Record-Breaking Pack Expo Las Vegas Sets Stage for Milestone Event in 2006

Pack Expo Las Vegas continued its growth trend in 2005, breaking several records in the process. The show, held September 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center by PMMI, set new highs in visitor attendance (+19%), exhibitor attendance (+12%), total attendance (+17%), international attendance (+22%), exhibiting companies (+23%), and net square footage (+14%).

"With 85% of attendees coming to the show with projects in hand, Pack Expo Las Vegas was able to connect thousands of packaging professionals with the innovative solutions offered by exhibitors," notes Charles D. Yuska, PMMI president. "Pack Expo draws a significant number of repeat attendees, proving the packaging community trusts Pack Expo events with their most critical projects. Whether looking for new machinery, containers, materials, or components, Pack Expo delivers the latest innovations in the marketplace."

The enthusiasm demonstrated in Las Vegas certainly sets the stage for another highly successful Pack Expo International show in 2006, this year held October 29th to November 2nd at Chicago's McCormick Place.

Celebrating a milestone

Adding to the excitement this year is Pack Expo's 50th anniversary celebration. The first Pack Expo was in 1956, and it featured 136 exhibitors occupying 43,116 square-feet of floor space. By contrast, Pack Expo International 2006 will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors and cover over 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space.

"The 50th anniversary of Pack Expo is a great milestone," says Yuska. "The show's longevity can be attributed to its consistent future focus. The industry knows Pack Expo is a show that highlights innovation across all aspects of packaging. The fifty years of service to the industry is but a prologue to its future."

Whereas 5,000 visitors attended the first event, more than 50,000 are expected in Chicago this year, including thousands of international visitors from more than 75 countries. Pack Expo International 2006 will focus on innovation, both in terms of package design and technology. Advanced materials and containers that enhance packaging appearance, convenience, and product freshness will be emphasized, as will the equipment that allows brand owners to ensure designs can be efficiently produced.

Continuing to evolve

Several new features for this year's event highlight PMMI's commitment for the show to evolve with the industry. The Converting and Package Printing Expo (CPP Expo) will co-locate with Pack Expo International for the first time. CPP Expo highlights all sectors of the diverse converting and package printing industry. Pack Expo International will also be co-located with Process Expo, formerly the Food Processing Machinery Expo, which will feature the newest developments in processing technology.

"Pack Expo International 2006 will be a true innovations show, where packagers come to see advancements in machinery and materials," summarizes Yuska. "It is the only packaging event that closes the loop between advanced materials and new machine technologies so that innovative packaging concepts can be commercialized cost-effectively and quickly."

Marketers and brand managers seeking their next breakthrough idea will once again find plenty of inspiration at The Showcase of Packaging Innovations®. The exhibit will feature hundreds of real-world packaging applications that the most prominent international packaging organizations have recognized for outstanding design.

For more information about Pack Expo International 2006, visit www.packexpo.com . Or contact PMMI's Show Department at 703-243-8555, fax at 703-243-8556, or e-mail expo@pmmi.org.