One of packaging's most important tradeshows comes to Anaheim, CA in February. WestPack 2009 is expected to draw thousands of attendees from all facets of the packaging world.

To emphasize topics of particular importance, WestPack includes five special-focus pavilions: Contract Packaging & Outsourcing Services; Cosmetic & Personal Care Packaging; Green Packaging; Material Handling & Logistics; and Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Packaging.

In addition, WestPack also hosts a number of co-located events. Of particular interest to packaging professionals is Automation Technology Expo (ATX) West, which focuses on the latest technological advances in custom automation and assembly, robotics, control software and more.

Also expected to be popular among attendees is the Green Manufacturing Expo (GMX), which is co-located with WestPack. This event showcases software, materials, products and technologies that enable manufacturers to achieve sustainable manufacturing. Within GMX, the Green Packaging Pavilion will be featured.

Other co-located events of interest include the Medical Design & Manufacturing West show, Design & Manufacturing and the PLASTEC West Pavilion.

Included in the Medical Design & Manufacturing West show is a day-long conference on medical packaging design and testing that will address a number of key topics for those involved in the field.

Registration for the conference is $695.

WestPack 2009 runs February 10 to 12 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Registration is free before the show, or $55 onsite. For more information or for registration, go to www.westpackshow.com.