With just about two weeks to go before the opening of the biggest packaging and converting tradeshows in the world this year—PACK EXPO International and CPP EXPO, here’s a quick Converting Curmudgeon look at what you need to get ready for these events.
WHAT: 1,600 exhibitors, 45,000 attendees
WHERE: Chicago’s McCormick Place (pretty much all of it except the lonely [and unnecessary] West Building. But that’s another story).
WHEN: Sunday, October 31 to Wednesday, November 3.
HOURS: 9 AM to 5 PM each day.
FEES: $60 on-site
MORE INFO: www.packexpo.com www.cppexpo.com
Here’s how to find exhibitors and your way around: 2010 Floor Plan
CONVERTING QUARTERLY will exhibit in Booth 9321 (East Bldg. Lower Level). Stop by to subscribe to the new print magazine and weekly Converting Quarterly E-News. While at the show on Nov. 2, don’t miss our FREE, one-hour seminar, “Patent-Law Fundamentals for Business and Technical Leaders.” It’s at 11 AM to Noon in McCormick Place East, Room E-451. More Info
What’s New in 2010:
The Processing Zone—(aka the old “International Exposition for Food Processors”). It houses the latest processing technologies that will help today’s leading companies address the production line as a complete process. [Not much for converters here, of course, but it’s part of the total supply-chain concept that PMMI is promoting. -CC]
The Confectionery Pavilion—sponsored by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), it showcases innovations from the confection and snack-food sectors. [Bound to be visited by thousands whose only interest is free chocolate…like me. -CC]
The Brand Zone—Formerly known as the Containers & Materials Pavilion (wasn’t that a snazzy name?), the Brand Zone highlights packages and packaging materials designed to increase visual impact, enhance convenience, maximize shelf life and add functionality. It’s right alongside the CPP EXPO show. Inside the Zone will be the annual “Showcase of Packaging Innovations®,” sponsored by Dow Chemical, and the PACK EXPO Selects™ nominees and winners. [Lots of sustainability focus in the top entrants this year. -CC]
Project 2020—The Consumer Experience, sponsored by DuPont, brings the future to Chicago with a look at packaging and retail through emerging trends and technologies.
The DistriPak Pavilion—Dedicated to packaging and paper distributors and sponsored by the NPTA Alliance (formerly the National Paper Trade Assn.), this area helps attendees find leading industrial-packaging distributors and manufacturers of machinery and materials who sell through the distribution channel.
PACK EXPO Green Initiatives
If anything is having an impact on packaging and converting, it’s sustainability, and PACK EXPO International will help you find sustainable solutions and programs. Look for the PACK EXPO Green logo to explore your options when searching their Website online or cruising the showfloor aisles. Exhibitors who green ideas will also have a special sign in their booths.
My PACK EXPO
Check out the My PACK EXPO online tool to help maximize your time before, during and after the shows. The interactive Web-based portal lets you customize your visit, search for exhibitors, set up meetings, and find valuable contacts right from where you’re at now—a computer.
My Thoughts: Nothing beats PACK EXPO for an all-encompassing, intensive four days of packaging and converting technology, education and live, in-person interaction with your industry peers…except maybe Interpack (but you’ll have to wait until next spring for that). I’m certainly looking forward to seeing old friends and business acquaintances as well as meeting new customers for CONVERTING QUARTERLY. Again, stop by Booth 9321 and say hello.
