For PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, (pmmi.org) owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, the Partner Program at PACK EXPO East (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia; Feb. 16–18, 2015) does much more than provide an exhibitor pavilion for partner associations. It creates unique opportunities for show attendees to network with other leaders in the markets they serve.

“These are leading industry groups, and strategic partners in PACK EXPO East. By being part of the show, the organizations expand and strengthen their networks, support their members and encourage processing and packaging innovation,” says Jim Pittas, senior vice president, PMMI.

Those benefits made being a PACK EXPO East association partner an easy decision for the Independent Bakers Association (IBA), says IBA Chairman Rod Cardey.

“Our members overwhelmingly praised PACK EXPO International for the networking opportunities and the different products exhibited,” he says. “Our association leadership insisted that we exhibit at PACK EXPO East to reach the Northeast region!”

Pittas adds the PACK EXPO East Partner Program serves a wide range of markets, including pharmaceuticals, beverage, food processing and baking/snack:

• The Association for Automatic Identification and Mobility (AIM)
• The Biscuit and Cracker Manufacturers’ Association (B&CMA)
• Contract Packaging Association (CPA)
• Independent Bakers Association (IBA)
• International Society of Beverage Technologists (ISBT)
• International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE)
• Midwest Food Processors Association (MWFPA)
• The Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC)

“PACK EXPO shows are customer-centric. That’s especially true for PACK EXPO East, which we created in response to end-user demand. The PACK EXPO East Partner Program is a way to make attendees’ experience in Philadelphia even more productive. We greatly appreciate our Association Partners support of PACK EXPO East,” he says.

Each of the associations involved benefit from different aspects of the partnership. For ISPE, it’s their conference program, which is focused on manufacturing in the pharmaceutical sector.

“We’re excited to be part of PACK EXPO East’s debut,” says John Bournas, CEO, ISPE. “Our ‘Manufacturing Solutions’ conference program is an opportunity for ISPE members and other pharmaceutical professionals to take full advantage of education and their time at the show.”

Chris Nutley, president, CPA, emphasizes that CPA’s presence at PACK EXPO shows is an ideal way to connect with attendees.

“The great thing about participating in a regional PACK EXPO show is it allows attendees to focus on two important factors when it comes to contract packaging: services provided and location. We’re looking forward to participating in PMMI’s first PACK EXPO East show,” Nutley says.

PACK EXPO East will feature over 375 top-tier suppliers in the Northeast’s only event for processing and packaging technologies across industries. Located in Center City Philadelphia, the newest PACK EXPO show is easy to reach and within 200 miles of a third of U.S. consumer packaged goods manufacturers.