Moving the exhibition from February 2022 to the later part of the year will offer better planning security and confidence for Thai companies and international exhibitors.
Messe Dűsseldorf Asia and joint organisers The Thai Packaging Association and The Thai Printing Association have announced the move of PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL in Bangkok, to the later part of 2022; it is now scheduled for 19 – 22 October. The decision has been taken following in-depth discussions with partners in Thailand, together with domestic and international exhibitors.
In light of the current COVID-19 situation in Thailand where Bangkok is marked as a dark-red zone and large scale events are still restricted for the foreseeable future, coupled with the varied quarantine requirements for returning international travellers, this has made planning with any certainty and confidence extremely challenging for exhibitors.
Mr Gernot Ringling, Managing Director, Messe Dűsseldorf Asia, said: “With the exhibition about five months away, this would mean that international exhibitors and attendees would need to start their preparations now especially for those bringing in machinery and equipment. However, considering the growing uncertainty despite falling COVID-19 cases in Thailand and increased vaccination efforts, it has been understandably difficult for companies to commit their trade fair participation.”
“Therefore, the proactive decision to act was made early in the interest of all participants involved, both for health and economic standpoints. The shift to October, we believe will afford sufficient time for the industry to adjust their plans as in-person meetings in a safe environment continue to be in demand as the world prepares to transit to the endemic stage of COVID-19,” said Mr Ringling.
For the two trade associations, The Thai Packaging Association and The Thai Printing Association, the unanimous decision to push the exhibition by eight months was welcomed by the industries they represent. According to Mr Manit Kamolsuwan, President of The Thai Packaging Association, with prospects for an economic recovery this year dimmed due to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections, focus for many businesses especially SMEs will be getting back on track so moving the exhibition to the later part of 2022 was a difficult but necessary decision.
The exhibition for the industry by the industry, PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL first started in 2007, and continues to strengthen its position as Thailand’s leading packaging and printing sourcing platform. Brand names such as Heidelberg, KURZ, Zund Asia, Bobst (Thailand), Tsukatani (Thailand), Sansin Printing Machine Material (Thailand), and many others consider the exhibition a signature event on the exhibition calendar serving Thailand and the region.
Mr Pongthira Pathanapiradej, President of The Thai Printing Association, added: “Until recently, we assumed that the pandemic situation would improve, making large scale events, international travel and no-quarantine periods possible. The latest COVID-19 situation has dampened these expectations somewhat and with the majority of exhibitors coming from overseas, we believe the shift to October is the right move.”
“The printing industry has been hit hard and requires fresh impetus and investment, so a PACK PRINT INTERNATIONAL edition with strong overseas participation would give the industry the stimulus it needs – so, the market can expect an impressive trade fair for the October edition,” said Mr Pathanapiradej.
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