APPEX coming to Melbourne in March 2024

APPEX, Australia’s premier Processing and Packaging Expo, is coming to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 12–15 March 2024.

Previously known as AUSPACK, APPEX 2024 is set to be Australia’s largest event in the country for manufacturing, retail and distribution to source the latest in machinery, equipment, materials & packaging, food processing and industry services.

Owned and presented by APPMA, the Australian Packaging and Processing Machinery Association, APPEX is built on a strong foundation laid by 35 years of successful AUSPACK exhibitions and is set to represent the entire processing and packaging industry, uniting all sectors for a comprehensive exploration of innovation and collaboration.

With experience and learnings from international events, on-the-floor special features and activities, APPEX promises to deliver a unique and valuable experience not previously seen in Australia.

Taking over the entire 20 bays of the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, the exhibition will be divided into zones to assist visitors in navigating the products and services they are looking for:

• IT & Services
• Materials & Packaging
• Packaging Machinery
• Packaging & Processing Machinery

In addition to the main exhibition, APPEX will feature a series of educational and networking events throughout the four-day event. One standout is Meat Industry Day, which is a dynamic collaboration between three key industry partners, including the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC), the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

Coming together during APPEX 2024 on Wednesday, 13 March, Meat Industry Day promises a curated blend of educational content, a showcase of cutting-edge processing and packaging technology, and the latest industry developments. It provides a unique opportunity for both sectors to forge connections, foster development and engage in business activities including an exclusive networking event.

For those seeking knowledge and insights, the APPEX Seminar Theatre will host daily educational sessions from industry leaders and businesses each day:

• including sessions from the team at Robotics Australia, exploring the role and future of robotics in processing and packaging for manufacturers;
• as well as the new F&B focused sessions, in the ‘Food Industry Solution Series’, which will cover key topics for food and beverage manufacturers.

An integral part of APPEX 2024 is the APPMA Awards of Excellence Gala Dinner. Held on Wednesday, 13 March, the night will bring together 700+ industry guests for an evening of inspiration, celebration, entertainment and networking opportunities.

Run by APPMA, the Awards of Excellence recognises excellence, innovation, leadership and best practice in the Australian packaging and processing industry.

The Awards of Excellence will acknowledge achievements in various categories, including Emerging Leader, Digital Innovation, Sustainability Excellence, Packaging Design Innovation, Customer Systems Integration, Australian Machinery Manufacturer (SME and Corporate) and Import & Distribution Machinery (SME and Corporate).

APPEX 2024 stands out as a must-attend event for industries across packaging, processing and manufacturing. More than just an expo, it represents the future of the processing and packaging sector. Notably, APPEX will move to a three-year rotation, with its next return to Melbourne scheduled for 2027.

Registrations for APPEX 2024 are set to open in mid-November, inviting industry professionals to secure their place at Australia’s largest event shaping the future of the processing and packaging industry.