Although we haven't heard any numbers, and maybe never will, this reporter thinks attendance was "emptier" than usual.
A transitional show was somewhat expected what with Reed Exhibitions handing it over to Canon Communications just weeks before the show opened. Neither company did much promotion, and this was the first year the show switched from fall to summer. And, in fact, some exhibitors were happy with the results, although the majority told us they found it lacking.
As reporters, it was great for us, and very easy to get around to talk with exhibitors, even if most of them weren't in the best of humor. And many of the key marketing people from headquarters skipped this show.
As recently as six years ago, Westpack was abuzz with production introductions and press conferences that kept journalists running. No press conferences this year-- none; and relatively few new products. It was so dull many of us tried to leave early, only to encounter flight cancellations.
One other impression that sticks out is how important "air" has become in packaging. As recent as six years ago, Westpack was one place you could find many companies that made and marketed expanded polystyrene and other types of peanuts for void-fill packaging. This year, all the void-fill makers were showing air! Of course the air was trapped inside plastic film cushions of every type and shape made on machines from small tabletop inflaters to high-output large machines.
We'll all be watching to see if WestPack will become significant enough to warrant returning.
