In addition to offering the opportunity to network with packaging providers, Pack Expo gives attendees the opportunity to attend educational sessions laying out the latest and greatest in packaging.

 

This appears to be the year that trade shows break their own records. PMMI’s Pack Expo International 2016 is on track to be the biggest ever with more than 2,300 exhibiting companies spanning over 1.2 million sq ft at McCormick Place in Chicago. PMMI expects 50,000 attendees will peruse the exhibit hall looking for the latest in processing and packaging across a wide variety of industries. Pack Expo will take place Nov. 6-9.

“We are expecting the 2016 installment of Pack Expo and Pharma Expo to break records across the board,” said Jim Pittas, senior vice-president, trade shows, PMMI. “The size of the show, the number of exhibiting companies and total attendance are all projected to surpass past shows. We are projecting the number of exhibiting companies to grow at least 19% from the 2014 show, providing attendees the opportunity to forge strong business relationships through face-to-face interaction with industry leaders. No other show in North America will offer the depth and breadth of solutions providers like Pack Expo and Pharma Expo.”

Not only will attendees be able to see the newest technological innovations, but they will also be able to partake in educational opportunities at four different Innovation Stages on the show floor. Every stage will feature 30-minute seminars on ideas in packaging.

Always at the forefront of the food industry’s mind is food safety, and Pack Expo offers an educational resource in the Food Safety Summit Resource Center. Here, attendees can talk with experts, ask questions and pick up information concerning this important and complicated topic.

The Reusable Packaging Association’s Reusables Learning Center will teach attendees about integrating reusables into the supply chain. The National Confectioners Association hosts The Candy Bar Lounge where confectionery industry leaders can network and learn about the latest industry news. Everyone will ­benefit from the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, which will offer a look at award-winning packaging from all over the world.

Most notable to the baking and snack industries is the Baking-Snack Break Lounge, hosted by the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA). Bakers and snack manufacturers will find this lounge can easily serve as a central meeting place and information center for those in the industry. Of the 50,000 attendees at Pack Expo, nearly 15% identify as belonging to the baking and snack industries.

“The opportunity to, once again, partner with PMMI and Pack Expo on this lounge is one that we are very excited about,” said David Van Laar, president, B&CMA. “Pack Expo is a valuable event for those in the baking and snack space, and by hosting this lounge, we provide those in the industry with a specific place for them to network and discuss the latest industry innovations.”

This year’s Pack Expo aims to be a one-stop shop of packaging innovation and information. For more information on this trade show, visit www.pmmi.org.