LMAI creates knowledge, entertainment and networking magic.
The 4th LMAI Conference welcomed delegates from many parts of the country at Jaypee Palace Hotel, Agra which served as the venue for the event. The delegates were provided transportation from Delhi airport to the event venue.
The Conference commenced with the welcome address by Sandeep Zaveri and lighting of lamp which was followed by playing of the new LMAI Anthem.
Over 550 delegates attended the Conference themed “Innovation Simplified”.
Label is an important part of a product and connects it directly to the consumer. The event stressed the need for innovation in all processes of label creation. The keynote address was delivered by Pankaj Bhardwaj, Senior Director and General Manager, Label and Graphic Materials South Asia Avery Dennison.
In her special address Lisa Milburn, Managing Director Labels Group, Tarsus Group PLC UK mentioned the strong and ongoing partnership with LMAI. She also spoke on the forthcoming meeting of L9 (The federation of nine leading global label associations) which is scheduled to be held next year in India. Pradeep Saroha, Country Manager for Labelexpo group gave information on Labelexpo Europe in Brussels in September this year. Conference Chairman Kuldip Goel apprised the audience with agenda of the event.
The day ended with an entertaining evening sponsored by Bobst Firenze and themed, Mughal-e-Azam followed by Dinner. Many delegates were in traditional Indian dresses.
Next morning Rajesh Nema, Secretary LMAI initiated the Conference by showing a video of LMAI activities during the past year. Jitesh Mehta, Director Avery Dennison shared, “Innovation is a team sport and aids profitable implementation of ideas, creating value across the value chain and by making innovation complex, we maybe killing it.”
Ajay Mehta and Rohit Mehta of SMI Coated Papers cautioned that reverse auctions were affecting printers adversely and instead of becoming complacent, they need to move on. Competition brings innovation making quality and consistency in product offering an imperative for driving growth.
Pawandeep Sahni of Weldon and Paolo Grasso of Omet made an impressive presentation titled “simplify Visions, innovate processes”. The presentation, which was interactive with the audience, was highly appreciated. Shaun Paullen of Mark Andy spoke on “Turning market needs into machine deliverables”.
Amit Ahuja of Multitec spoke on wastage control. Gavin Rittmeyer of Martin Automatic explained the need for automation and nonstop continuous production to reduce wastage. Impressive knowledge delivering presentations were made by the large number of speakers representing companies who sponsored the event. A holistic session was held by Isha Foundation of Sadguru fame. The Swami Ji hosting the session taught the delegates the nuances of meditation. A session of “Isha Kriya” was taken up with audience participation. He said that for the power to create, we need to meditate to success. Success is not an aspiration, it is your work that others will connect with and say he is successful. He also advised the congregation that creating happiness at workplace will get full potential from employees. The last part of the evening hosted by SMI Coated Papers, began with a high powered motivational lecture by renowned management guru, Shiv Khera.
“We need the skill and the will to succeed. Between the two, will is more important,” he quoted boxing legend Muhammad Ali. He also quoted to relevance former President, Dr. A P J Abdul Kalam, “Dreams are not that make you sleep, dreams are those that don’t let you sleep.” The evening ended with dance performances and networking dinner.
The final day had a holistic meditation session by Isha Foundation. This was followed by presentations by Samir Patkar-Gallus, Appadurai-HP, Manish Jain-Loparex, Seigwerk and A K Datta- Kurz. Guest speaker Sudhaker Kasture spoke on export strategy on labels. The day’s presentations ended with presentations from Huber Group and Tesa Tapes.
LMAI Round Table was an interesting event. The sponsors in different groups had a one to one interaction opportunity with printer groups. The Printers got their queries answered face to face. All through the conference, a well spread out table top exhibition was in progress. Delegates were able to visit, interact with exhibitors and collect literature.
The final part of the conference was a gala evening hosted by Avery Dennison with theme “an Affair to remember” and titled “Moulin Rouge”! The evening started with Conference Chairman Kuldip Goel giving vote of thanks.
This was followed by a vibrant musical performance by Sophie Choudry. This conference was appreciated and enjoyed by all the attending delegates. They left Agra with lingering memories of a euphoric networking event.
As the delegates bid good bye they went with hope of yet another similar event in the summer of 2019!
Written by Harveer Sahni, Chairman Weldon Celloplast, New Delhi. He was also conferred award for a “Lifetime in support of the Indian label industry” at the 4th LMAI Conference.