PMMI's PACK EXPO Las Vegas Breaks Records
September 26, 2013
Strong growth in the packaging industry and the need for innovative and cost-saving solutions translated into the largest show yet for PMMI’s biennial PACK EXPO Las Vegas that took place Sept. 23-25 at the Las Vegas Convention Center.
“It’s a record Las Vegas year for us,” said Julie Ackerman, senior director of public relations and communications for PMMI. The show spanned more than 740,000 square feet and attracted 1,700-plus exhibitors and 28,000 attendees. The previous PACK EXPO Las Vegas came in at 700,000 sq. ft., 1,600 exhibitors and 26,000 attendees.
The Processing Zone in the South Hall has grown more than 40 percent since its inception in 2010 and was sold out for this year’s event. “It makes sense at this show given that we want to offer total systems solutions,” Ackerman said. “To have that processing element is great for the attendees.”
This year all education was moved to the showfloor. PMMI’s sessions took place at three Innovation Stages, two of which were new this year. Exhibitors also were encouraged to offer in-booth education. “We’ve had great response,” Ackerman said. “For many sessions there was standing-room only.”
The association also launched a dedicated education app that features training and certification year round as well as offers a job board.
To represent various verticals, the show offered the Confectionary Pavilion, the Baking-Snack Break Lounge, the RX Lounge and the Beverage Cooler Lounge. “Many of our exhibitors have solutions for a number of vertical markets so they don’t want to pigeonhole themselves into one neighborhood,” Ackerman said. At the lounges, attendees could connect with subject-matter experts and get help finding the right products in their market.
PMMI continues to grow its PACK EXPO show family. The new Pharma Expo in partnership with the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) will be collocated with PACK EXPO in Chicago Nov. 2-5, 2014, and is projected to span over 200,000 sq. ft. and bring an additional 20,000 attendees.
PACK EXPO East also will launch Feb. 2-4, 2015, in Philadelphia.
Exhibitors in the Processing Zone area were doing brisk business even on the third day. John Schlapinski, with Douglas Machines Corp. that produces washers and sanitizing systems, said his company has returned as an exhibitor this year because of the strong growth in processing.
“Some of the large companies didn’t want to buy new equipment during the recession but it has been up for about a year now,” Schlapinski said. “Sanitation is high on people’s list. Things are going great.”
Attendee Bret Pittsinger, owner of Van Doren Sales Inc., said he was looking for new packaging solutions for his Washington-based fresh fruit handling company.
“The economy is trending up so we’re open to new products as long as they save customer money and allow them to reduce labor,” he said. “With Obamacare, there’s a new push for labor-saving devices, so you’ll see a lot of robotics here. I found at least five products here that I will be able to use in my product line.”
Partner Voices
Overview:
The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality.
In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way.
“We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.”
Amenities:
The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.
The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience
The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need.
Gold Key Members
The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events.
OCCC Events:
This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.
The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:
AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023
200,000 Attendees
$257 Million in Economic Impact
MEGACON 2023
160,000 Attendees
$205 Million in Economic Impact
Open Championship Series 2023
69,500 Attendees
$89 Million in Economic Impact
Sunshine Classic 2023
42,000 Attendees
$54 Million in Economic Impact
Premiere Orlando 2023
42,000 Attendees
$108 Million in Economic Impact
Add new comment