In recent years, packaging departments at consumer packaged goods companies, such as Campbell Soup Co., have realized many benefits from using 3D printing for packaging design, development and prototyping.

Attendees to WestPack in Anaheim, CA, Feb. 11-13, 2014, will have several opportunities to learn about the latest technologies and applications—and possibly win a free printer.

Learning opportunities
The following presentations are scheduled for the Center Stage, Booth 700 in Hall E:

Tues., Feb. 11, 2:00-2:30 p.m.: “Today's 3D printing and additive manufacturing applications” by Dylan Oliver, general manager, FATHOM.
Wed, Feb. 12, 2:00-2:30 p.m.: “3D Printing in healthcare” by Tim Lew, medical device sales, 3D Systems.
Thurs, Feb. 13, 2:00-2:30 p.m.: “Demonstration of 3D printing and 3-Wheeled hybrid electric vehicle”
Presented by: Students and instructors from California State University, Long Beach—Ben Cannon, Master's student, Steven Peterson, Master's student, Ketan Ranade, Master's student, Max Beach, instructor and Tracy Robinette, instructor.

3D printer giveaway
Show organizer UBM Canon will also be giving away 3D printers to three winners, selected daily from that day’s eligible entries. The odds of winning will be determined by the total number of entries received each day.
The prizes include:

Feb. 11: FlashForge 3D printer, dual extruder with 6 ABS spools (approximate retail value $1,323)
Feb. 12: 3D Systems Cube 2 3D printer with 3 additional printing cartridges (approximate retail value $1,558)
Feb. 13: MakerBot Replicator 2 3D Printer with 3 large PLA spools (approximate retail value $2,352)

View the official sweepstakes rules here.

Justin Cross, UBM Canon marketing manager, gives Packaging Digest more details about the program:

How do people enter?
Cross: They just need to come down to our Audience Appreciation Booth (booth 266 in Hall E) at the Anaheim event this Feb 11-13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. We’ll scan their event badge to enter them. If they cannot attend the event, there is an alternative entry method mentioned [in the rules].

How many are you giving away? Where and when will the winners be announced?
Cross: We will award one printer each day of the three-day show, so three in total. The entries for each day are for the printer of the day, so they can enter the next day for the next printer, with drawings at approximately 4:15 p.m. PST Tuesday and Wednesday, and 3:00 p.m. PST Thursday. Drawings will be held where they entered, in the Audience Appreciation Booth (booth number 266 in Hall E).

Why give away 3D printers?
Cross: 3D printers are currently a hot topic for our events. We wanted to provide our attendees something that was exciting while still relevant to their work or hobbies. 3D printers seemed like a perfect fit.