Pack Expo Las Vegas' New Pharmaceutical Pavilion Gets High Marks

October 23, 2011

The Pharmaceutical Pavilion, which debuted at the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute’s Pack Expo Las Vegas Sept. 26-28 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, was given high marks all the way around.

The pavilion, containing the Rx Lounge, was home to pharmaceutical and medical device packaging solutions and brought together not only nearly 50 manufacturers, but also the Innovation Stage where six pharma-specific conference programs were held and a networking lounge that served as a gathering place for the pharmaceutical community throughout the week.

“The new Pharmaceutical Pavilion at Pack Expo Las Vegas was a great success!  As an industry leader in pharmaceutical packaging, we appreciate the efforts and cooperation that PMMI provided to us and the other packaging machinery companies who participated in the Pavilion,” said Roger Toll, executive vice president of Marchesini Packaging Machinery Inc. 

He added, "The Las Vegas show is growing, and we were very pleased with attendee turnout.  We look forward to an even better event at Pack Expo International 2012 in Chicago."

The pavilion was conceived and launched in order to serve specific market segments to serve customers better.

“The success of The Pharmaceutical Pavilion validates our strategic plan to create customer-centric areas for key industries at Pack Expo,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of PMMI.  “While not all exhibitors that provide pharmaceutical and medical device packaging were located in the Pavilion, it served as a logical starting point for attendees to quickly locate solutions in one area of the floor.”

He added, “The feedback we’ve heard from attendees and exhibitors so far is that the Pavilion exceeded their expectations - it saved attendees time and provided exhibitors more contact with current and potential customers.”

Exhibitors lauded the success of the new pavilion. “I was surprised by the great turnout in Las Vegas, and most importantly, with the quality of attendees,” said James Umbdenstock of Griffin-Rutgers Co., Inc.

He added, “The show definitely surpassed our expectations.”

Expanding on the success of the debut of the Pharmaceutical Pavilion, Pack Expo International, on tap Oct. 28-31, 2012, in Chicago, will feature a larger pavilion with more opportunities to network and additional chances to see new products.

“We continue to monitor key industries and listen closely to exhibitors and attendees to identify ways to bring more value to Pack Expo,” Yuska said.

He added, “Our board and committees are reviewing this year’s results, and together we will continue to make Pack Expo the premiere, world class event for packaging and processing industries.”

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Less than six months ago, Lisa Messina joined the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) as the first-ever chief sales officer after leading the sales team at Caesars Entertainment. A 12-year Las Vegas resident, Messina is a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration and serves on MPI International’s board of directors. TSNN had a chance to catch up with this dynamic leader and talk to her about her vision for the new role, current shifts in the trade show industry, creating more diversity and equity within the organization, and advice to future female leaders. Lisa Messina, Chief Sales Officer, LVCVA With Las Vegas becoming The Greatest Arena on EarthTM, what are some of the things you’re most excited about in your role? 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As the U.S. Travel Association makes more progress on the U.S. visa situation, we also expect a growing influx of international attendees. What are some innovative ways the LVCVA helps trade show and convention organizers deliver the most value for their events? We focus on customer experience in the same way that trade show organizers are thinking about it. We got rave reviews with the West Hall Expansion of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), so over the next two years, we will be renovating the North and the Central halls, which will include not just the same look and feel, but also the digital experiences that can be leveraged for branding and sponsorship opportunities.  Vegas Loop, the underground transportation system designed by The Boring Company, is also a way we have enhanced the customer experience. Vegas Loop at the LVCC has transported more than 900,000 convention attendees across the campus since its 2021 launch. 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Scheduled to debut in Q4, Fontainebleau Las Vegas will offer 3,700 hotel rooms and 550,000 square feet of meeting and convention space next to LVCC.  What are some of the plans for advancing DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) within your organization? We’re currently partnering with instead of working with a leading consulting firm, to lay the foundation and create a solid DEI plan and be the leader when it comes to DEI initiatives. The heart of that journey with the consulting firm is also talking to our customers about their strategic approaches to DEI and driving innovation in this space.  What are your favorite ways to recharge? My husband and I have an RV and we’re outdoorsy people. So, while we have over 150,000 world-class hotel rooms and renowned restaurants right outside our doorstep, one of my favorite things to do is get out to Red Rock Canyon, the Valley of Fire, and Lake Mead. Five of the top national parks are within a three-hour drive from Las Vegas, so there’s a lot you can do. We love balancing the energy of Las Vegas with nature, and we’re noticing that a lot of attendees add activities off the Strip when they come here.  Valley of Fire What advice would you give to women following leadership paths in destination marketing? I think it’s about being laser-focused on what you want to accomplish; building a team around you that lifts you and helps you achieve your goals; and being humble and realizing that you do it as a group. No one gets this done alone. Thankfully, there are a lot of women in leadership in this organization, in our customers’ organizations, and in this city that we can be really proud of. We’re a formidable force that is making things happen.   This interview has been edited and condensed. This article is exclusively sponsored by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Authority. For more information, visit HERE.