California will become a mecca for packaging professionals from around the world next month, when WestPack returns to the Anaheim Convention Center, Feb. 9 to 11.
WestPack attendees get hands-on opportunities to evaluate new equipment, technology and materials that can lower costs, reduce waste, and increase efficiency. Visitors are exposed to a multitude of new, more cost-effective methods to help improve product and business margins.
Representing a broad range of industries and market segments, WestPack 2010 includes five special-focus pavilions on a wide array of subjects, including: Contract Packaging and Outsourcing Services; Cosmetic and Personal Care Packaging; Green Packaging; Material Handling & Logistics; and Pharmaceutical & Nutraceutical Packaging.
In addition, WestPack 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 popular among attendees is the Green Manufacturing Expo (GMX), which is co-located with WestPack. This event showcases software, materials, products and technologies that allow manufacturers to enhance sustainable manufacturing efforts. Within GMX, the Green Packaging Pavilion will be featured.
Other co-located events of interest include MD&M West; Electronics West; Pacific Design & Manufacturing; and PLASTEC West.
Innovation briefs
WestPack visitors can attend a variety of Innovation Briefs, short presentations given on a wide array of key topics, including: Anti-counterfeit technology; sustainability and automation; induction sealing technologies; rapid prototyping systems; and more. All of the Innovation Briefs presentations are included free with show registration and are conducted at WestPack's Innovation Briefs Theater, Booth 3541.
Lean factory showcase
WestPack is a showcase for the Lean Factory Group. This association comprises some of America's leading Lean Manufacturing product and service providers. These companies include trusted partners in the lean transformation of the early 1990s; they have worked closely with many of the world's leading companies for training, consulting and physical factory conversions.
The mission of the Lean Factory Group is to promote successful lean transformations through an event called the Lean Roadshow, at Booth 4091.
As part of the Lean Roadshow, WestPack visitors have opportunities to attend free educational sessions that demonstrate the importance of a data-driven approach to line design, the need to create an environment that supports lean with the right equipment and infrastructure and the tools to create a visual factory.
Attendees can witness the step-by-step creation of a perfect lean production environment, culminating in an actual build demonstration on an optimum lean line.
Space is limited for this complimentary feature, so visitors should indicate interest in attending the Lean Factory when they register.
Medical-device packaging conference
WestPack attendees also can register for a day-long conference session on medical-device packaging, offered at the co-located MD&M West Conference.
The medical-device packaging conference will be held on Monday, Feb. 8, the day prior to the opening of the main WestPack show.
WestPack 2010 will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center. Show registration is free for attendees who pre-register online. Attendees will otherwise be charged the $55 expo-only registration fee in order to register onsite.
For more information or registration, go to www.westpackshow.com
