Pack Expo trade shows are often compared to a large processing and packaging classrooms, offering a breadth of solutions and technologies that inspire innovations across industries. With the wide range of exhibitors at Pack Expo Las Vegas 2015 and Pharma Expo, held Sept. 28–30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, this year’s event is more than living up to its reputation. The more than 2,000 exhibiting companies and 30,000 attendees expected will represent more than 40 market segments. Merely attending the show is an education. Attendees learn about new applications and technologies just by walking the show floor. There’s also more formal learning to explore, and it starts on the show floor at Innovation Stage.
Show owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has released a schedule of Innovation Stage educational sessions. No more than 30 minutes long, each of the 40-plus presentations is an opportunity to hear from experts describing specific applications and benefits. The following are a few of particular interest to the baking and snack markets:
The Regulatory and Risk Landscape for Flexible Food Packaging
Monday, Sept. 28: 10:00 –10:30 a.m.
Innovation Stage, Booth C-1045
Speaker: Joseph Spinnato, regulatory compliance manager, Ashland, Inc.
As consumers become increasingly concerned about food safety, it is imperative that packaging converters work closely with food companies to establish pathways for reducing risk and potential adulteration of the food. Techniques for conducting proper migration studies for intended use, with supporting data, will be presented.
The Latest Snacking Trends and their Impact on Packaging
Monday, Sept. 28: 2:00–2:30 p.m.
Innovation Stage, Booth C-1049
Speaker: Aaron Wallander, marketing director, Bemis North America
With consumers more active and mobile, it's no surprise that traditional meals are being replaced with snacks on the go. Last year consumers worldwide spent $374 billion on snack foods. Understanding why and how people access their favorite snacks are key factors in designing fresh-inspired, consumer-friendly packaging.
Transforming Packaging with Specialty Coatings
Tuesday, Sept. 29: 11:00–11:30 a.m.
Innovation Stage, Booth C-1041
Speaker: Bob O’Boyle, product manager, Coatings Sun Chemical
Traditionally, packaging was developed and used for purely functional purposes, including the transport, storage and protection of everyday goods. Now we live in a different world where packaging drives sales, communication, advertising, branding and product security.
Innovation Stage’s three adjoining locations on the Pack Expo Las Vegas show floor, Booths C-1041, C-1045 and C-1049, are adjacent to the PACK EXPO Partner Pavilion. A fourth stage serves Pharma Expo at Booth N-559.
The preliminary schedule of Innovation Stage presentations is available at packexpolasvegas.com, where you can also register to attend the show. Registration is $30 per person through Sept. 14, when it increases to $100.
