Pack Expo Las Vegas 2007 (www.packexpo.com), sponsored by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), Arlington, Va., focuses on packaging technology and state-of-the-art advances in packaging machinery, converting machinery materials, packages and containers and components. Process Expo, sponsored by the McClean, Va.-based Food Processing Suppliers Assn. (FPSA), demonstrates developments in processing technology to meet the challenges faced by food, beverage and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Converting and Package Printing Expo reflects new market synergies of the package printing, converting and finishing business.
Food safety concerns are top of mind, so it behooves attendees to make time to visit the Brand Protection Center to check out the latest initiatives and technologies to guard against bioterrorism, package tampering, counterfeiting and product adulteration. The Containers and Materials Pavilion will highlight the latest in paperboard, glass, metal, plastic and flexible packaging. There also will be pavilions dedicated to contract packaging and RFID. And for best-in-class packaging, a visit to the Showcase of Packaging Innovations is a must.
"Sustainability: The New Manufacturing Imperative" is the unifying theme of the show. Recent events have shaken consumer confidence in the safety, security and sustainability of the food supply, so Monday's keynote speaker -- Cal Dooley, president and CEO, of the Grocery Manufacturers Assn./Food Products Assn. -- will address the issue in "Consumer Confidence: A Shared Objective of the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry and Policymakers."
Tuesday's keynoter is John Luke, chairman/CEO of MeadWestvaco Corp., Glen Allan, Va. He will share his insight on "Brand Sustainability: The New Relationship between Sustainable Packaging and Winning Brands."
And Wednesday's keynote, "Assuring Safety in the Global Food Market: Our Shared Responsibilities," will be delivered by David Acheson, FDA's assistant commissioner for food protection. He will outline the agency's food safety challenges -- prevention, inspections and testing, and developing faster response time -- and what the industry can and must do to help.
It's notable that PMMI will debut Packexpo TV, an Internet-based communications channel, which will broadcast via Packexpo.com during the show and subsequently year round. Modeled after television news broadcasts, Packexpo TV delivers product announcements, corporate news and industry service alerts from packaging suppliers and other industry stakeholders.
"Packexpo TV will serve as a dynamic conduit of information from all industry stakeholders including suppliers, corporations and associations to the tens of thousands of packaging professionals who use Packexpo.com as a tool in their business," explains Charles Yuska, president and CEO of PMMI. "Packexpo TV will strongly support the industry's efforts to keep up-to-date on the emerging trends and issues that impact the packaging industry."
Advance registration is $25 on or before Sept. 24. Thereafter, register on-site for $50. Exhibit hours are: Oct. 15-17 are 9 a.m.-4 p.m. www.packexpo.com
