More than 30,000 individuals are expected to attend PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015 and Pharma EXPO 2015 Sept. 28–30 in Las Vegas, according to PACK EXPO International owner and producer PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technology, Reston, VA. Co-located at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the combined event will enable attendees from a broad range of industries to check out products and services from more than 2,000 exhibitors in more than 80,000 net square feet of exhibit space.

Snack producers and bakers will find plenty of processing and packaging solutions at the show to help them stay competitive, including state-of-the-art automation; the latest labeling systems, materials and containers; and innovative advances that will enable them deliver optimal flavor, aroma, texture, moisture control and shelf life. They’ll also be able to network and share their findings with colleagues at Baking & Snack Break Lounge, hosted by the Biscuit & Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA).

In addition to must-see packaging and machinery solutions, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will feature numerous educational sessions, pavilions, and networking and entertainment opportunities for all attendees.

Free, 30-minute presentations will be held on the PACK EXPO Innovation Stage from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sept. 28 and 29, and from 10 a.m. to noon on Sept. 30. Among the more than 40 sessions slated are “The Latest Snacking Trends and Their Impact on Packaging,” “The Regulatory and Risk Landscape for Flexible Food Packaging,” “How Bulk Flow X-ray Can Improve Food Safety and Brand Quality” and “The Next Evolution of Metal Detection.”

Compliance, serialization and line optimization are a few of the daily session topics complementing a robust display of innovations at The Center for Trends & Technology (CTT). The exhibit will also feature kiosks and an interactive display to present ways in which automation technologies can help companies achieve their operational objectives.

The Food Safety Summit Resource Center will offer free 30-minute presentations covering federal and state regulations, the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), environmental monitoring, pest control and other critical food-safety issues. Attendees can also participate in one-on-one consultations with leading subject matter experts.

Hosted by the Reusable Packaging Association, the Reusables Learning Center will offer 10 free education sessions Sept. 28–29 on integrating reusables into the supply chain and leveraging their many benefits. Sessions topics will include the fundamentals of implementing reusables, end-user accounts by veteran users and research and updates from suppliers.

Building on its success at PACK EXPO East, the “Future of Pneumatics” exhibit will show attendees the future of pneumatic technology.

Brand owners considering contract packaging will find useful information at the Contract Packaging Sourcing Center.

As in previous years, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will include several pavilions. The Brand Zone will feature packaging and labeling materials and technologies, and The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Dow Chemical Co. The Confectionery Pavilion will spotlight a host of solutions for snack, candy, chocolate and gum manufacturers. The Processing Zone will offer processing solutions for a wide range of industries. Attendees will learn about cutting costs, reducing their environmental impact and gaining supply chain efficiencies at The Reusable Packaging Pavilion.

The Grammy-winning rock band Chicago will perform at this year’s annual PACK gives BACK event, which will be held at 5 p.m. on Sept. 28 in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Building. Tickets are $100 per person ($90 per person for groups of 10). A portion of the proceeds will go to the Fisher House Foundation, an organization that provides assistance to military and veterans’ families.

 For more information and to register, visit www.packexpolasvegas.com.