Industry growth powers largest ever Pack Expo and Pharma Expo

Pack Expo International (Nov. 6–9; McCormick Place, Chicago) and co-located Pharma Expo 2016 projects as a record breaker with a combined 50,0000 attendees seeking new technologies and insights from 2,500-plus exhibitors over 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, according to show producer PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

This anticipated increase in show participation — illustrated in PMMI’s latest infographic — is bolstered by projections for industry growth. PMMI’s 2016 State of the Industry Report forecasts U.S. shipments of packaging machinery to reach $8.5 billion in 2020 at a CAGR of 2.4 percent.

“Growth in packaging is fueled not just by plant expansions, but also by the need to update operations, creating smarter, faster, safer, flexible and more sustainable lines,” said Jim Pittas, senior vice president, PMMI. “In a time when stagnating on innovation is bad for business, professionals across a wide range of industries attend Pack Expo and Pharma Expo because they know these shows provide the platform for new technologies.”

The shows offer several guide post destinations, such as The Materials & Containers Pavilion, The Processing Zone, The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, The Food Safety Summit Resource Center and a total of four Innovation Stages offering free on-floor educational sessions, to help attendees find the new solutions and insights they need with greater efficiency. The latest addition to the long list of convenience-enhancing features is the Next Gen Networking Fair, taking place in the Education & Workforce Development Pavilion (North Hall, Mezzanine) on Nov. 6 from 3-5 p.m. The event aims to connect both supplier companies and consumer goods manufacturers with student talent.

In addition to increasing participation and an expanding list of show features, Pack Expo International and Pharma Expo 2016, produced in partnership with the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering, ISPE, also boast the largest ever Partner Program, with 31 associations and 11 international pavilion organizers from all reaches of the processing and packaging communities. Included are the Contract Packaging Association, the Brazilian Packaging Association, Japan Packaging Machinery Manufacturers, the International Dairy Foods Association and the United Fresh Produce Association – just to name a few.

With so much to see, attendees looking to make the most of their time on the show floor can start their planning early. The My Show Planner function, accessible on both show websites, helps professionals find suppliers, key technologies and educational opportunities. With this tool, they can make on-site appointments with exhibitors and formalize their schedule for an efficient, customized experience at North America’s largest processing and packaging event this year.