Co-located with Pharma EXPO at McCormick Place in Chicago, PACK EXPO International 2014 will offer attendees a look at the latest processing and packaging solutions, technologies and innovations.

Decision makers from a broad range of industries will converge on Chicago’s McCormick Place Nov. 2-5 to check out the latest processing and packaging solutions, technologies and innovations at PACK EXPO International 2014, co-located this year with Pharma EXPO. Reston, Va.-based PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, owner and producer of PACK EXPO International, and the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), which is producing Pharma EXPO in partnership with PMMI, anticipate the two events to draw a combined 2,000 exhibitors and 50,000 attendees. McCormick Place’s Lakeside, North, South and West Halls will provide 1.15 million net sq. ft. of exhibit space, which is plenty of room to accommodate exhibitors and attendees.

As always, PACK EXPO International will offer showgoers plenty to see and do. In addition to exhibits filled with packaging and machinery for a variety of industries, including baking, snack and confectionery, the tradeshow will feature numerous educational sessions, pavilions and networking and entertainment opportunities.

Educational sessions will be held daily in six tracks: Center for Trends & Technology; Compliance Trends; Food Safety Summit Resource Center; Manufacturing Operations; Pharmaceutical Packaging; and the Reusables Learning Center. For times, topics and speakers, visit www.packexpointernational.com.

Pavilions located throughout the show will feature additional educational resources. The Brand Zone, for instance, will enable attendees to discover containers and materials to help them differentiate their brands, enhance their shelf presence, extend shelf life and more. The pavilion will also house the 11th Annual Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Dow Chemical Co. The showcase will highlight award-winning packaging from around the world.

With so much to see and do, bakers and snack producers will likely need a break or two during the day or a place to meet up with colleagues. Hosted by the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA) and staffed by cookie and cracker experts, the Baking-Snack Lounge will serve as a central information center and gathering place for baking and snack industry members.

The Confectionery Pavilion will showcase industry-specific advances to help confectioners create a variety of product shapes, tastes and textures; achieve greater product flexibility; produce a better product; and more. The Candy Bar lounge, located in the pavilion and endorsed and hosted by the National Confectioners’ Association (NCA), will provide a casual forum for networking and exchanging ideas with peers and an Ask-the-Expert Forum.

Back by popular demand, the Processing Zone will feature a wide range of processing technologies for manufacturing industries, including baking and snack, beverage, dairy and confectionery.

The Food Safety Summit Resource Center will offer information, one-on-one consultations and free presentations addressing critical food safety issues, the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI), compliance with the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) and more.

Meanwhile, at the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, manufacturers can learn about reducing waste and shipping costs, protecting their goods, increasing their productivity and bottom line, among other features.

More than 30 leading packaging and processing association from around the world will be on hand at the Association Pavilion. PMMI invited the organizations to exhibit as part of the PACK EXPO Partner Program (PEPP), which focuses on strengthening industry connections.

Jay Leno evening

PACK EXPO attendees will find plenty of opportunities during the tradeshow to network and relax with colleagues and friends.

PACK gives BACK returns to PACK EXPO this year on Nov. 3. Comedian and former The Tonight Show host Jay Leno will entertain PACK EXPO and Pharma EXPO registrants at 5:30 p.m. at McCormick Place’s South Building Grand Ballroom. The ticket price includes a reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres at 4:30 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to K9s for Warriors, a charitable organization dedicated to providing service dogs to military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress as a result of post-9/11 conflicts.

Bakers and snack producers won’t want to miss the Baking & Snack Industry Reception on Nov. 4 from 4-6 p.m. at the Baking-Snack Lounge.

Also on Nov. 4, PMMI will induct six individuals into the Packaging Hall of Fame Class of 2014 during a reception at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Hotel. Proceeds from the reception will benefit the PMMI Foundation to support packaging and processing education. The 2014 inductees are Mel Bahr, MGS Machine; James Downham, PAC; Joseph Hotchkiss, Michigan State University; Toru Ichikawa, Hosokawa Yoko Co. Ltd.; Bern McPheely, Hartness International Inc.; and Boh Tsai, Amerasia Technologies Inc.

The registration fee for PACK EXPO International 2014 is $30 through Oct. 3 and $60 afterwards. To register, visit www.packexpointernational.com.