Augmented Reality To Make Its Debut at PROCESS EXPO 2019

February 12, 2019

As technology continues to become an essential part of the trade show ecosystem, some show organizers are creating dedicated showfloor spaces for tech innovations that make sense for the industries their shows represent. 

Case in point: PROCESS EXPO, which will unveil its Augmented Reality Showcase as one of its new showfloor activities, Oct. 8-11 at McCormick Place in Chicago.

Organized by Harvin AR, the AR Showcase will provide attendees with new ways to experience processing and packaging equipment through AR holograms and guided AR training simulations by participating exhibitors.

The AR Showcase promises to be one of the highlights of this year’s PROCESS EXPO.

“Whether it’s empowering maintenance personnel on the plant floor or engineers envisioning processing floor adaptations from the actual plant floor, this technology has the potential to revolutionize how suppliers work with food processors,” said Jarrod McCarroll, president of Weber and chairman of the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), the global trade association that produces the show.

He added, “Thanks to these demonstrations at PROCESS EXPO, attendees will get first-hand experience on this technology that they may soon be seeing in their plants in the future.”

For the first edition of the AR Showcase, the show’s organizers expect a small core group of five to six exhibitors to participate in the exhibit. It will focus on the industrial applications of AR in the food processing plant setting and highlight how holograms can be used with existing equipment to show modifications or additions. It will also demonstrate training components that could reduce costs for both the customer and the supplier, said Andrew Drennan, senior vice president of the FPSA.

“At PROCESS EXPO 2017, we held the Virtual Reality Showroom, in which eight exhibitors participated and nearly 1,000 attendees utilized the VR experience,” Drennan said. “For this year’s show, we feel that augmented reality is the next step up in this technological evolution.”

Between the new showcase, live production lines and demonstrations, certification courses, PROCESS EXPO University and myriad networking opportunities, event organizers have filled the week with activities addressing issues within the food processing industry. They’ve also created new opportunities to identify manufacturing solutions, said David Seckman, FPSA president and CEO.

“The Augmented Reality Showcase is one of the many innovative showfloor activities that attendees will find at this year’s PROCESS EXPO,” Seckman said. “Of course, this is in addition to exhibits of over 500 companies providing manufacturing solutions in processing and packaging across all segments of the food and beverage industry, which is the true draw for food industry professionals across the globe.”

 

Don’t miss any event-related news: Sign up for our weekly e-newsletter HERE and engage with us on TwitterFacebookLinkedIn and Instagram!

Add new comment

Partner Voices
One of the most iconic names on the Las Vegas Strip just got an upgrade. Mandalay Bay has everything that your business needs from a refreshed convention space designed to inspire productivity and creativity, to an impressive selection of world-class restaurants and amenities. If you're looking for a venue that's both inviting and innovative, you have to be here. New Wave Experiences Mandalay Bay continues to invest in a new wave of enhancements both in the convention space and within the resort as a whole. New restaurant openings including Orla by Michael Mina, drawing inspiration from the award-winning chef’s childhood in Egypt and with flavors and décor inspired by the spices found in markets common to coastal Mediterranean towns, as well as Caramá by Wolfgang Puck, bringing the essence of Italy and spirit of Wolfgang into one concept, are recent additions. The Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas also experienced a recent remodel of all 424 rooms. Swingers, a high-end, adults-only golf and entertainment concept will debut in Fall 2024. Enhanced Technology Creating a truly effective conference venue requires careful thought into what a business needs: the right technology, capacity, and inspiration to bring ideas to the next level. As part of the resort’s refresh, Mandalay Bay implemented state-of-the-art technology upgrades, installing cutting-edge Cat6A Ethernet cabling throughout the convention center. This advancement doubles the frequency of data transmission, enabling lightning-fast speeds up to 9400% faster. The convention center now boasts 11 dynamic digital walls, spanning up to 24' x 13', strategically positioned for brand placements, sponsorships and targeted event messaging. Additionally, attendees can benefit from 20 double-sided 55" mobile flexible display units, facilitating effortless navigation to meeting rooms and events. RFID locks were installed on all meeting room doors, and over 200 motion detection cameras have been placed throughout the space. Refreshing New Design & Fine Art The newly remodeled convention space provides a bright and vibrant atmosphere that complements Mandalay Bay's tropical-inspired brand. Featuring white-washed walls and ceilings adorned with bold floral patterns in cerulean and coral tones, the space is complemented by warm walnut accent walls. In addition to the redesign of all pre-function spaces, meeting rooms and ballrooms, Mandalay Bay's 1 million square feet of exhibit space has undergone a rejuvenation, including new paint, covered pillars and relocated strobe lights. Sustainable Spectacles Mandalay Bay is committed to Focused on What Matters and creating more responsible meetings. Refillable water stations all available around the resort, cutting unnecessary plastic usage from single-use bottles. The Mandalay Bay campus’ recent upgrades represent a bold step forward in redefining the Las Vegas experience. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and unparalleled service, Mandalay Bay sets a new standard for excellence in business hospitality. Whether you're seeking cutting-edge conference facilities, world-class dining options, or simply a luxurious retreat, an unparalleled meeting experience awaits.