Apex Filling Systems Blog: Packaging Innovations & Industry Insights

PACK EXPO International: Biggest Trade Event

Written by Darren Allie | 8/13/19 7:09 PM

 

PACK EXPO International, the world’s largest packaging industry event of 2019, is happening this September in Las Vegas. Attendees can watch live demonstrations of packaging equipment, speak to suppliers one on one, learn the newest trends and make connections with others in the industry.

In just a few well-planned days at a convention or trade show, you can accomplish the same amount of product research and make as many connections that could otherwise take months. We will be there (look for Apex Filling Systems in the Lower South Hall – LS-6871) so buyers can see the quality of our equipment and get to know our team. We hope to see you there, too!

 

The Benefits of Attending

See the equipment up close. With over 2,500 vendors present, you can see the newest packaging options available to help your business grow. If you already have a firm idea of what you are looking for, you can compare different manufacturers nearly side by side. If you are still deciding between different types of equipment, or are looking for completely new inspirations, you can explore the expo and talk with vendors in a more open-ended way. If you want to narrow down your choices to just your industry, try the section of the event website that lists vendors by vertical markets.

 

Learn industry trends and best practices. Free 30-minute educational seminars will be offered during the event at the Innovation Stage in North Building, individual exhibitors will have their own in-booth demos, and the Reusable Packaging Pavilion and Reusable Packaging Learning Center will offer free demos and seminars in the Upper Lakeside Center. In addition, PMMI will offer professional training workshops in risk assessment, trainer development and field service.

Network. All attendees can network on the show floor and at free industry networking events. In addition, you can also attend PACK gives BACK™, a networking event and reception with drinks, light hors d’oeuvres and entertainment. Tickets for the event are $95 each, or ten for $855.

Tips for a Productive Visit           

Set goals ahead of time. Before you leave, decide who you want to speak to, what equipment you want to research, and which events you want to attend. Take the time to research vendors and speakers to help prioritize who you want to meet. Schedule meetings. Once you make your list, send out a friendly, professional message via email or LinkedIn to try to set up a time to meet. Their schedules will fill up fast, but even a quick 15-minute talk can be enough to make a connection.

Map it out. Walking around the show floor without a plan can wear you out fast. Use My Show Planner or the PACK EXPO International Mobile App to build an itinerary and plan your visits efficiently. Bring comfortable shoes.

Speak to the vendors. Bring along questions you want to ask. If you don’t have any, ask them to show you how their equipment works or what makes it unique. Be sure to take a business card and other materials before you leave.

Make time to network. The conversations you have at a trade show can sometimes be the most valuable part of the event. Take as many opportunities to meet people as you can, especially those you don’t already know. Try to do your research and paperwork either before or after the event, not during.

Organize your information. Once you get home, make notes on the contacts you have made and start reaching out. Sort the promotional materials you picked up to see what still holds your interest. Finally, write a two or three-page trip report for your own future records, as well as to share what you have learned with your coworkers.

 

The Details

PACK EXPO Las Vegas
September 23 – 25, 2019
Las Vegas Convention Center
Las Vegas, Nevada USA
9:00 am – 4:00 pm, daily

www.packexpointernational.com

The cost for a badge, which gives attendees access to PACK EXPO International and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, free educational sessions on the show floor and industry networking receptions, is just $30 through August 30th and $100 after. We invite you to click here for our complementary tickets, please use the code 34G23. Tickets for PACK gives BACK™ on Monday, September 23rd, are $95 (or 10 for $855).

Let Apex Filling Systems Help You

Apex offers all of our clients customized solutions to their filling needs. Call us at 219-575-7493 or visit our page here.

If you are attending the 2018 PACK EXPO International, look for us in Lower South Hall – LS-6871!

With 15 years experience in the packaging industry, Darren has traveled the world on jobs of all sizes. He has been working in everything from project management, to sales, to production and has the experience to see the entire process from start to end. Darren steps in for projects to review difficult applications to help come up with solutions that work for every customer. Difficult details are where he excels. Creating a solution built for each customer! Outside of Apex Filling, Darren likes to work on motorcycles, play with fabrication, and spend time working on cars. If you stop by you might even get to see his bike