Gain an education edge at this year’s Pack Expo

In today’s competitive landscape, it is more important than ever to stay on top of cutting-edge technologies and innovation as they continue to evolve at a blink of an eye. There’s no better place to get ideas and solutions for your business than at Pack Expo International 2014 (Nov. 2-5, McCormick Place, Chicago). This is the ultimate resource for developing networking and educational opportunities that allow you to grow professionally within your organization.

After the most successful Pack Expo Las Vegas on record last year, show owner and producer PMMI, The Assn. for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is projecting similar success for Pack Expo International 2014 and PharmaExpo, an inaugural show providing total solutions for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Pack Expo’s newest neighbor will be presented jointly with the Intl. Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).

“One of the benefits of attending  Pack Expo,” says PMMI’s Jim Pittas, vp, trade shows “is how much you can learn, simply by looking at technologies up close, talking to experts and networking with peers. The size and scope of Pack Expo means you’ll encounter—and learn from—innovation everywhere you turn.”

Those opportunities include educational sessions presented throughout the exhibit hall, including featured areas such as The Innovation Stage, The Food Safety Summit Resource Center (sponsored by the Food Safety Summit and GE Intelligent Packaging), The Center for Trends and Technologies (sponsored by Rockwell Automation and its PartnerNetwork Program) and the Reusables Learning Center (endorsed by the Reusable Packaging Assn.). Over in Pharma Expo, ISPE’s world-class conference program will specifically address needs of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.

"Pack Expo is where you’ll encounter innovation,” Pittas adds. “It’s where you can see how your peers in other industries tackle challenges like the ones you face every day. As you cross between Pharma Expo and Pack Expo, you’re going to find new ways to approach the goals you have for your packaging and processing operations.”

Engaging education
With more than 1.1 million sq ft at your disposal to explore, take advantage of these educational offerings:

• The Center for Trends & Technology (CTT)—Sponsored by Rockwell Automation and its PartnerNetwork Program, this program will have learning sessions centered on the theme of “Improving Production through Innovation.”

“The CTT provides an action-oriented Pack Expo experience for attendees,” says Mike Wagner, global packaging business manager, Rockwell Automation. “Our goal is for attendees to leave with solutions that will start solving their manufacturing challenges right away, and help them anticipate future needs.”

With 10 daily sessions, topics include machine safety, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), The Internet of Things (IoT), security control networks, remote support and the IoT, serialization, line optimization/performance and more. From presentations and interactive kiosks, you’ll learn about the latest technologies and emerging trends. (Located in South Hall, Booth #S-3907).

• The Food Safety Summit Resource Center—Swing by for information, one-on-one consultations and free presentations addressing critical food safety issues, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA). Here you can listen to hear experts
discuss best practices, recent advances and proven strategies for maintaining a safe environment and product. (Located in South Hall, Booth #S-2962).

• Active and Intelligent Packaging Association (AIPIA) Congress—The AIPIA will survey the role active and intelligent packaging technology can play in profitability through a complement of sessions.

“Major brand owners are clearly ready to invest heavily in active and intelligent packaging. Some already have,” says Charles Yuska, president/CEO of PMMI, The Assn. for Packaging and Processing Technologies. 

“Recent conversations have taken us by surprise—not due to the enthusiasm for the technologies, but the diverse range of motivations behind it. The AIPIA Congress is on the right topics, at the right place and at the right time.”

On Nov. 2, the Congress forum will reveal several promising research and development projects. Program highlights will include sessions on nanotechnology, track and trace, smart labels, food waste reduction, anti-counterfeiting and shelf-life extension. Separate registration from Pack Expo International/Pharma Expo is required to participate. Visit pdlinks.com/AIPIACongress  for more information about registration.(Located in West Building of McCormick Place).

• Clemson University’s CUshop—Back by popular demand, the Clemson University interactive shopping experience lets you explore the impact of packaging. Try out their eye-tracking technology, virtual reality and packaging insights testing for yourself. As you walk through a simulated store, the technology will aggregate participant data to determine the impact of packaging on shopper attention. (Located in Lower Lakeside Hall, Booth # E-10112).

• Reusables Learning Center (RLC)—Endorsed by the Reusable Packaging Assn. (RPA), the RLC offers free education sessions on integrating reusables into your supply chain and capitalizing on their many benefits. Gain insight from presentations such as Reusables 101; Refining the Produce Supply Chain; and Reusable Transport Packaging Boot Camp. (Located in Lakeside Upper Hall, Booth #E-6866).

• Exhibitor educational sessions—Familiarize yourself with suppliers and their products by attending their in-booth education sessions. When you fully comprehend how the product or service works, you are better able to optimize its benefits and justify your purchasing decision.

• Innovation Stage—Stop by one of several stages to see your choice of 75 eye-opening, 30-min presentations by packaging and processing industry experts. Topics include next generation packaging, active and intelligent packaging, display packaging design with impact and sustainability. Visit pdlinks.com/InnovationStage14 to view session times and location. (Location North Upper Hall, Booth #N-4560, #N-4570 and #N-4580).  

New sourcing solutions
This year, Pack Expo International welcomes the new Contract Packaging Assn. Sourcing Center presented by PMMI and the Contract Packaging Assn. (CPA). This new educational offering will be a showcase for the capabilities of the nation’s top contract packagers—and a huge resource to Pharma Expo, as well as Pack Expo, attendees.

“In addition to the CPA members who will exhibit there, the Contract Packaging Assn. Sourcing Center will feature a display of innovative packages alongside experts who can speak to the benefits of using contract packagers,” says Yuska.

While at the Sourcing Center, check out product samples, videos, educational materials and brochures from the 20 CPA member sponsors and the association. The CPA will also be on hand at the Innovation Stage on Tues., Nov. 4 at 3:00 p.m. Panelists from different sectors of the supply chain will answer questions about how contract packaging affects their businesses. Gain insight from representatives from a large, multi-national food company, an innovative contract packager and packaging material suppliers about their experiences related to contract packaging, trends and opportunities for innovation and growth.