PACK EXPO International will be held November 7-11, 2004 at McCormick Place in Chicago. The show’s sponsors and producers, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), says this year’s event will feature several brand new pavilions that focus on key technology trends. Packagers from around the world will be able to access the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Pavilion, Packaging Security Resource Center, Showcase of Packaging Innovations and Confectionery Pavilion with a single badge.
The new RFID Pavilion will highlight technologies for case and pallet tagging and verification, as well as upgrading conventional lines. Packagers can also find the tools they need for enabling RFID-driven printing and writing for validating electronic product code (EPC) tags. "Smart" packaging machinery that uses RFID to adjust operational settings will also be showcased.
Making its debut at PACK EXPO this year is the Packaging Security Resource Center, which is designed to focus on protecting packaging operations against the threat of bio-terrorism, counterfeiting and product adulteration. From overt to covert technologies, from active to passive, a range of safety measures and protection solutions will be featured.
Attendees will have the opportunity to visit tabletop exhibits and technology displays from a select group of package-security technology companies, service providers and government stakeholders.
Expo attendees can view the year’s most innovative and award-winning package designs at the Showcase of Packaging Innovations. Designs to be showcased include winners of the Glass Packaging Institute’s Clear Choice Awards, the Institute of Packaging Professionals’ Ameristar Awards, and the National Paperboard Packaging Competition sponsored by the Paperboard Packaging Council.
The show’s new Confectionery Pavilion will be part of the co-located Food Processing Machinery EXPO, sponsored and produced by Food Processing Machinery Association (FPMA). This pavilion will provide opportunities for viewing and evaluating the latest processing and packaging technologies in operation.
"PACK EXPO International has a long history of focusing on the technologies and trends that matter most to the operations of packaging professionals," comments Charles D. Yuska, president of PMMI. "RFID technology and package security are key concerns for packagers across the globe, and the confectionery industry will play an integral role in attracting new attendees to our shows. We’ve incorporated these new pavilions to allow attendees to expand their knowledge in these areas while spending time in one convenient location."
Many of these topics will also carry over to the Conference at PACK EXPO, a three-day series of informational and educational programmes held in conjunction with the exhibition.
PACK EXPO International 2004 is co-located with the Food Processing Machinery EXPO and will feature over 1,900 machinery, materials, components and containers suppliers and occupy 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space.
Approximately 47,000 qualified attendees are expected to attend, including 6000 international visitors from more than 70 countries. To register and learn more about PACK EXPO International 2004, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI at expo@pmmi.org.
In addition to registration, the event website offers packagers an opportunity to maximise their time at PACK EXPO by pre-planning their show schedule. An up-to-date exhibitor list and show floor plans allow attendees to map out a route through the convention centre and make appointments in advance.
The site also offers a hotel reservation service and information about travelling to and getting around Chicago. In addition, as the show approaches, attendees will be able to learn about the latest technology to be exhibited at PACK EXPO International 2004 via the site’s regularly updated "Exhibitor Products" section.
Reduced entry for online registration
Packaging professionals from around the world can avoid long on-site registration lines and save 50 per cent on entry fees for PACK EXPO by visiting the show’s official web site, www.packexpo.com.
Registration for the show via www.packexpo.com on or before October 15 will cost just US$25 per person. Packagers registering at McCormick Place or online after October 15, 2004 will be charged the full admission rate of $50. This single admission fee allows access to exhibits for the entire five-day exposition and includes entrance to the co-located Food Processing Machinery EXPO (formerly IEFP), sponsored and produced by Food Processing Machinery Association (FPMA).
Attendees will also have access to the new pavilions that have been added to the PACK EXPO line up. The show’s new Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Pavilion will feature solutions that meet the requirements of the entire supply chain, while its Packaging Security Resource Center will highlight a full spectrum of new product protection solutions offering a range of added safety measures. In addition, attendees can visit the new Confectionery Pavilion at the Food Processing Machinery EXPO to see the latest developments in both processing and packaging technology.
Showcase of Packaging Innovations
All of the real-world packaging applications that will be featured in the Showcase of Packaging Innovations have been recognised for outstanding design by the most prominent international packaging organisations.
"The Showcase of Packaging Innovations™ is ideally suited for marketers and brand managers attending PACK EXPO International," says Yuska. "After a successful debut at last year’s PACK EXPO Las Vegas, this year’s exhibit has more participants and featured designs, making it extremely beneficial to packagers searching for inspiration for their next breakthrough packaging idea."
Currently, fourteen organisations are scheduled to participate, topping last year’s total of eleven. This year’s participants include: Packaging Design Award, DuPont Awards for Innovation in Packaging, Golden Mummy Award (Packaging), Pyramid Award (Labelling), Flexible Packaging Association, Packaging Achievement Awards, Foodservice Packaging Awards, Glass Packaging Institute, Compliance Package of the Year Award, Institute of Packaging Professionals, AmeriStar Awards and many more.
