ProFood Tech Show Set to Launch in 2017 at Chicago’s McCormick Place
September 14, 2015
Three different entities have teamed up to launch ProFood Tech, a new event that will focus on processing technologies serving the food and beverage industry.
ProFood Tech will make its debut April 4–6, 2017, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
The event will be jointly produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Koelnmesse and the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA).
PMMI is the owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows and represents North American manufacturers of equipment, components and materials for processing and packaging.
Koelnmesse organizes world leading trade shows for the food and beverage industries as well as for the food and beverage processing industries, such as Anuga and Anuga Food Tec in Cologne, Germany.
IDFA is North America’s largest dairy association, representing more than 85 percent of all North American manufacturing of dairy products.
“In assessing the current trade show landscape, we saw there was a need for a dedicated event that brings buyers together with leading world-wide manufacturers in the food and beverage industry,” says Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI.
He added, “ProFood Tech provides a venue to share the latest innovations and crossover technologies from multiple vertical markets within the food and beverage industry and will be that one-stop-shop featuring exhibits from both large companies that serve several customer segments and smaller niche companies with focus on more specific needs.”
Exponential changes in technology are making it hard for food and beverage companies to keep up. ProFood Tech will provide a wide perspective on the food and beverage processing industry as a whole and feature cutting edge solutions to the challenges the industry is facing every day on the plant floor, according to show management.
“In a close dialogue with leading technology suppliers from around the globe, we aim to create a market platform in the United States that is tailored to the requirements of domestic and foreign exhibitors and visitors,” said Gerald Böse, president and CEO of Koelnmesse.
He added, “Over a period of decades, Koelnmesse has established an excellent reputation world-wide as a trade show organizer, especially in the field of food products and food technology. Examples include the leading international trade fair Anuga, the world’s biggest and most important trade show for the food industry, as well as related spin-offs around the world.”
“ProFood Tech,” Böse adds, “marks a further logical step in Koelnmesse’s strategy aimed at offering expert support to our customers in various target markets in our role as a global service provider.”
With an expansive showfloor and enhanced educational programming led by IDFA, ProFood Tech will attract high-level buyers from every food and beverage sector.
“The opportunities for new ideas and break-through solutions are amazing when executives from related businesses come together to discuss, review and experience the innovations, products and services available today,” said Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA.
She added, “IDFA is proud to partner with these trade show leaders and to continue our tradition of bringing industry suppliers, processors and manufacturers together so they can find profitable business solutions, discover new technologies and see the innovations that are abundant in our industry.”
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.
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