International Hot Spot
- Published: October 01, 2002, By Carrie Cleaveland, Editorial Intern
If there's only one reason for you to attend Pack Expo Intl. this year, you obviously haven't heard about the other 1,599. More than 1,600 exhibitors from 70-plus countries covering more than 1.2 million sq ft of floor space are bringing the latest innovations in packaging and converting machinery, materials, packages and containers, controls, software, components, fabrication, robotics, and design systems to Chicago's McCormick Place. Pack Expo Intl. 2002 places thousands of products and ideas at your fingertips, and all you have to do is show up!
“Only at Pack Expo Intl. can buying teams achieve national and global objectives for 2003 and beyond,” says Charles D. Yuska, president of Packaging Machinery Mfrs. Inst. (PMMI), the show's organizer. “Companies can view a wide range of new equipment cost-effectively…and expedite the decision-making process. And, with most economists predicting an economic recovery for the second half of 2002, Pack Expo Intl. is expected to be one of the most important packaging events this year.”
Be There or Be Square
According to PMMI, 50,000 decision-makers are expected to bring their influence to the convention floor, 15% of these attendees represent international businesses. The international appeal of the show is so potent, the US Department of Commerce (DOC) selected Pack Expo 2002 to participate in its International Buyer Program for the sixth consecutive time. Under this program, the DOC will use its worldwide network to promote the show.
Yuska comments, “Unlike other large international shows, Pack Expo Intl. is recognized as the primary trade show to release new applications to the marketplace…if an attendee thought they saw it all in 2000, these new exhibitors will prove them wrong.”
There is little doubt of that. PMMI announced that 240 new suppliers plan to exhibit at Pack Expo Intl., promising a greater amount of ideas to be showcased and technology to be gained. Moreover, according to a Business Travel Survey of 5,000 individual packaging professionals by eBrain Market Research of Arlington, VA, 83% of respondents heavily rely on trade shows for researching new and innovative products and witnessing live demonstrations. In addition, 63% of the respondents said Pack Expo Intl. was the only trade show they planned to attend this year, making it their choice show for research and demonstrations.
Keeping in the Loop
Of course, Pack Expo Intl. has plans to keep you busy on and off the showroom floor. The show's conference series will run Monday to Wednesday, November 4-6, featuring four sessions per day covering a wide range of topics. Whether it's quick changeover, product safety and security, pouch technology, or x-ray inspection, the conference program undoubtedly has something to pique your interest. Be sure to check out the show's three “Eye Opener” Plenary Sessions, held at 8:00 A.M. preceding the daily conference sessions. Representatives of Georgia-Pacific, Ernst & Young, Wal-Mart Stores, General Mills, and Osram-Silvana will offer informative presentations, including: “Packaging Identification, Today and Tomorrow: Advancing toward a Global Coding Standard”; “The Evolving Global Packaging Market: Directions, Challenges, and Drivers of Change”; and “Understanding and Meeting the Packaging Requirements of Mass Merchandisers and Club Stores.”
From showroom to conference room and back again, Pack Expo Intl. 2002 features something for everyone and promises to be “your direct route to packaging innovation.”
Noverber 3-7: Pack Expo Intl. 2002, PMMI, McCormick Pl., Chicago, IL (PMMI, 4350 N. Fairfax Dr., Ste. 600, Arlington, VA 22203; 703/243-8555; packexpo.com).
