Innovative packaging solutions in the spotlight at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2003

Dairy Field, Aug 2003 by Yuska, Charles D

An Interview with PMMI's president, Charles D. Yuska.

Brand managers, marketers, engineers, R&D specialists and other professionals facing packaging challenges can find solutions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2003.

Sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), the show is being held October 13-15 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. Charles D. Yuska, president of PMMI, recently spoke with us about what dairy manufacturers can expect from this year's show and how PACK EXPO Las Vegas has evolved since its debut in 1995.

Q: PACK EXPO Las Vegas will feature a new Containers & Materials Pavilion. What can packagers and marketers expect to see?

A: More than 50,000 square feet of floor space will feature cost effective structures that help enhance branding efforts without sacrificing barrier properties, machine capability or versatility. Advancements in plastics, paperboard, resins, films, foils, glass, metal, additives, textiles and other materials will be exhibited.

The Pavilion will also feature the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, a gallery of award-winning packages from internationally recognized organizations and government institutions. Among those present will be the Argentinian Packaging Institute, Brazilian Packaging Association, DuPont Company, Environmental Protection Agency, Flexible Packaging Association, Food Service & Packaging Institute, Glass Packaging Institute, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Mexican Packaging Association, Paperboard Packaging Council and the Tube Council.

Q: What can you tell us about the move to the Las Vegas Convention Center?

A: PACK EXPO Las Vegas is the fastest growing tradeshow in the country according to the authoritative Tradeshow Week publication, having nearly doubled in size in both attendance and net square footage in five show cycles.

By moving to the Las Vegas Convention Center, we can accommodate additional exhibitors and provide even more value to the show's senior level attendees. PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2003 is expected to occupy 425,000 net square feet, an increase of approximately 9 percent from the 2001 event, which occupied 390,000 net square feet.

Q: Why do you think PACK EXPO Las Vegas continues to grow, while some other trade events are seeing declines in exhibit sales and attendance?

A: PACK EXPO Las Vegas has achieved this level of success because it focuses on new technologies and real-world solutions for a wide variety of packaging applications. For attendees, PACK EXPO Las Vegas offers access to hundreds of suppliers from across the packaging spectrum in one location. With today's tightened travel budgets and management's desire for innovative packaging solutions, attending multiple shows or only attending one supplier's road show are not valid options.

Exhibitors look to PACK EXPO Las Vegas for its history of attracting senior managers from a broad array of consumer- and industrial-goods companies. A trade show's success ultimately lies with the new and innovative packaging solutions that exhibitors bring to the show, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas has benefited from their commitment.

Q: How else has PACK EXPO Las Vegas evolved since it debuted in 1995?

A: International attendance has increased significantly, with high-level decision makers traveling to Las Vegas from throughout Asia and Latin America. Of the 18,000 packagers expected in Las Vegas, over 2,000 will be visiting from more than 75 countries.

We've also seen an increase in the attendance of marketers and brand managers. With 70 percent of purchasing choices made at point of sale, incorporating innovative packaging that makes an immediate impact on consumers, builds brand recognition and drives sales has become a key step in the product development process.

Q: What attributes will attendees be seeking as they investigate equipment at the show?

A: Customers continue to look for packaging machinery that can adapt to multiple packages in a quick and flexible manner. A recent survey of technical contacts within PMMI member companies indicated that quick changeover capabilities, flexibility and fast speeds are the top three machine attributes most often requested by companies purchasing new packaging machinery.

In addition, packaging machinery manufacturers identified four machine control feature improvements most often requested by customers purchasing new equipment: data acquisition, set-up screens, diagnostics and on-machine instruction sheets.

The driving force behind these requested attributes is the need to increase operational productivity and boost corporate profits.

Q: How can attendees register and obtain further information?

A: Attendees can save 50 percent on registration fees and avoid long lines when the show opens by registering via www.packexpo.com on or before September 19, 2003. The admission fee includes entrance to the co-located Food Processing Machinery EXPO, sponsored by the Food Processing Machinery Association (FPMA), and the new Containers & Materials Pavilion.

Q: With so much to see, how can attendees best manage their time at PACK EXPO Las Vegas?