The 20th anniversary edition of PACK EXPO Las Vegas projects as the show’s largest edition yet, reported show owner and producer The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI). Its 2015 edition will be held Sept. 28-30 at Las Vegas Convention Center.
While its more than 800,000 net square feet of exhibit space is significant, PMMI also anticipates visitor attendance near 30,000 and over 2,000 exhibitors. These industry leaders serve more than 40 vertical markets. The show’s expansion includes the Las Vegas debut of Pharma EXPO, jointly produced by PMMI and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE).
“PACK EXPO shows have evolved alongside the needs of attendees and exhibitors, and we’ve come a long way from where we started,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. “Today, PACK EXPO tradeshows are always the year’s most comprehensive events for packaging innovation. In the case of PACK EXPO Las Vegas, it’s been a quick jump from regional show to expansive, must-attend event.”
In 1995, PMMI introduced the industry to PACK EXPO West, featuring packaging equipment from 532 exhibitors and attracting 9,334 attendees. Exhibit space was about 200,000 net square feet — approximately 25 percent of this year’s event. The international flavor of the show has grown as well, with visitors from outside the U.S. making up 8.3 percent of the attendee base in 1995 and 18 percent at the most recent edition in 2013. The number of international exhibitors also increased from just 54 at the debut event to more than 310 showcasing solutions this year in Las Vegas.
The co-location of Pharma EXPO brings that point home, focusing on supply chain solutions for the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, nutraceutical and medical device industries. The combination of the two shows also presents the opportunity to explore a wide range of industries and ideas, according to Brian Barr, packaging systems sales manager, Heat and Control.
Heat and Control is one of 176 original exhibitors that will be at this year’s show.
“PACK EXPO has evolved to serve the broad needs of a diverse market that has packaging as its nucleus. From equipment for food processing, to conveying, packaging and inspection, this show provides a single forum for presenting and discussing solutions,” said Barr. “As a full-service supplier, we need a full-service tradeshow where our customers can discuss a range of projects at a single location. PACK EXPO is that single source where we can communicate all our products and services to our customers.”
In addition to expanding the scope of solutions on the show floor, PACK EXPO Las Vegas has adapted its educational and networking offerings to meet the needs of today’s manufacturing professionals. Its signature Innovation Stage will occupy three stages on the PACK EXPO show floor (Booths C-1041, C-1045 and C-1049) and a fourth in Pharma EXPO (Booth N–559), all with free, top-tier 30-minute educational sessions running concurrently throughout each day of the show.
Pharma EXPO will also feature a world-class conference program curated by ISPE. As the event has grown, PMMI has also added customer-centric features designed to help attendees maximize their time on the show floor and leverage networking opportunities. Industry-specific lounges and specialized pavilions, like The Brand Zone, provide quick access to the latest developments in specific market niches.
“Over the years, we’ve added features and events, but one thing hasn’t changed,” Yuska stated. “PACK EXPO Las Vegas is a venue where industry professionals come together, do business and find the solutions they need for operational excellence.”
For more information and to register, visit packexpolasvegas.com
Registration for PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Pharma EXPO is $30 through Sept. 14, when it increases to $100.
