3-5 December
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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With a rich and diverse career in packaging and printing, my journey began as a Packaging Technologist/Engineer at CO-OP in Manchester. I had the unique opportunity to work across a range of manufacturing facilities, gaining hands-on experience with materials like cans, glass, plastics, paper, and board. This early foundation laid the groundwork for my deep understanding of the industry.
Transitioning into roles in buying and marketing, I expanded my skill set and perspective. In 1984, I took on the role of Head of Packaging and Technical at the retailer Iceland, where I played a pivotal role in launching and establishing the Iceland brand. This experience ignited my passion for the intricate relationship between product and packaging.
As my career progressed, I ventured into the realm of product launch systems, collaborating with renowned brands such as Danone, Heinz, Estée Lauder, Kraft, and others. This involved overseeing design, artwork, and pre-press companies, where I witnessed first-hand the power of effective packaging in capturing consumer attention.
Returning to the retailer Iceland in 2013 as the Own Label Manager, I led initiatives across a network of 1000 stores in 42 countries. One of the highlights of my career was spearheading Iceland's commitment in 2018 to become plastic-free by 2023, a move that underscored the growing importance of sustainability in the industry.
Charlotte Werner is a seasoned expert in packaging sustainability and circularity.
As a former research associate at the University of Applied Sciences Vienna, Charlotte focused on the recyclability and circularity of packaging. She later transitioned into consulting, joining Circular Analytics, where she now leads the Circularity team. In this role, she specializes in evaluating and optimizing packaging sustainability while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Additionally, Charlotte has been a Project Manager with 4evergreen for nearly three years, collaborating with over 100 companies to now develop already the third version of the Circularity by Design Guideline for fiber-based packaging.
Russell Weller is currently the Head of Product - Digital Colour at Domino Printing. Previously, he was Northern Europe Business Manager at Highcon Systems Ltd. and Commercial Director at GMG Color UK. His tenure includes roles like VP of EMEA Sales at Kongsberg Precision Cutting Systems and various positions at Esko, including Product Manager and Business Development Manager. Russell began his career as an Apprentice Platemaker at Centre Studios, progressing to Pre Press Manager at Cavendish Press.
With 17 years of experience in the graphic arts industry and having served in senior positions with leading manufacturers around the world, Dario Urbinati has served as Chief Executive Officer of Gallus Group since 2022. Dario first joined Gallus in 2007, where he spent nine years with the company – latterly as its Managing Director for Southeast Asia – driving growth and transforming the business and its culture. He then joined another leading press manufacturer in China as Narrow/Mid-Web Managing Director, before becoming Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for ACTEGA Metal Print, where he was instrumental in launching and commercializing its breakthrough sustainable metallization technology. Dario returned to Gallus Group as Chief Sales & Service Officer in 2021 to drive Gallus’ mission to turn the narrow web market towards a more sustainable and profitable future. Since being back with the Gallus team in St Gallen, he has pioneered the launch of the company’s first ever pure digital inkjet label press; made huge strides towards carbon neutrality; and spearheaded the opening of the company’s landmark new facility and industry touchpoint, the Gallus Experience Center – designed to drive innovation, collaboration and market transformation.
Johannes Betz is an experienced consultant and expert in packaging printing and color management at GMG. He leads the GMG Academy and drives efficient color processes and digitization in his projects with brand owners, agencies, and printers. With his extensive expertise, Johannes Betz provides first-hand knowledge of printing processes, production, color communication, and proofing. He helps companies make clear decisions and unlock value by offering a holistic approach, leveraging his deep understanding of industry needs and trends to develop future-proof processes, know-how and IT solutions.
Holly Steedman-Business and Technology Development Director, IST INTECH Ltd. Oxfordshire, UK.
A highly innovative and results-driven Business and Technology Development professional, Holly possesses a wealth of expertise in creating successful business strategies and forging strategic partnerships. With a degree in Integration Engineering and a distinguished career in the World of Print and Coatings, Holly draws upon her extensive knowledge and unwavering passion for these technologies to deliver scalable solutions tailored to specific applications.
As the Business and Technology Development Director at IST INTECH, Holly holds a pivotal role in driving the company's strategic direction into new markets and conducting in-depth industry analysis to ensure IST INTECH remains at the forefront of the LED Curing industry. Prior to her current position, Holly has held key leadership roles in Product Management and Technology Development at Marabu GmbH and Industrial Inkjet Ltd, respectively. She began her career in the Research and Development department at Fujifilm Speciality Ink Systems, where she honed her skills and gained invaluable experience in the field.
