COUNTDOWN TO PACK EXPO

New Technology Pavilions at Pack Expo Las Vegas Will Extend Package Designer's Reach and Grasp

By Jeff DeLiberty

Package designers can find the latest trends and technologies that impact the package design process by attending Pack Expo Las Vegas, taking place September 26-28, 2005. Sponsored and produced by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), the expo will fill up the Las Vegas Convention Center, in Las Vegas, NV, with 1,200 machinery, materials, components and containers suppliers covering 500,000 square feet of exhibit space.

The Las Vegas show will feature several brand new pavilions that focus on key technology trends, including the Contract Packaging Pavilion, the Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Pavilion, and the Packaging Security Pavilion. In addition, the popular Containers & Materials Pavilion and Showcase of Packaging Innovations™ will be returning, providing designers with the latest information about packaging from concept to manufacture. A single badge allows access to each of these pavilions, in addition to all other exhibits at the exposition.

The new Contract Packaging Pavilion recognizes the prominence of contract packaging services in today's vibrant marketplace. This resource is an ideal starting point for assessing projects and exploring the many possible options provided by contract packaging partners.

The RFID Pavilion will provide resources for full packaging operations integration of RFID/EPC, highlighting all the technology package designers need to know to implement RFID. Designers can also find the tools they need for enabling RFID-driven printing and writing for validating electronic product code (EPC) tags. "Smart" packaging machinery and advances designed to verify the presence of tags, to write to the tags, and to validate its data will also be showcased.

The Packaging Security Pavilion will focus on protecting packaging operations against the threat of bio-terrorism, counterfeiting, and product adulteration. From overt to covert technologies, from active to passive, a range of safety measures and protection solutions will be featured. Attendees will have the opportunity to visit tabletop exhibits and technology displays from a select group of package-security technology companies, service providers, and government stakeholders.

In 2003, Pack Expo Las Vegas created a new Containers & Materials Pavilion, which was a huge success. The 2005 show will build on the pavilion's previous success with a 33% increase in exhibitor space to satisfy exhibitor demand - to more than 40,000 square feet. "Pack Expo Las Vegas is continually producing new ways to focus on the technologies and trends that matter most to packaging professionals, including the design community," commented Charles D. Yuska, president of PMMI. "We've incorporated these new pavilions to allow designers to expand their knowledge in these areas while spending time in one convenient location."

Many of these topics will also carry over to the Conference at Pack Expo, a series of international and educational programs held in conjunction with the exhibition. Package designers can save on registration fees and avoid long lines on-site by registering via the show's official web site, www.packexpo.com. Registrations received on or before September 8, 2005 will cost $25 per person. Attendees registering at McCormick Place or online after September 8 will be charged the full admission rate of $50. Pack Expo Las Vegas 2005 is also co-located with the Food Processing Machinery Expo.

To register and learn more about Pack Expo Las Vegas, visit www.packexpo.com or contact PMMI at 4350 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22203. Telephone: (703) 243-8555; Fax: (703) 243-8556; Email: expo@pmmi.org. PMMI also produces Expo Pack México, to be held this year June 21-24, 2005 at Centro Banamex, Mexico City, Mexico.