When your trade show floor space is sold out an entire year before the event and there is already a waiting list a mile long for the next trade show, you must be doing something right. That’s exactly what has occurred with the NPE2024: The Plastics Show that took place in May. Nearly half – 45 percent – of the 55,000 people who attended NPE2024 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando were first-time attendees. So, what is NPE® doing to improve the experience that has attendees and exhibitors alike clamoring to participate?
The Growth and Evolution of NPE2024: A New Era for the Plastics Industry
The National Plastics Exposition only occurs every three years, but with 2021’s show cancelled due to the pandemic, NPE2024 was highly anticipated after a long six-year wait. A groundbreaking event for the plastics industry, the trade show rolled out innovative solutions that elevated the attendee and exhibitor experience. Some of the new features included a revamped show floor where guests could enjoy interactive zones, live demonstrations, and hands-on workshops. These additions provided attendees with a more immersive and engaging experience, allowing them to see the latest technologies and products in action. In addition, the show featured a dedicated sustainability zone, highlighting innovations and advancements in recycling and sustainable materials, with a goal of making the event 100% sustainable.
Breathing New Life into an Existing Show
One of the challenges for any long-standing event is maintaining its relevance and appeal. NPE2024 has addressed this by enhancing the attendee experience without disrupting the traditional show floor dynamics. New educational content, such as the Women in Plastics Breakfast and Podcast Point, has been seamlessly integrated into the show, offering additional learning opportunities through specialized seminars, workshops, and panel discussions.
Diverse Media Channels and Strategies
Recognizing the importance of reaching a broader audience, NPE2024 expanded the use of various media channels and strategies. The show leveraged digital platforms, social media, and live streaming to ensure that those who could not attend in person could still participate and benefit from the event. NPE launched NPETV, which showed a nightly recap of the day’s events. This hybrid approach allowed for greater interaction and engagement, making the show more accessible to a global audience.
Empowered Exhibitors
Exhibitors were provided with a variety of tools to help them better connect with potential customers. From virtual booths to personalized marketing campaigns, companies were able to reach out and engage with attendees before, during, and after the show, creating a continuous and integrated experience. NPE also offered extensive resources for exhibitors, to ensure they could effectively leverage their attendance at the trade show.
Building a More Personal Show
NPE2024 radically changed the trade show experience by introducing new ways for attendees to engage with exhibitors. NPE also made significant efforts to create a more personal and tailored experience for its attendees. One of the key initiatives has been the introduction of personalized schedules and recommendations based on attendees' interests and professional needs. This feature helped visitors maximize their time at the show by directing them to the most relevant sessions, exhibitors, and networking opportunities.
NPE2024 also implemented enhanced networking opportunities, including pre-show matchmaking services and on-site networking lounges. These features were designed to facilitate meaningful connections and collaborations among industry professionals. And these efforts paid off – NPE2024 reported a record number of younger attendees and international visitors. According to Plastics Technology: “Of the more than 50,000 registrants, 63% said it was the first NPE they ever attended, with some 30% of attendees revealing they were under the age of 40.”
The Future of NPE
It is clear that NPE is one of the most highly sought-after trade show events. The show's ability to innovate and adapt to the changing needs of the industry has been a key factor in its growth and success. Moving forward, NPE aims to continue expanding its reach and impact, providing a premier platform for the plastics industry to connect, learn, and grow. The next NPE trade show will occur in May 2027.
Photo credit: Ebyabe, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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