Packaging Innovations 2016 will see the launch of a brand new show feature, The Great Innovation Debate, when its doors open next week at the NEC. The interactive debate will explore innovation in all its forms, with household names from the industry joining the panel to voice their own opinions and experiences.

The Great Innovation Debate, chaired by Stefan Casey, Business Innovation Manager for Retail, Food & Drink at The Retail Institute, will take place in the Keynote Theatre at 15:30, on 24th February 2016. The panel will be tackling the critical industry questions: What is innovation?; How do we define innovation?; What is seen as innovative?; Where does innovation come from?

Casey will be joined on the panel by Roger Wright, Head of Technical Packaging and General Merchandising at Marks and Spencer, David Rose, Packaging Development Manager at Britvic, Antoinette Devine, Packaging Development Manager for Bacardi and Alan Davies, Global Design Studio Manager at Essentra.

Casey is excited to see how the northern and midland powerhouses value innovation, stating:

“Will we see the same nuances and perspectives on innovation materialise at the NEC as we did at the London show? Will the importance of fostering a culture of innovation without constraint continue to drive the industry and bring people together? Collaboration, open source knowledge sharing, open innovation groups are all some of the exciting and growing developments that are opening up a wealth of opportunities for organisations.”

Gerry Sherwood, Event Director for Easyfairs’ UK Packaging Portfolio says:

“The interactive debate allows our visitors to share their major challenges, conventions, and constraints with an expert panel and chair. In such a competitive market, understanding a little more about innovation can give that additional edge needed over rivals. There are, however, limited seats for the debate so get there early and don’t miss out on connecting with likeminded individuals. It is going to be a cracker!”

The Great Innovation Debate is only one of many show features happening at Packaging Innovations, Empack and Label&Print, at Birmingham’s NEC on 24 & 25 February 2016. There will be a free-to-attend, two-day CPD accredited exhibition and multi-stream seminar programme, which features sessions from Britvic, Taylors of Harrogate, John Lewis, Wilkos, JML Group, The Body Shop, SABMiller plc and Quorn Foods. In addition to, The BIG Print Debate, The Flexo Debate, The Rising Star Scheme, and the Drinks, Pharmaceutical and Retail Symposiums.