NPE Wraps Up Its Largest Show in History
May 22, 2018
The Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) recently concluded its largest NPE2018: The Plastics Show, known as the top plastics industry event in North America.
The triennial trade show and conference, which took place May 7-11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, attracted approximately 65,000 attendees and more than 2,180 exhibiting companies covering more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.
In addition, more than 11,000 international attendees from 110 countries participated in the event.
At its 2015 edition, held March 23-27 at the OCCC, NPE boasted 65,810 attendees and 2,029 exhibitors spanning just more than 1.1 net sq. ft. of expo space.
With the theme of “We’ve got it covered,”NPE2018 drew in thousands of plastic industry professionals for five days of learning, networking and technological discovery, while showcasing emerging technologies and innovations that are shaping the future of plastics.
According to NPE officials, while the show exceeding expectations in metrics, strategic additions helped the event feel bigger and better than ever.
“We worked diligently to continue the tradition of innovation that NPE is known for with features like our 80,000 square foot Bottle Zone and our expanded education programming,” explained Susan Krys, PLASTICS vice president of trade shows and marketing, during the event.
She continued, “Over the past five days, we’ve been on the ground and hearing directly from the many members and attendees who we’ve worked with tirelessly to put on a show of this magnitude. Attendees have been really impressed with NPE this year.”
As attendees walked the show halls lined with large TV screens, they had a chance to view interviews on NPE Network with plastics professionals who make plastics safer, better and stronger, while the Show Daily included recaps of the machines, product launches and expansion announcements coming out of the show each day.
The event also included a local component through NPE’s new student day program, which engages high school students who might not otherwise have considered careers in plastics.
More than 125 students from Orange County Public Schools came to NPE to participate in the inaugural program that included a morning briefing with plastics industry executives followed by a tour of the NPE showfloor, according to show officials
On and off the trade show floor, there were new programming additions to attract broader end-market attendees.
New and expanded elements at NPE included 12 technology zones – five of which were new – and nine education programs, including a 3D Printing Workshop and an Agricultural Plastics Recycling Conference, as well as the collocation of the new PLASTICS-produced Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit and the Plastics Leadership Summit – educational events for sustainability and C-suite executives, respectively.
“We’ve intentionally designed programming for attendees who’ve expressed interest in expanded educational opportunities at NPE,” said William R. Carteaux, president and CEO of PLASTICS.
He continued, “We’ve created the Plastics Leadership Summit and co-located the annual Re|focus Sustainability & Recycling Summit to bolster on-site learning. We also announced a 100 percent waste diversion goal to further our industry’s commitment to the environment.”
NPE: The Plastics Show will return to the OCCC May 17-21, 2021.
Don’t miss any event news! Sign up for any (or all) of our e-newsletters HERE and engage with us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn & Instagram!
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment