While the event is scheduled 23-25 September in Las Vegas, exhibit space in the specialized show area (with content geared toward processing technology) sold out earlier this month. Kate Achepohl, director of member communications for PMMI, told FoodProductionDaily that the selling out is good news for the organization, but it also presents a positive sign for the processing industry.
“For the run-of-the-mill attendee, the sold-out status of The Processing Zone indicates the availability of solutions to advance their businesses,” she said. “It’s also an indicator of the strength of our industry and, in some ways, the economy as well.”
Time and money investment
Achepohl added that attending a tradeshow (as either a visitor or exhibitor) means significant investment in terms of travel expenses and time away from doing business back home, so taking the trouble to go to a show represents a vote of confidence in the investment paying off.
“Exhibiting at a trade show, especially in a time when marketing budgets have been slashed, makes a bold statement,” she said. “It says the supplier has confidence in his company’s future and the industry—that it makes sense to invest in the industry and customer base at this moment.”
Eye toward growth
Attendees also know that the suppliers exhibiting in the Processing Zone and other PACK EXPO areas have an eye on growing their business, Achepohl said. Rather, she pointed out that the suppliers are committed to growing their own businesses, and helping the processing professionals that attend the show find solutions and innovations that help them expand as well.
“That’s great news for the industry, and it’s worth talking about,” she said.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013 will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The show will feature more than 1,600 exhibitors showing in more than 650,000 sq. ft. (more than 60,000 sq. m) of exhibit space, including the Processing Zone. To learn more about the show, registration offers or attend, visit www.packexpo.com.