International exhibition organiser Tarsus Group has released a statement saying it is “deeply saddened to announce the passing of Clive Smith, founder of Labelexpo. Clive was instrumental in the success of Labelexpo and will be greatly missed by all of us. Our condolences go out to his wife and family.”
Clive Smith organised Labelex in 1980, an exhibition that took place in London to showcase coding, marking and labelling technology for the garment and wider package and product labelling industries. It built the foundations for the Labelexpo Global Series that exists today.
Some 44 exhibitors participated in that first show, a number that grew to 60 the following year and in a short time the event had grown into an international event. In 1985 it moved to Brussels, Belgium where it has stayed,although there are plans to move Labelexpo Europe to Barcelona in 2025.
Shows in America and Asia were launched in the 1990s, with Tarsus having taken over the brand in 1998. What is now the Labelexpo Global Series passed to Informa following its acquisition of Tarsus earlier this year.
Tributes were quick to come in for Clive Smith. This selection appearing on LinkedIn:
Michael Hatton, product strategy director at Tarsus Group:
“Clive was always the greatest source of honest, humble and blunt advice - probably my favourite person in the exhibition industry.”
Harveer Sahni, chairman at Weldon Celloplast Ltd:
“I am deeply saddened. Clive was a respected soul and a dear friend. Twenty years ago when I helped Tarsus organise the first Label Summit at Grànd Hyatt in Mumbai, Clive spent a lot of time with me and thanked me for helping organise that event and making it a perfect success. It is a sad day for the global labels industry. Our heartfelt condolences. He was the founder of Labelexpo. Clive, you will always remain in our hearts. The label fraternity will miss you my friend. RIP Clive.”
Doug Emslie, senior advisor at Informa, chairman Cuil Bay Capital:
“Clive was an inspiration and an innovator in our industry. He was thoughtful, supportive and fun. We will miss you, rest in peace Clive.”
Jakob Landberg, sales director at Nilpeter:
“So sad news to have - Clive was a beacon and a strong marketer. You will surely be missed and remembered in the industry.”
We join in sending our condolences to Clive's family.
