NPE moves to Orlando for 2012 & 2015

[Dr. Dick]

from the desk of Bill Carteaux



Dear Industry member:

NPE—The International Plastics Showcase—has a new home! I am pleased to announce that NPE will be moving to Orlando for 2012 and 2015. NPE2012 will be held at the Orange County Convention Center from April 1-5, and NPE2015 from March 22-26.

This was a decision made by the industry, for the industry. SPI member companies, steered by the SPI National Board and NPE Committees, conducted a thorough review and analysis of the two contending host venues—Chicago and Orlando.


Every aspect of the show was taken into consideration, from the cost to exhibit to the convenience to attend. The bottom line is that the city of Orlando and the venue of the Orange County Convention Center will offer both exhibitors and attendees significant cost-savings that will continue the economic stimulus measures SPI enacted for NPE2009.

I recognize that this is a big change for a show that has had its home in Chicago for the past 14 cycles. But, 2009 has been a year built on change, and the move to Orlando is one that will help see this industry through its recent challenges and emerge even stronger.

Our next action item is to get the word out! Today, I will be co-hosting a press webinar along with SPI Chairman Jim Buonomo of Nypro, Vice Chairman Chris Keller of The Conair Group, NPE Committee leaders, and representatives from Orlando to help spread this exciting news. In addition, SPI will utilize all available communication channels to let the industry know of this landmark decision that will benefit the entire supply chain.

In the coming weeks and months, we look forward to sharing more information with you about the industry-wide benefits and opportunities of this move. In the meantime, visit the SPI Website and business blog today for additional information about NPE2012 and its new home—Orlando!

William R. Carteaux
President & CEO, SPI

[Louis]

Yep - got that news. But I am wondering how spending LESS money meets with the plan?

significant cost-savings that will continue the economic stimulus measures SPI enacted for NPE2009.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm all for it, just confused about how spending less in Florida help the economy.

[Dr. Dick]

Yep - got that news. But I am wondering how spending LESS money meets with the plan?

significant cost-savings that will continue the economic stimulus measures SPI enacted for NPE2009.

Don't misunderstand me, I'm all for it, just confused about how spending less in Florida help the economy.

Lower costs for meetings 1. More staff sent, 2. Or more spent on improving products 3. Or buying new equipment 4. Or adding staff are a few reasons.

[Louis]

So money saved attending will translate into money spent in other areas.

OK, that assumes a fixed amount of money is available to start and that it will be spent either on the event or somewhere else. If that is the case, how does it improve the economy? I'm still confused . . .

[Dr. Dick]

You have to learn "Obama" speak If each company exhibiting hires one employee or buys new equipment the the economy is improving as unemployment goes down and factory orders go up.

[Louis]

Got it - Print More Obama Money.

[Skip]

I hope SPI is not shooting itself in the foot on this!

A few obsevations---

Flight connections and options are (I believe) much more numerous at Chicago's two airports.

Local transit availability---buses/taxis/train--to and from hotels to exhibit halls---are they as plentiful in Orlando as Chicago?

Choices of eateries and night life----I'd be surprised if Orlando comes close to Chicago, unless Disney World is factored in.

Exhibitor costs may well be less--including lower union-based on site labor. This could well prompt a serious re-thinking of costs by the Chicago folks the next time a bid is out!

Is the SPE ANTEC going to join up with the show??

[Louis]

Not to digress to far from the topic, but you are kidding on the Chicago Unions rethinking costs.

Ford announced that it MAY make a profit and already the unions are demanding a raise. Funny how that works, they never ask for a cut when the company is losing