It’s almost time for PACK EXPO International 2014, the most comprehensive event for packaging and processing in North America. The event, which takes place Nov. 2-5 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, will be packed with pavilions, education sessions and on-floor equipment demonstrations designed to help cold food industry brands find innovative ideas and technologies that comply with FSMA rules, improve efficiency and productivity and make a bigger impact at retail.

Accompanying PACK EXPO will be Pharma EXPO, co-produced by PACK EXPO owner and organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Reston, Va., and The Institute for Pharmaceutical Engineering, Tampa, Fla. Together, both shows will cover 1.15 million net square feet of exhibit space with 2,000 exhibitors and some 50,000 attendees. And, more than 30 industry associations are partnering with PMMI and PACK EXPO, representing nine countries and all facets of processing and packaging.

Education
Education is free at PACK EXPO International. Start with in-booth education sessions from any number of PACK EXPO exhibitors.

For example, the Food Safety Summit Resource Center (Booth #S-2962), sponsored by The Food Safety Summit, a BNP Media brand, and GE Intelligent Platforms, Charlottesville, Va., is home to a cadre of subject matter experts available to answer questions.

Innovation Stage seminars are 30-minute presentations that will take place on multiple stages all day, every day of the show.

Center for Trends & Technology, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, Milwaukee, Wis., and its Partner Network features informational kiosks, an interactive wall and presentations from the experts at Rockwell Automation, Grantek Systems, Cisco, Interstates Control Systems, Microsoft, Stone Technology and PMMI’s Alliance for Innovation and Operational Excellence.

The Reusables Learning Center offers cost-saving ideas for all types of operations, including how to reduce waste, slash shipping costs, protect goods and increase productivity. Endorsed by the Reusable Packaging Association, Linden, Va., topics will include refining the produce supply chain and a reusable transport packaging bootcamp.

The Contract Packaging Association Sourcing Center presents innovative packages, contract packagers and resources for discerning whether contract packaging is right for your business or brands.

Innovations and pavilions
Located right on the show floor, these pavilions target key areas that include branding solutions, confectionery, processing and reusables.

Back by popular demand is Clemson University’s CU Shop, which brings an interactive experience that reveals packaging’s impact on consumers.

The Brand Zone is the place to discover containers and materials that differentiate your brand, broaden your appeal and enhance shelf presence and shelf life.

The Processing Zone is where you need to start your search for front-of-line solutions for safety, quality, efficiency and productivity.

The Active and Intelligent Packaging Association’s third World Congress, “Profiting from Active & Intelligent Packaging,” is a co-located event that will explore the role today’s technologies can play in brand protection, reducing food waste, patient compliance and traceability.

 Go to www.packexpointernational.com to register for PACK EXPO International 2014. And, please stop by Refrigerated & Frozen Foods’ booth, #6165, to pick up extra copies of the September 2014 issue, renew your free subscription and learn more about upcoming advertising and interview opportunities.