Those needing some last-minute political insight before heading to the polls in November may want to attend Pack Expo International at McCormick Place, Chicago, IL, Oct. 28-31. As part of its Pack Expo Lecture Series, comedian and political commentator Dennis Miller and Democratic consultant James Carville will present their views on the 2012 election at the event.

“It’s an opportunity for anyone looking for perspective on — and some good laughs over — the politics of 2012,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI, owner and operator of Pack Expo

trade shows.

“We’ll be barely a week away from the 2012 presidential election,” he added. “No matter which way you vote, this pair of pundits will offer unique perspectives on the elections and the issues in the national spotlight.”

The pair will speak at 5:15 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28. Doors open at 4:15 and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Advance tickets can be purchased at the event’s website, www.packexpo.com.

In July, PMMI announced that Pack Expo International had sold out all of its exhibit space. “With space completely gone three months out, the show has surpassed even our expectations,” Mr. Yuska said.

In fact, the 2012 show will be the largest since 2002. It features a record 1,800-plus exhibitors showing off the latest in packaging and processing innovations across more than 1.1 million sq ft of exhibit space. A specially designated Processing Zone features technologies developed to streamline operations with emphasis on the food and beverages industries.

The show’s customer-centric focus will ensure attendees can make the most of their time on the show floor. “With new and returning industry pavilions and lounges, partnerships with innovators like Material ConneXion and Mintel, and industry experts across the show floor and in the conference halls, Pack Expo International 2012 will be an event that highlights all the best these industries have to offer,” Mr. Yuska added.

For industry professionals who are attending the show, the Snack Food Association is once again endorsing the Baking-Snack Lounge.

PMMI also increased its Internet presence dedicated to Pack Expo’s Connected Communities, an online platform that unites attendees and their peers to discuss industry news and trends targeted to their specific industries. To join your community prior to attending the show, visit community.pmmi.org.

Additionally, the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) recently partnered with Pack Expo International and will showcase its Comparative Packaging Assessment (COMPASS) tool throughout the show. SPC is a project of GreenBlue, a nonprofit group that equips business with the science and resources to make products more sustainable. COMPASS helps packaging designers make informed decisions about the lifecycle impacts of their designs, factoring in resource consumption, emissions, lifecycle phases and packaging materials.

Show registration costs $30 online before Oct. 8. Registration after Oct. 8 will be $60. For more information about Pack Expo International 2012, visit www.packexpo.com.