Pack Expo Las Vegas 2015, owned and produced by PMMI, will open up a wealth of opportunities for baking and snack brands to satisfy consumer cravings and tackle trends.

Las Vegas — Research published by Mintel shows snacking in America reaching new heights of popularity, with at least 94% of consumers snacking at least once a day (up from 64% the year before).

Leading the “in between meal charge” are millennials, who add at least four snacks a day to their three squares. Because of this, Mintel said convenience is king, in the form of single-serve and reclosable packages.

Pack Expo Las Vegas 2015, to be held Sept. 28-30 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, and owned and produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, will open up a wealth of opportunities for baking and snack brands to satisfy consumer cravings and tackle trends with tools such as automation to improve productivity, flexibility and efficiency; labeling systems that enhance flexibility and sustainability; and containers and materials to preserve freshness, reduce waste and enhance branding.

Attendees from the baking and snack industries may find targeted solutions in areas like the Processing Zone (Upper South Hall), a hub for processing equipment suppliers, where they also may visit the Food Safety Summit Resource Center (Booth S-7632) for the latest on food safety issues and Food Safety Modernization Act (F.S.M.A.) compliance. Organized and brought to Pack Expo Las Vegas by the Food Safety Summit and co-sponsor GE, The Food Safety Summit Resource Center will be a central location for F.S.M.A. experts who will present educational seminars and be available for one-on-one consultations.

The Center for Trends and Technology (Booth C-4829), organized by Rockwell Automation and its Partner Network, covers the newest in automation technology with displays and educational sessions. The Innovation Stage (Booths C-1041, C-1045, C-1049) will showcase more than 40 educational sessions.

  • The Latest Snacking Trends and their Impact on Packaging, presented by Aaron Wallander, marketing director, Bemis North America (Monday, Sept. 28; 2:00–2:30 p.m.; Booth C-1049)
  • Basic Production Metrics, presented by Dave Van Laar, president, Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (Monday, Sept. 28, 3–3:30 p.m., Booth C-1041 )
  • Basic Project Economic Justification, presented by Dave Van Laar (Tuesday, Sept. 29, Noon–12:30 p.m., (Booth C-1041)

Registration is $30 through Sept. 14. To learn more, visit www.packexpolasvegas.com.