The world market for packaging machinery value is expected to reach $42.2 billion by 2021, according to PMMI’s Global Trends Impacting the Market for Packaging Machinery 2018 report. As the worldwide market becomes increasingly larger and more complex, PMMI presents PACK EXPO International October 14-17, 2018, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The show will bring together more than 2,500 exhibitors and 50,000 packaging industry professionals over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.
PACK EXPO International will address the trends and challenges driving the food and beverage, and other packaged goods industries. Attendees include manufacturers, managers, engineers, production supervisors, purchasers, brand managers, package designers, product development professionals and supply chain and logistics professionals from more than 40 vertical markets and companies of all sizes.
Attendees and exhibitors alike will have access to some must-see highlights at this year’s show:
The PACKage Printing Pavilion: Making its debut at PACK EXPO International 2018, the PACKage Printing Pavilion is the industry’s main stage for digital’s advantages for short-run, on-demand, cost-effective variable data and personalized packaging.
The Containers and Materials Pavilion: This year’s Containers and Materials Pavilion will address the latest innovations in paperboard, glass, metal and plastic. Flexible and resalable packaging options will also be on display, as well as innovative containers and sustainable choices. The Pavilion will also feature the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, where visitors can view award-nominated packages.
The Confectionery Pavilion: Candy and snack connoisseurs can find the newest trends and technologies relating to aeration, batch refining, shaping, cluster production and cooling conveyers at the Confectionery Pavilion. Sponsored by the National Confectioner’s Association, this Pavilion will also highlight innovations in easy-open packaging, portion control and much more.
The Reusable Packaging Pavilion: As demand rises for sustainable packaging solutions, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), is a hotspot for reusable products, services and solutions for increasing sustainability across the supply chain. The RPA’s Reusable Packaging Center within the pavilion will offer free presentations on case studies and best practices for incorporating reusables.
PACK gives BACK: Sponsored by Rockwell Automation, PMMI’s regular benefit returns to PACK EXPO International with a networking event in support of PACK EXPO Scholarships, a scholarship program for U.S. and Canadian students majoring in packaging and processing. Guests can enjoy beer, wine, light appetizers and a performance by comedian Sebastian Maniscalo. Tickets to the fundraiser are $75. The fundraiser on Monday, Oct. 15, kicks off with a networking reception at 4:30 p.m. followed by the comedy performance at 5:30 p.m. For more information and to get tickets, visit: https://www.packexpointernational.com/pack-gives-back
The Forum at PACK EXPO: Take advantage of free, unique, interactive presentations throughout PACK EXPO International. The Forum will feature 20-minute open sessions on the latest industry trends by the OpX Leadership Network, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packagers Association and PMMI Business Intelligence, followed by small group discussions and Q&A sessions.
Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN): Launched in 2016, PPWLN serves to recruit, retain and advance women in processing and packaging. The PPWLN breakfast is on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7:30 a.m. The meeting will include presentations and discussions allowing peers to exchange ideas and experiences.
The Innovation Stage: In addition to the packaging and processing technologies that will be on display on the show floor, PACK EXPO International will be giving attendees access to free educational programming at The Innovation Stage. During the show, free 30-minute seminars presenting breakthrough technologies and techniques will be scheduled and will focus on a wide range of industry specific solutions. The Innovation Stage is located in the North Building, Booths N-4560, N-4570 and N-4580.
Industry-specific Lounges: PACK EXPO International attendees can network with peers, gain specialized insights and rest their feet at the show’s three industry-specific lounges. Networking receptions for snack, confectionery and beverage industry lounges will take place in their respective locations on Tuesday, Oct. 16, from 3:30-5 p.m.
- The Candy Bar Lounge (S-2583) will serve as a networking destination for confectionery industry experts and their customers.
- The Beverage Cooler Lounge (N-4575) will serve as a networking hub for beverage industry professionals and International Society of Beverage Technologists subject matter experts.
- The Snack Break Lounge (N-4565) will serve as the central meeting place and information center for snack industry professionals at the show.
The Candy Bar Lounge (Booth S-2583) will serve as a networking destination for confectionery industry experts and their customers.Student Opportunities: PACK EXPO International offers programs and activities aimed at getting students excited about careers in packaging.
The Amazing Packaging Race: Students are invited to discover the exciting possibilities in the packaging and processing industry by participating in the Amazing Packaging Race. In this fun and educational event, teams from colleges and universities across the U.S. race around the PACK EXPO International show floor to complete tasks at the booths of participating exhibitors. Wednesday, Oct. 17; 9 a.m.–2 p.m., Booth E-350.
CareerLink @ PACK EXPO: CareerLink, PMMI’s online job board, is going live at PACK EXPO International 2018. CareerLink @ PACK EXPO is an opportunity for PMMI members and consumer packaged goods companies to meet with students and veterans pursuing careers in packaging and processing during one-on-one informational interviews. Interviews will take place at the show on Monday, Oct. 15 (9 a.m.–3 p.m.) and Tuesday, Oct. 16 (9 a.m.–5 p.m.) at booth E-353a.
Future Innovators Robotics Showcase: Come see high school robotics teams from the across the country showcase their design, engineering and troubleshooting skills. Ask about their robot design. Inquire about the competition. Check out their innovations. Sunday-Tuesday, Oct. 14, 15 & 16; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at booth E-6620=
Workforce Development: PMMI is offering popular training workshops at McCormick Place to coincide with PACK EXPO International. https://www.packexpointernational.com/pmmiu
Risk Assessment Workshop — Oct. 12–13, 2018: Looking for ways to reduce downtime, improve productivity and ensure worker safety? Join PMMI’s Risk Assessment experts at PACK EXPO International and learn the tips and techniques to perform and document the important risk assessment process.
Certified Trainer Workshop — Oct. 14–15, 2018: PMMI’s Certified Trainer Workshops will equip your company with strategies and tactics to train well across all employee skill levels including service technicians, service and training managers, maintenance technicians, internal trainers, line supervisors and any employee tasked with training fellow employees or customers.
Introduction to Field Service — Oct. 15–16, 2018: Field service technicians are the face of your organization. While technical proficiency garners the most attention, there is far more to being a technician. This 2-day workshop explores non-technical knowledge and skills needed to be a great technician. Topics include: Customer Service, Troubleshooting, Environmental Issues, Safety, Training and Service Call Follow Up.
PACK EXPO International Mobile App: Navigate both shows like a pro with the show’s free mobile app.
- Look up exhibitors, products and educational sessions
- Create and save a personal agenda of what you want to see and do
- Navigate from booth to booth with the interactive map
- Get news and notifications about demos, giveaways and more
- Access your agenda anywhere
PACK EXPO International brings together industry professionals from around the world to catch up on the latest technologies and trends. For more information and to register online, visit packexpointernational.com
