Nathalie Grosdidier, Luxe Pack General Manager

Premium Beauty News - The period is critical for trade shows worldwide. What about the 2009 edition of Luxe Pack in Monaco?

Nathalie Grosdidier - This edition is fully booked, with a total number of exhibitors that is slightly increasing to almost 330 companies. It is the highest figure ever recorded since the creation of the show. Luxe Pack remains the leading and unrivalled place where buyers and producers of luxury goods packaging can meet.

One again this year, visitors will be delighted with an offering covering almost any of materials, and featuring new products, new finishing technologies and many other innovations linked to high-end packaging.

Even before landing to Monaco, visitors will also have the opportunity to prepare their visit through the show’s interactive floor plan, which will be available on our new website. Luxe Pack being a real source of inspiration and creativity, we thought it was important to help visitors to catch 100% of what’s related to their projects.

Premium Beauty News - However, the current economic situation has forced several exhibitors to get away from the show this year. What is the impact of these cancellations on the show?

Nathalie Grosdidier - Our main hope is that these customers be able to come back next year. Nevertheless, it is important to note that, despite the current situation of the economy, Luxe Pack enjoys a turnover rate which is very low, compared to the industry’s standards.

What’s new in 2009, is the participation of 60 new exhibitors who never participated in the show before. This was made possible because the average size of stands slightly decreased, and because we were able to reorganize the floor plan. These new exhibitors will certainly contribute to the large scope of know-how and creativity that singularize the specialized offer that visitors are used to find at Luxe Pack.

Premium Beauty News - What are the highlights of Luxe Pack Monaco this year?

Nathalie Grosdidier - We chose to focus on two issues, which will be particularly highlighted, including through prospective studies.

The first one is sustainable development, with a dedicated showcase area gathering all the eco-designed products proposed by Luxe Pack exhibitors, as well as original proposals from students of the Strate College on the theme “more magic, less materials”.

The second issue is packaging trends, with the “Luxe Pack Trends Observer,” which features a specific showcase and a conference and workshop.

But Luxe Pack also put the lights on many other issues and professional expertise, helping professional to share their views, in particular through free admission conferences. Among many others, we are glad to propose a VIP Round Table featuring Vera Strubi, Noé Duchaufour-Lawrance and Gilles Lipovetski.

I would also advice to come and discover the special exhibit of a unique selection of lipsticks gathered by Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg. The exceptional design and the originality of some pieces dating back to 1900 are surprising.

Premium Beauty News - There are now two spin-off events in the USA and in China. What about the 2010 editions of these other Luxe Pack shows?

Nathalie Grosdidier - Luxe Pack New York is now deeply rooted in the USA. The event is acknowledged as a different and efficient tradeshow corresponding to the sector’s expectations. Its original formula proved attractive and the show is now a must-go event.

Luxe Pack Shanghai was conceived according to the same principles that proved successful in New York and 2010 will be the third edition of the event. I think this show was launched at the right time. The number of exhibitors doubled from the first to the second edition. Furthermore, the growth rate of the country is self-explanatory of the interest of the show.