With a total of 481 exhibitors [1] (compared to 420 in 2017 and 350 in 2016), the 2018 edition of the ADF and PCD shows (Aerosol & Dispensing Forum and Packaging of Perfume Cosmetics & Design) confirms the growing importance of the event that was added to the Easyfairs portfolio two years ago. On January 31st and February 1st, the 2018 edition will be held in a new and more spacious venue: the completely renovated Hall 7 of the Parc des Expositions at the Porte de Versailles in Paris, France.
New in 2018
The 2018 edition will also be marked by several new features:
– An Accelerator Zone will allow ten start-ups selected on the basis of their technology to present their latest creations and innovations. Among the companies present this year: Sericyne; ICTK, Voodoo (printed circuit boards on wood), etc.
– A refocused conference program that will offer more importance to brands. A greater emphasis will thus be given to non-exhibiting speakers with innovation, technology transfer and sustainable development remain the key topics.
– The creation of an Innovation & Technology Theater, a second conference area dedicated to exhibitors and suppliers with display cases offering visitors a quick overview of the latest packaging innovations.
– A new Pentawards area where the winners of the design competition - now part of the Easyfairs’ portfolio - will be showcased.
Awards
Finally, as every year, the show will be the opportunity to unveil the packaging creations awarded by two juries (one for ADF and the other for PCD) bringing together experts, professionals and journalists. "The aim of the ADF & PCD Awards is to reward and promote the cosmetic, aerosol and dispensing innovations placed on the European and international market during the year 2017," explain the organizers.
To be noted this year, the PCD Awards have been split in two new categories: one for luxury goods and the other for consumer goods. A special sustainable development award has also been created.
This year, the two juries evaluated 73 applications and awarded 8 products for ADF and 9 products for PCD. In addition, 6 excellence certificates were given for ADF products and 11 for PCD.
The ADF Awards ceremony will take place on Wednesday 31 January 2018 at 4.45 pm and the PCD Awards ceremony on Thursday 1st February 2018 at 2.00 pm.
Development projects
While the concept of pre-constructed stands in standard formats is maintained this year at ADF-PCD, the organizers plan to give more freedom to exhibitors starting in 2019, with the possibility to book larger spaces and bare surfaces for customized stands.
For 2019, the organizers, who will have an even larger exhibition surface, also explore the possibility to expand the show to other sectors or categories, perhaps with the co-location of a Packaging Innovations event as will be the case in New York in September.
The ADF-PCD concept also continues its international development. After two editions in New York, ADF-PCD will hold its first edition in Shanghai on 28-29 March 2018. For this first edition in Asia, the organizers expect about 100 exhibitors, 20% of whom being European companies.
