PACK EXPO International Attendance Up 6.5 Percent to 48,600 in Chicago

November 12, 2014

PMMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies – wrapped up its biannual PACK EXPO International last week, along with the newly collocated Pharma EXPO 2014,  and attracted a 6.5 percent increase in attendance, compared with 2012, topping 48,600 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

The four-day event was held Nov. 2-5 and covered more than 1.2 million net square feet of exhibit space, with 2,352 exhibiting companies -  an increase of more than 19 percent, compared with PACK EXPO International 2012.

“PACK EXPO International 2014 was definitely a success,” said Jim Pittas, senior vice president, PMMI, “Exhibitors sold machines right off the show floor and collected high quality leads from the steady flow of attendees.”

PACK EXPO International 2012 ranked no. 4 on the TSNN Top 250 Trade Show list, drawing 1,965 exhibitors to a 1.1 million net sq. ft. showfloor.

Pharma EXPO, which PMMI produced in partnership with the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering, helped boost attendance, with twice as many attendees identifying their primary or secondary markets as “pharmaceutical.”

Pittas said the successes of Pharma EXPO and PACK EXPO International 2014 “strengthened the groundwork for excellent results for exhibitors” at upcoming PACK EXPO trade shows, including PACK EXPO East in February and Pharma EXPO and PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2015.

PACK EXPO East is a debut show that will run Feb. 16-18 in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

“Exhibitors begin planning their strategy for the next PACK EXPO almost immediately after the close of the previous year’s show, and they need to know they’ll get a strong return on their investment,” Pittas said.

He added, “The success of the inaugural Pharma EXPO proves the strength of the PACK EXPO brand across all vertical markets and reinforces the industry’s view of PACK EXPO as the preeminent North American packaging and processing show.”

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.