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Industry events
Ipack-Ima forges an alliance to strengthen the supply chain
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by Roger Gilbert, Publisher, Milling and Grain rom your arrival by metro, through the efficiency of security at the entrances to the Milan’s Fiera Milano and along the fly-over passage way with moving walkways - shrouded in its dramatic glass ceiling – it’s an easy and smooth entry to the halls of this year’s Ipack-Ima, which took place from 29 May 29- June 1, 2018 at Fiera Milano in Italy. Particularly as registration and entrance to the whole of the multi-event site happened at the majority of the 17 halls that made up this year’s show. Once back down to ground level and through the turnstiles, access was gained to the whole nine, fully-air conditioned halls that made up Ipack-Ima. From this central walkway underneath the fly-over passage way, visitors could shelter from the sun while taking advantage of open-air restaurants and cafes (see our brief walk-about video at MAG TV on our milling and grain website) that linked between the entrances to the various exhibition halls. The exhibition layout proved popular amongst exhibitors and visitors alike, with the halls organised mainly according to business communities and not – as is normally the case – just by the technologies on display. The aim was to make visiting the show easier for professional buyers who are keen to minimise the time they spend at trade fairs. While this show had everything to do with packaging, over resent years milling has carved out a central part for itself, rivalling in my view other European and international milling events. With more space and an attractive atmosphere this is certainly an event for millers of the future, with companies having the space to display essential items and offer attractive meeting areas and refreshment. 110 | July 2018 - Milling and Grain