I have often heard that it takes only a minute to say hello but forever to say goodbye. This seems so true today, as I write my final editorial comment for Converting Today. It’s been a sweet journey from my beginnings as Associate Editor of the magazine, to taking over as Editor and finally my role as Group Editor of the converting and packaging titles.
As I write my final comment, my mind seems to be racing with thoughts and images of all the people I have met, the speed walks around trade shows, the frantic running around to sign off an issue, and the times when I could sit back and enjoy a drink with other press colleagues. I could probably steal and adapt a quote from Thomas Edison here: I never did a day's work in my life at Converting Today, it was all fun!
More than anything else, it’s been a privilege to be a part of the industry and I want to thank everybody I have known, met and worked with, especially Mike Taylor, who’s been a constant guiding force and has supported me in all my initiatives with the magazine. I would also like to thank Maria Wallace for her constant enthusiasm and commitment in helping me take Converting Today to the next level.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the issues as much as I have enjoyed putting them together. I hope I have been able to successfully carry the torch so far and would like to wish my successor the very best. I am sure Converting Today’s team will continue to provide you with the best coverage of news, views and trends in the European converting industry.
Yes, the industry has been through some difficult times in recent months with the global economic meltdown leading to a spate of factory closures. However, I do believe we have reached the bottom of the economic downturn, and are beginning to see some light at the end of the tunnel.
My optimism is based on the various examples of converters investing in the latest technology and expanding their business. It’s been equally heartening to see suppliers continuing to invest in R&D even through the difficult times.
I’m sure the packaging converting industry will successfully emerge from this recession and I hope that through these times and beyond, Converting Today will continue to assist you in building the right strategy for your business.
Goodbye, and Good Luck!
Sonali Advani
Group Editor
Sonali Advani
