What to expect at PACK EXPO Las Vegas' September return

Show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies said there will be more than 1,500 exhibitors, targeted education and networking opportunities spread across four halls at the venue.

“Registration is already exceeding expectations, and we anticipate well over 20,000 packaging and processing professionals in attendance this September,”​ said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI.

“These numbers indicate an industry eager and more ready than ever to get back together. With thousands of attendees from CPGs and pharma companies already registered to attend and 1,500 exhibiting companies, this is the one place that will unite the entire industry this year.”​

“With so many solutions on display and access to the top exhibitors and industry experts, attendees in Las Vegas can accomplish more in three days than a year’s worth of research,”​ said Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows.

“So often we hear from past attendees who discovered technologies that solved challenges they didn’t even know existed.” ​

The Processing Zone returns with front-of-the-line solutions such as homogenizing, heat treating, forming/sizing and coating to help increase efficiency, achieve total system integration and ensure food safety. New in 2021 is the Processing Innovation stage, focusing on the latest processing breakthroughs.

Additional pavilions include the PACKage Printing Pavilion, showcasing the latest in cost-effective digital printing solutions; The Containers and Materials Pavilion, displaying the latest in new recyclables and bio-based materials, printable films, flexible, resealable and plant-based packaging; The Reusable Packaging Pavilion: sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), highlighting sustainable packaging solutions and the Confectionery Pavilion, home of the Candy Bar Lounge, sponsored by Syntegon Packaging Technology and hosted by the National Confectioners Association (NCA).

The new PACK to the Future exhibit takes attendees on a journey through the evolution of packaging and processing, how the industrial and scientific revolutions led to rapid innovations and mass production and how the digital revolution is shaping the future. The exhibit includes nearly 30 historic packaging and processing machines dating from the late 1890s to the late 1970s with imagery supplied by museums and instantly recognizable consumer packaged goods brands including Coca-Cola, General Mills, Kellogg, Hormel, Anheuser-Busch and Merck. The PACK to the Future Stage will highlight future technology, including innovative sustainability initiatives, e-commerce solutions, smart packaging and artificial intelligence.

The Technology Excellence Awards allow attendees to recognize and vote on innovative exhibitor technology new to PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO. Winners will be announced at the show on September 28.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO will feature free 30-minute exhibitor-hosted seminars on breakthroughs and best practices at The Innovation Stages. The Forum offers free, 45-minute learning sessions on the latest industry trends, including hands-on activities, small group discussions and Q&As with leading organizations. Attendees can also learn the latest trends and benefits of reusable packaging in the Reusable Packaging Learning Center.

The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast, The New World of Work, combines networking and education, with a panel discussion of key industry trends, like moving to digitalization and automation on the plant floor and their impact on workplace diversity. 

In addition to driving more women into the industry, the Workforce Development Pavilion, located in the North Hall, is a one-stop-shop for strengthening and growing the packaging and processing workforce.

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO also offer activities aimed at getting students excited about careers in packaging and processing with robotics teams from Las Vegas area high schools showing their robots in action at the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase.

Registration, which includes access to both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, is $30 through Sept. 3, after which the price increases by $100.

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