Process Expo Wraps Up in Chicago With International and Overall Attendance Upticks
November 15, 2011
The Food Processing Suppliers Association’s 2011 Process Expo closed its show, which ran Nov. 1-4 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, with not only a 14-percent attendance uptick in international attendance, compared with the 2010 show, but also a record-breaker.
The largest overseas delegations came from Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and Germany.
It wasn’t just international attendance that saw a spike though, the overall number of attendees and exhibit floor also grew, according to FPSA officials.
"We're very happy with the strong turnout at this year's show," said Scott Scriven, chairman of FPSA and president of Weber.
He added, "Not only did we double the size of the showfloor over last year's, we delivered more than twice as many attendees to the show at the same time. When you take the economy into account and what is going on at other industry trade shows, these results are absolutely remarkable and demonstrate the industry's enthusiastic support of a horizontal tradeshow dedicated entirely to the food and beverage industry."
The 2011 educational program featured three main areas of interest, including the Manufacturing Solutions: Practical Responses to Food Industry Challenges, which included sessions focus on key issues of concern in the food and beverage industry; the Seminario de Innovaciones, which was dedicated entirely to Process Expo’s attendees from Latin America; and the Siemens Exhibitor Spotlight Theater, which delivered a series of short technical workshops throughout the day on the show floor, covering a wide variety of topics of interest to food processors.
"This year, special attention was placed on the attendee experience at PROCESS EXPO," said FPSA President and CEO David Seckman.
He added, "This year's show featured a greatly expanded educational program built with input from the food processor community. Culinary and industry council pavilions highlighted finished products for the consumer, and mobile resources such as the Process Expo mobile app and eDaily provided attendees with more information at their fingertips."
Last year, FPSA announced Process Expo would become a biennial event. The next show will be held Oct. 14-17, 2013, at McCormick Place.
Partner Voices
Dallas already boasts 35,000 hotel rooms, award-winning global cuisine, and a walkable downtown. But we are just getting started.
Visit Dallas is thrilled to announce that the city of Dallas is doubling down with a massive new convention center and entertainment district. Featuring 800,000 square feet of exhibit area, 260,000 square feet of meeting rooms, and 170,000 square feet of ballroom. The center will connect business travelers with dining and shopping options in the popular Cedars District means more places to get down to business, and even more ways to unwind.
“Dallas is already a great meetings and conventions destination, with the accessibility of two major airports, affordable labor, and an outstanding hotel product,” said D. Bradley Kent, Visit Dallas senior vice president and chief sales officer. “The new center and Convention Center District will enhance Dallas’ competitive position and are exactly what our customers’ need and have been asking for."
What’s New – AT&T Discovery District
Located in the heart of Downtown Dallas, this new district on the AT&T corporate campus is tailor-made for groups of all sizes. It boasts a multi-sensory experience, including outdoor event space, the AT&T Theater, and multiple dining outlets including JAXON Beer Garden and The Exchange, a bustling food hall.
Hotels Coming Soon
Names like the JW Marriott (Downtown), lnterContinental Dallas (Uptown), and Hotel Swexan (Uptown) are adding luxury amenities and bountiful event spaces. The projects will debut in 2023 and beyond.
JW Marriott
This new, 15-story, 283-room hotel will open in the heart of the city’s downtown Arts District this year. The property features a 25,000-square-foot grand ballroom, as well as a spa, restaurant, lobby bar, fitness center, and a rooftop pool deck and bar.
InterContinental Dallas
Located in Cityplace Tower in Uptown, InterContinental Dallas will feature sweeping panoramic views of the Dallas skyline. Guests will enjoy spacious, high-end rooms and amenities, including more than 21,000 square feet of event space.
Hotel Swexan
Hotel Swexan, a new, 22-story luxury property, is rising in Uptown’s Harwood District and will make its mark on the Dallas skyline. Opening this year, it is a sculptural building with cantilevered upper floors, as well as a 75-foot rooftop infinity-edge swimming pool and a hidden underground lounge.
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