Pack up for Vegas

Edited by Mary C. Gannon • Editor

PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2019 will return to the Las Vegas Convention Center September 23–25, and will co-locate with Healthcare Packaging Expo 2019. Produced by PMMI, TheAssociation for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the shows’ 2,000 exhibiting companies will hostan expected 30,000 attendees, including 5,000 international visitors from more than 125 countries.

As always, several fluid power manufacturers will highlight their technologies at the show. See the more than 30 fluid power companies and their booth numbers in the accompanying exhibitor list.

“We are excited to unveil our new show features that will add even more value for the industry professionals making the trip to attend,” said Laura Thompson, VP, trade shows, PMMI. “We are constantly looking for ways to improve the attendee experience and provide access to the latest industry trends, thought leaders and maximize the networking at the show. What better way than offering more on-floor experiences and education to maximize time spent at the show.”

This year’s new features include the following:

Robotics Zone — Innovation in automation is driving rapid developments in robotics. This year, an entire zone in the North Hall will showcase some of the latest technologies in robotics where attendees can witness their capabilities and see them in action. The Pack Expo Omron Greeter Robot will welcome attendees. As part of this new zone, teams from Las Vegas high schools will showcase their robots in motion in the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase. Next, PACK for a Purpose: Robots Fighting Hunger, in collaboration with Blessings in a Backpack, will feature exhibitor robots showcasing different applications while packing food to feed kids on the weekends. Participating sponsors include Bosch, Chicago Electric with Yaskawa, Fanuc America, ProMach with ABB, and Universal Robots. Blessings in a Backpack benefits children facing food-insecurity across Las Vegas and the United States.

Because the show is in Las Vegas, Robotics Zone will include gambling and a show as visitors are welcome to check out Omron’s Interactive Dice Playing robot and Ready Robotics’ Bowling Robot while listening to a concert from the Kuka Robotic Pianist.

Comau will showcase its Interactive Wearable Exoskeleton where attendees can try on a wearable suit and perform assisted task and product handling. The Soft Robotics End-Of-Arm Tool Exhibit will demonstrate an end-of-arm tool designed to mimic the human hand to grasp and manipulate items that vary in size, shape and weight.

Finally, attendees can witness Pick and Place/Relocation Activities in action, compliments of University of Waterloo Autonomous Robotic Lab and the Object Detection and Flexible Grasping with Artificial Intelligence Demo sponsored by Siemens.

The Forum — This growing staple in the Pack Expo portfolio of trade shows makes its Las Vegas debut in the Central Hall with its interactive industry knowledge exchange. The Forum offers free, 45-minute learning sessions on the latest industry trends, including hands-on activities, small group discussions and Q&A each day of the show.

Organizations that will be holding interactive sessions at The Forum include:

• OpX Leadership Network

• Contract Packagers Association

• Institute of Packaging Professionals

• The Organization for Automation and Control

• Robotic Industries Association

• World Packaging Organization

• PMMI U

• PMMI Business Intelligence

PACKage Printing Pavilion — The PACKage Printing Pavilion in the Central Hall will focus on the advantages of digital printing, showcasing the latest in cost-effective solutions for smart, short-run, on-demand, cost-effective, variable data and personalized packaging.

Technology Excellence Awards — The Technology Excellence Awards will recognize exhibitors’ innovative technology that has not yet been shown at a Pack Expo and Healthcare Packaging Expo in the previous calendar year. All registered attendees will be able to vote on their favorites among the finalists selected in specific market segments.

CareerLink Live Pack Expo — CareerLink, PMMI’s online job board, is going live for the first time in 2019. This is an opportunity for PMMI, CPA, IoPP members and consumer packaged goods companies to meet with students and veterans pursuing careers in packaging and processing during one-on-one informational interviews. Interviews will take place at the show and registration is $49.

Pack Gives Back — While not a new event, Pack Gives Back, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, returns to Las Vegas with a brand-new act and new benefitting organization. Headlining this year’s event will be the Steve Miller Band. A portion of the proceeds from this year’s event will support NS2 Services, a nonprofit dedicated to helping recent U.S. military veterans transition from combat boots to business suits. This charitable group provides valuable IT training and employment assistance at no cost to veterans. The fundraiser on September 23 kicks off with a networking reception at 4:00 p.m. followed by a performance by The Steve Miller Band at 5:00 p.m. in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

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