If you've ever wondered what the future of packaging will look like - or if you have an idea of what you think we'll see - get ready for some answers and inspiration at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011 (September 26-28; Las Vegas Convention Center).

The "Package of the Future" design competition, featured in Project 2020: The Consumer Experience, will be located in The Brand Zone in the Lower South Hall. Now in its second year, the competition challenges package designers to envision new ways packaging will drive purchasing decisions a decade from now.

PACK EXPO producer PMMI invites package designers and developers to submit their ideas of what consumers will see on retail shelves in the year 2020. From the entries, a panel of judges will select 10 entries to be made into prototypes and displayed in The Brand Zone. 

From the finalists, judges will choose a Grand Prize Winner to receive the Complete Studio Bundle from EskoArtwork, the software partner for Project 2020: The Consumer Experience. The remaining finalists will receive copies of Studio Designer, EskoArtwork's 3D visualization plug-in for Adobe Illustrator.

Participating design teams must submit a written abstract and illustration of their concept by June 20, 2011. Contest guidelines are available at www.packexpo.com. 

The Brand Zone Sells Out
In addition to the "Package of the Future" competition, PACK EXPO Las Vegas attendees can discover today's innovations in containers and materials in The Brand Zone. The sold-out space will feature over 150 exhibitors across 50,000 square feet and spotlight advancements in glass, plastic, metal and paperboard packaging, decorating and labeling. 

"I found The Brand Zone to be the most innovative part of the show. It has been very helpful in learning about innovations as we look to expand our own products," says Heidi Schille, Packaging Engineer, Johnson & Johnson.
The Brand Zone is also home to the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by the Dow Chemical Co., a special area spotlighting award-winning packaging from around the world. The PACK EXPO Selects^T finalist display, recognizing best-in-class consumer packaging from show exhibitors, is also located here.

The Brand Zone is one of five special pavilions at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and supports the show's ‘customer-centric' strategy by giving attendees specific focal points for their needs.

"Packaging is critical to brand success," adds Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. "Attendees will find packaging innovations in The Brand Zone that can sharpen their competitive edge at the point of sale. The full spectrum of packaging and processing equipment and components on site will help brand owners easily find solutions to bring innovative concepts to market quickly and efficiently." 

For more information about PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011 or to register, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI's Show Department at 703.243.8555 or [email protected].