It's Showtime!

PACK EXPO International 2004 and the Food Processing Machinery Expo launch innovations that put a fresh spin on an industry tradition.

More than 50,000 attendees are expected to attend this year's PACK EXPO and Food Processing Machinery Expo.

PACK EXPO International 2004 and the co-located Food Processing Machinery Expo will premiere some brand new attractions that will put a fresh spin on this tradeshow tradition, to be held in Chicago's McCormick Place from November 7-November 11, 2004.

PACK EXPO and the Food Processing Machinery (FPM) Expo will feature five new pavilions that are expected to enlighten a combined 50,000 attendees from around the world, as well as 1,600 PACK EXPO and 350 FPM Expo exhibitors.

PACK EXPO sponsor, the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI), and FPM Expo sponsor, the Food Processing Machinery Association (FPMA), will feature new pavilions to cover topics such as RFID, confectionery and food safety and sanitation, and introduce two new show features: the Packaging Security Resource Center and Showcase of Packaging Innovations.

The RFID Pavilion will highlight technologies for case and pallet tagging and verification, as well as upgrading conventional lines. Packagers can also find tools for enabling RFID-driven printing and writing for validating electronic product code (EPC) tags. Smart packaging machinery that uses RFID to adjust operational settings will also be showcased here.

The new Confectionery Pavilion, sponsored and produced by FPMA, will feature the latest developments in both processing and packaging technology.

FPMA will also introduce the Food Safety & Sanitation Pavilion, which will highlight the newest developments in processing technologies that address the food safety and sanitation challenges faced by food and beverage manufacturers.

Also making its debut at PACK EXPO International 2004 is the Packaging Security Resource Center, which will focus on protecting packaging operations against the threats of bioterrorism, counterfeiting and product adulteration. From overt to covert and active to passive technologies, a range of safety measures and protection solutions will be showcased via tabletop exhibits and technology displays.

Attendees can view award-winning package designs at the Showcase of Packaging Innovations. Displays will include the Glass Packaging Institute's Clear Choice Awards, the Institute of Packaging Professionals' Ameristar Awards and the National Paperboard Packaging Competition.

Want to learn more about the new products and technologies you saw on the floor show or in the new pavilions? Then stop by the New Product Spotlight in the Grand Concourse to see half-hour long product demonstrations, which are available to all attendees beginning each morning at 10 a.m., Sunday through Wednesday.

The Conference at PACK EXPO will be available to educate attendees about all facets of the packaging industry. Educational programs on a range of topics, including RFID technologies, security, operations, plastics, robotics, materials and containers, closures and flexible packaging, will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday to Wednesday.