PMMI's Pack Expo Has 1 million-plus Square Foot Showfloor, 1,300 Exhibitors for October Event
February 27, 2012
Trade association Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute has scored more than 1 million square feet of exhibit space and 1,300 exhibitors and their event still is nine months away.
The biannual event for the packaging industry also is expecting 46,000 attendees to the show when its doors open Oct. 28-31 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.
“Reaching this milestone this far out from the show makes a statement about the role PACK EXPO plays in the realm of processing and packaging,” said Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO of show owner/producer PMMI.
He added, “But the truth is, we’re only as good as this year’s experience. Our goal, this year and every year, is to improve the PACK EXPO experience to the point where every attendee can experience the show in a way that’s tailored to his or her needs.”
The show’s customer-centric strategy involves using targeted exhibit areas, marketing and education as ways for attendees to create an experience that meets their needs and leads to a successful show.
“To choose the target markets, we look at a number of factors, including the demographics of attendees,” Yuska said.
He added, “We’re expanding this approach in 2012 with additional markets and targeted show features.”
The 2012 Pack Expo also will be supported by two other associations - the National Confectioners Association, which also sponsors the sold-out Confectionery Pavilion, and The Snack Food Association.
Yet another way Pack Expo is servicing its attendees, is its Pack Expo Connected Communities, which was launched in August last year and is an online networking platform.
To date, four market-specific community sites are active: confectionery, baking & snack, pharmaceutical, and general packaging and processing.
“Pack Expo Connected Communities keep the customer-centric Pack Expo experience going throughout the year,” Yuska said.
He added, “This online gathering site is a platform where you can network and connect with others in your market niche, whether you’re a supplier or an end user.”
Partner Voices
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.
Add new comment