Pack expo-sed: at this convention, what happens in Vegas won't stay in Vegas, as great packaging ideas are sure to spread

Food & Drug Packaging, August, 2005 by Graham Wiemer

Sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2005 is expected to attract more than 1,200 world-class exhibitors, making it the largest packaging show in the Western Hemisphere. Packaging professionals from around the globe will gather to share ideas and information at the convention, being held this year from Monday, September 26 through Wednesday, September 28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas is expected to deliver an audience of more than 19,000 purchasing decision-makers from more than 60 countries. These people represent a range of market end-users: food and beverage; cosmetics and toiletries; pharmaceutical; medical; and more. They will see the latest advancements from across the packaging industry, including labeling and coding technologies, brand-building materials, robotics and active and protective packaging solutions.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas will feature more than 500,000 net square feet of contiguous exhibit space, including the co-located Food Processing Machinery EXPO, which will focus on the newest developments in processing technology. Exhibitors will demonstrate state-of-the-art equipment in the fruit and vegetable, beverage, canning/freezing, environmental, instrumentation, prepared foods, can-making, meat, dairy and snack foods industries. The FPM EXPO is sponsored by the Food Processing Machinery Association.

Attendees of both shows will be able to network with others in their industries from all over the world; take part in specialized education sessions led by industry experts; and evaluate the latest advances while experiencing hands-on demonstrations of the best and newest technologies.

Those who register on or before Sept. 8 at www.packexpo.com or www.foodprocessingmachinery.com will receive 50% off on-site "EXPO-only" registration fees ($25 instead of $50), discounted conference sessions fees ($55 instead of $75), advance mailing of their show badge and e-mail updates on the latest additions to the show and conferences. International visitors who register online on or before Aug. 5 will receive their show badges and session tickets in advance, rather than on-site at the International Business Center.

PMMI is offering discount airfares to exhibitors and attendees through United, United Express, TED and America West Airlines. Detailed information on this, as well as ground transportation, is available at www.packexpo.com. This web site can also be used to check hotel availability and make reservations, even when booking large blocks of rooms. Shuttle service will only be provided from the official PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2005 and the Food Processing Machinery EXPO participating hotels.

A complete package

In addition to a strong contingent of packaging machinery manufacturers, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will also present new developments in other areas of packaging technology, including materials, components, packages and containers.

Based on its previous success, the Showcase of Packaging Innovations[TM] will return. This showcase features the year's most innovative and award-winning package designs. It will present 75 award-winning packaging innovations as judged by seven organizations, including DuPont, the Flexible Packaging Association, the Glass Packaging Institute, the Paperboard Packaging Council, the Institute of Packaging Professionals, ABRE (Brazilian Packaging Organization) and the Association Mexicana de Envase y Embalaje. These awards are among the most prestigious in the industry.

To save attendees walking time, PMMI has organized a number of targeted pavilions. The Containers and Materials Pavilion is joined this year by these new additions: the Contract Packaging Pavilion, the Packaging Security Pavilion and the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Pavilion.

The Containers and Materials Pavilion debuted in 2003. This year its size was increased by 33% to satisfy increased exhibitor demand. The pavilion's more than 40,000 square feet of space will feature the latest innovations in converting machinery, containers and materials, including paperboard, glass, metal, plastic and flexible packaging. Highlights include: single-serve on-the-go packaging; printed overwraps for club-store packaging; closures and caps for "active lifestyle" drinks; portion packs for added consumer convenience; semi-rigid containers; glass packages for premium products; re-engineered steel and aluminum can designs; stand-up pouches and the latest in fitments, zippers and shapes; and tamper-evident packaging.

Recognizing the prominence of contract packaging services in today's marketplace, the Contract Packaging Pavilion is designed to be a starting point for assessing a project and exploring the options provided by contract packaging partners.

The Packaging Security Pavilion will present packaging initiatives and technologies being developed to guard against bioterrorism, package tampering, counterfeiting and product adulteration. Exhibits will include those from technology and service providers, in addition to government agencies.