The second annual Plastic Product Decorating Summit, hosted by Plastics Decorating Magazine and the In-Mold Decorating Association (IMDA), took place September 18-20 at the Milwaukee Marriott West, Waukesha, Wisconsin. The Summit provided an opportunity for OEMs, molders, decorators and brand owners to learn about the latest technologies in in-mold labeling (IML) and decorating (IMD), as well as direct-to-object decorating for plastics. Overall, the event served as a valuable platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange within the plastic decorating community.
“We were extremely pleased with the success of the Summit,” said Jeff Peterson, publisher of Plastics Decorating Magazine. “This type of conference setting provides more opportunity for both attendees and suppliers to network and create lasting relationships.”
On the first evening of the event, attendees were invited to enjoy the Milwaukee Brewers baseball game at American Family Field in a private event area at the stadium. It was a great way to open the Summit and for attendees to meet and network with each other before the conference sessions began while enjoying an adult beverage, food and the game.
Programming started the next morning with industry keynotes, expert presentations and industry-member panels on direct-to-object decorating and in-mold decorating and labeling technologies. Subjects covered during the full day of programming included recyclability of decorated plastics, surface treatment options, backlit decorated plastics, automation for IML and IMD, tactile and textured surfaces and much more. The day concluded with the announcement of the 2024 IMDA Award winners followed by a reception and time to visit the tabletop exhibits in the Supplier Trade Fair.
The Plastic Product Decorating Summit concluded with plant tours of InkWorks Printing, a digital printing company specializing in in-mold labels and other label products, and PolyFab LLC, a custom injection molder with complete cellular manufacturing solutions, detailed part decorating and custom packaging.
“We heard from our attendees that the Summit was a Home Run – (pun intended!) – from the networking at the baseball game and the full day of programming to the Supplier Trade Fair and two extraordinary plant tours,” commented IMDA Executive Director Dianna Brodine. “We’ve already started planning for the 2025 event.”
Thank you to these industry-leading Sponsors and Supplier Trade Fair Exhibitors:
3DT
Central Decal
CDigital
Diversified Printing Techniques
Dye Mansion
IDS – A Division of ITW
KURZ
Marabu
Nissha Eimo Technologies
Polyfuze Graphics Corporation
Schober USA
StackTeck
Sussex IM
Thierica Automation & Equipment
Wipfli
