds on Corso Italia and the many languages spoken in the halls confirm that this edition has further solidified the fair as an international must-attend event.