For the first time in six years, the plastics industry gathers in Orlando for NPE2024. Following cancellation of NPE2021 due to COVID-19, the triennial gather is expected to attract more than 50,000 attendees.
And because it's been so long since the last show, most of the attendees will be first-timers.
Plastics News asked the Orange County Convention Center some questions about the return of the show, and OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester provided his view.
Q: Can you describe the economic impact and importance NPE has on the Orlando area?
Tester: The impact that NPE2024 will have on Orange County will be significant. Not only is the show anticipated to attract 55,000 attendees but it is projected to have an economic impact of $141 million, making it one of our larger shows this year. After a six-year hiatus, this year's show is expected to be one of the biggest yet.
Q: What will be some differences for the thousands of people attending NPE for the first time in six years?
Tester: Everything will be different. The last time we hosted this show was in 2018. Since then, the center has made large-scale improvements and has incorporated innovative technologies that have completely changed the way attendees experience shows. Attendees who attended in 2018 will have an experience that is beyond what they could imagine.
Q: What's unique about NPE2024 compared with other shows that take place at the convention center?
Tester: NPE2024 is one of the few shows that encompasses both our West and North-South buildings. It is also a show where the machinery and technology that is displayed takes up nearly all the exhibit space in both buildings.
The show's two-week move-in process is meticulous and impressive, as large machines are brought in and built on-site, taking up enormous amounts of space.
The significance of this event lies in the production of products in real time during the show. Most events bring in products that have already been developed, but at NPE, exhibitors show attendees how products are made.
Q: What are some particular challenges that NPE or OCCC face with this show compared with other shows OCCC hosts?
Tester: A challenge that is unique to NPE is the weight and load capacity of the large equipment they bring in. When building the floor layout, approvals for placement of certain machines and how they are loaded in based on limitations set in place on the show floor must be established ahead of time.
For example, in our West Building, Hall A is directly above the parking garage, which means we have to plan accordingly for what times machines occupy that space and how many are allowed to be in one location.
Q: Hosting conventions is what you do for a living, that's understood. But what's it like in the days and hours leading up to the show as exhibitors work to finish their booths?
Tester: The anticipation of opening the show floor to attendees is immeasurable. The excitement that builds up is incredible because we get the opportunity to see how our halls transform from an empty space to a small city of industrial technology and equipment. Both the show and the center share a mutual feeling of excitement leading up to the show opening.
Q: How long before the show officially starts do exhibitors have to build their booths? And how fast do they have to leave?
Tester: The move-in process for the show is two weeks. Then following the weeklong event, the exhibitors clear the show floor in a week.
Q: What happens to all of the construction materials that are used and then disassembled after the show concludes?
Tester: After the show, exhibitors typically ship their significant production machinery either directly to buyers or back to their base of operations. Nevertheless, any additional products and materials generated during the event will undergo recycling via the show's sustainability and recycling initiative.
This year's NPE will feature designated zones aimed at curbing plastic waste; investigating fresh, sustainable alternatives; and emphasizing recycling and sustainability's significance for fostering a more environmentally friendly plastics industry.
The center also offers programs that will allow any left-over products to be donated through the center's sustainability team. Clients often work with us to identify local nonprofit organizations who will receive the materials, giving them an opportunity to give back to the Orange County community while also benefiting CSR initiatives.
Q: NPE or otherwise, what are some crazy things you've seen on the show floor at OCCC?
Tester: In our exhibit halls, we witness some truly remarkable transformations. Over time, we've hosted an impressive variety of larger-than-life displays. From full-sized roller-coasters during the IAAPA (International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions) Expo to concert setups accommodating thousands of attendees, and even full-sized helicopters and fire engines when we operate as an emergency response headquarters. The center has the ability to cater to any event, allowing exhibitors to do business face to face and industries to grow.
Q: NPE typically comes to town every three years, but how many shows do you host in a particular year, and how does NPE compare with other gatherings?
Tester: During our 2023-24 fiscal year, we are slated to welcome 174 events. Many of our conventions and trade shows are on an annual rotation.
In comparison to other shows, when it comes to NPE, although they are on a three-year rotation, they are exceptionally innovative in having the ability to demonstrate technologies and create plastic materials in real time — setting them apart from other manufacturing shows.