Australia's Largest Processing & Packaging Event is coming to Melbourne this March

APPEX is coming to Melbourne this March. Previously known as AUSPACK, APPEX 2024 is Australia’s largest processing & packaging event, being held from March 12–15 2024 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Run for the industry, by the industry, APPEX’s Event Director, Jon Perry, has highlighted the event as one of the most important events of the year for the processing & packaging industry.

“The event is relevant for any business that has a requirement to pack and wrap products including businesses from pharmaceutical, cosmetics and beauty, non-food and household goods, e-commerce businesses, retailers and logistics & warehousing businesses,” Perry said.

Taking over the entire 20 bays of the MCEC, APPEX 2024 focus is on sustainability, efficiency and automation for Australian manufacturers. Perry went on to highlight, “APPEX will be the largest ever showcase of equipment, technology and innovation in machinery, ancillary equipment, automation, materials and packaging, logistics, robotics, food processing and industry services.”

“For manufacturers looking to boost their production lines through new machinery, automation and technology, APPEX promises to be the place to be,” Perry stated.

The APPEX exhibition is divided into four easy-to-navigate zones to assist visitors find the products, services and solutions they are looking for. These zones include IT & Services, Materials & Packaging, Packaging Machinery and Packaging & Processing Machinery.

The 2024 Event Program is jam-packed with live seminar sessions, demonstrations, and networking events throughout the four-day event.

With each day comes a different agenda including: the Food Industry Solution Series, Meat Industry Day, ecoporium by Ball & Doggett Live Experience, the Matthews’ Retailer Engagement Hub, Result Group’s Sustainability Corner and much more.

Held on Wednesday 13 March during APPEX, Meat Industry Day is an initiative led by the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) partnering with the Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) and Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA).

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.

Visitors can expect to find a series of daily educational and insightful sessions at the APPEX Seminar Theatre. Sessions include the Food Industry Solution Series hosted and curated by Barry McGookin, Robotics Australia — exploring the role and future of robotics in processing and packaging for manufacturers — and the International Packaging Press Organisation (IPPO).

The Food Industry Solution Series will run on Day One: Tuesday 12 March and Day Three: Thursday 14 March of APPEX and is designed to showcase what’s available to manufacturers interested in bringing innovation into their businesses to improve their competitiveness in the market.

Day One sessions will cover Sustainable Energy, Sustainable Packaging, Inventory Management, and Global Packaging Trends. Followed by Day Three, which will include Sensors for improved efficiency, Digital packaging, AI and food manufacturing and Robotics.

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.

APPEX 2024 stands out as a must-attend event for all businesses 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.

APPEX is free to attend, and registration is essential. Register at www.appex.com.au today!