The 2019 PackEx exposition—scheduled for June 4-6 at the Toronto Congress Centre—showcases the latest packaging technologies. Visitors will get a chance to peruse “smart” machines, emerging materials, packaging automation solutions, digital printers and more.

Attendees can connect with suppliers representing an array of product categories. After collecting feedback from past attendees, show organizers have assembled exhibitors from the most in-demand fields, including packaging machinery automation, sustainability, robotics, contract manufacturing and more.

Part of the overall Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) Expo, PackEx will offer a range of advantages for attendees:

Manufacturer exhibits

The expo will host booths from nearly 600 suppliers serving the packaging industry, ranging from small startups to global corporations. Companies on the exhibit roster include Rexroth, A Bosch Co. (Booth 1213), Harpak-ULMA Packaging (Booth 1667), Reiser Canada Co. (Booth 1203), IPL Plastics (Booth 1607), tna North America (Booth 1621), Weber Marking Systems Canada (Booth 1309), UniTrack Corp. Ltd. (Booth 1121) and Wepackit Machinery (Booth 1503).

Enterprising companies

Produced in partnership with the Canadian government, the Start Up Stadium (Booth 653) showcases a number of packaging-focused startups from the region. During two sessions—10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday—attendees are invited to meet with representatives from these promising firms to discover technology, discuss ideas and network.

Technology introductions

In the Tech Theatre (Booth 127), industry professionals will tackle a number of technological trends and concerns. Topics on tap include:

• “Walking the Line of Quality Control,” Tues., June 4, 10:30 a.m.

• “Machine and Robotics Safety,” Tues., June 4, 11:30 a.m.

• “The Factory of the Future Drives Customer Benefits,” Wed., June 5, 11:30 a.m.

Industry experts to speak

PackEx educational sessions—like the more than 20 scheduled for Centre Stage at Booth 170—offer attendees the opportunity to learn about hot topics, from the latest trends, to tricky technical challenges, to technological advancements on the horizon.

Here are a few of the packaging-related sessions planned:

• “Avoid a #packagingfail with Your eCommerce Product,” Tues., June 4, noon.

• “Food & Beverage Packaging Trends You Need to Know,” Wed., June 5, noon.

• “Sustainable Plastic Packaging—What Really Matters to Consumers?” Thurs., June 6, 2:00 p.m.

Drink and be merry in your career

Additionally, attendees can enjoy these other free meetings at the show:

• Booth Crawl on Tues., June 4, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., invites attendees to visit participating exhibitors for a drink and networking. Click the link for more details on where to go.

• Career Zone on Thurs., June 6, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., provides several different sessions to help you advance your career. On top of career advice, learn how to hone your interview skills and write a compelling resume.

Registration for the three-day PackEx event is free to qualified attendees. Visit the PackEx Toronto website for more information or to sign up.

Freelance writer and former Packaging Digest senior editor Jenni Spinner is a trade journalist with more than two decades of experience in the field. While she has covered numerous industries (including construction, engineering, building security, food production and public works), packaging remains her favorite.