Holly's track record of success and her ability to navigate complex business landscapes make her a respected figure in the industry. Her strategic acumen, combined with her deep understanding of business and technology, position her as a force in driving innovation and achieving business objectives.
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With a rich and diverse career in packaging and printing, my journey began as a Packaging Technologist/Engineer at CO-OP in Manchester. I had the unique opportunity to work across a range of manufacturing facilities, gaining hands-on experience with materials like cans, glass, plastics, paper, and board. This early foundation laid the groundwork for my deep understanding of the industry.
Transitioning into roles in buying and marketing, I expanded my skill set and perspective. In 1984, I took on the role of Head of Packaging and Technical at the retailer Iceland, where I played a pivotal role in launching and establishing the Iceland brand. This experience ignited my passion for the intricate relationship between product and packaging.
As my career progressed, I ventured into the realm of product launch systems, collaborating with renowned brands such as Danone, Heinz, Estée Lauder, Kraft, and others. This involved overseeing design, artwork, and pre-press companies, where I witnessed first-hand the power of effective packaging in capturing consumer attention.
Returning to the retailer Iceland in 2013 as the Own Label Manager, I led initiatives across a network of 1000 stores in 42 countries. One of the highlights of my career was spearheading Iceland's commitment in 2018 to become plastic-free by 2023, a move that underscored the growing importance of sustainability in the industry.
Robert Stabler is the Managing Director of Koenig & Bauer Durst, the JV between Koenig & Bauer and Durst based in Germany and targeting the single pass corrugated and folding carton packaging markets utilizing the complimentary core competencies of both companies.
Stabler has a long and successful international career in digital printing at Xerox, where he was responsible for the Graphic Business Group and at HP, where he was responsible for the Production InkJet business in Europe, Middle East and Africa.
He has a keen interest in technology tipping points and how the interplay of different technologies can have far-reaching and often unpredictable consequences.
Coming soon
Sean Smyth has spent over 25 years in the industry in senior technology positions for a variety of print businesses across the supply chain, in hands on and consultancy roles. He helps companies make money through the appropriate use of technology.
Sean has a deep knowledge of the global print market, and a key member of the team providing quantitative market data and forecasts for the printing, paper and packaging industry. He authors off-the-shelf market studies and provides strategic consultancy services to a range of clients across the value chain.
Sean has a strong background in appropriate application of technology to print, implementing digital print systems, MIS and workflows to take time and cost out of the print supply chain. In 1994 he became Technical Director of Rexam, where the first colour digital presses in the UK were installed and he has extensive experience of digital printing. He has written many books and market studies on the future, print technology and digital print, including Smithers' flagship title "The Print & Production Manual" and the "Future of Global Print Markets".
Alvise Cavallari has nearly 20 years of experience in the machine industry, where he has gained extensive expertise and insights into packaging printing. He then moved to the brand owner side, and his career highlights include leading the corporate programmes at Nestlé R&D on digital printing, coding, and technical anti-counterfeiting. He has also supplied valuable assistance to multiple companies in these areas, helping them navigate the evolving landscape of digital printing and anti-counterfeiting, and is now product manager at Atlantic Zeiser for CPG printing. Alvise's profound industry knowledge and dedication to driving innovation position him as a leading expert in the future of packaging technologies.
As a member of the Esko corporate marketing team, Jan De Roeck (°1966) leads a team of marketeers developing outbound messaging and content, manages industry relationships and coordinates market research activities.
With his parents running a local print business, Jan was literally raised amidst ink, paper and printing presses. He holds a bachelor degree in printing and pre-press, and a specialization in graphic design. He complemented his graphic arts education with an Advanced Management Program at the Ghent-Leuven Vlerick Business School in 2007.
Jan began his career in 1989 in the customer services department at Barco, a Belgian technology group at the basis of what Esko is today. Through various product management and product marketing assignments, Jan developed a particular interest, acumen and expertise in prepress solutions for packaging and label production. Jan is highly respected and trusted for his insight in the graphic arts industry and his level of understanding of customer workflows and market requirements. He is a frequently asked speaker and moderator at various international industry events and trade conferences and represents Esko in various trade associations.
