PACK EXPO has long been a favorite destination for North American converters. The mammoth biennial packaging show, located at Chicago's McCormick Place, is the place to see everything related to the world of packaging.

This year, there's even more reason to attend, because the co-located CPP EXPO ensures that converters will find aisles that are set aside exclusively for them. “CPP EXPO Chicago is positioned to become the leading choice of events by equipment manufacturers/suppliers and converters/buyers alike,” says Leo Nadolske, president of CPP EXPO.

“Aligning with PACK EXPO International in 2006 allows us to tap into the 50,000 packaging professionals in attendance—many of whom influence purchases of converting/package printing solutions,” Nadolske continues. “This audience is international in scope, with 6,000 buyers representing 75 countries. PACK EXPO International attendees include decision-makers and influencers from tens of thousands of companies representing multi-billion dollar industries. Bringing the supply chain together in an unprecedented fashion continues to be the cooperative goal of this collective industry group.”

In the past few weeks, CPP EXPO organizers H.A. Bruno have announced that the original space allocated for CPP EXPO within McCormick Place is near 100 percent occupation, with the anticipation of selling out. Participating in the Chicago debut of CPP EXPO are some of the industry's leading suppliers, which has fueled exhibit space sales, and in turn has led to the estimated expansion of the converting exhibit space.

There is also an increased number of association pavilions (AIMCAL/CEMA, ASI-ASC Adhesives, and CSiA) on the exhibit floor in 2006 compared with the previous CPP EXPO.

In addition to aisles devoted to converting-related exhibits, CPP EXPO Chicago offers a tailored conference program (see adjacent sidebar).

According to Nadolske, CPP EXPO teamed with co-sponsors to create an “industry week forum.” This allows for efficiencies in both time and expenses for attendees coming to the annual association and/or technical meetings taking place in conjunction with CPP EXPO. “We draw upon the experience and wisdom of the industry's leading technical organizations and publications in crafting a meaningful program,” he says.

On Wednesday, November 1st at CPP EXPO Chicago, a keynote presentation defining the packaging vision of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc./Sam's Club will be presented by Amy Zettlemoyer, director of packaging and Matt Kistler, vice president of Package and Product Innovations.

As the world's largest packaged-goods retailer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. has a unique position as both provider and “mega-buyer” of a wide range of branded and private-label consumer products. In this keynote presentation, insights will be provided into some of the company's packaging innovations and how they relate to consumer and environmental trends.

“The keynoters are a prime example of the synergies at this three-dimensional event,” says Nadolske. “They are truly of interest to the converting, packaging and processing professionals in attendance. It is rare—and many times impossible—to have presentations that reach the universe of exhibitors and attendees.”

Show organizers report that registration for CPP EXPO and all concurrent educational programs/presentations is now open (www.cppexpo.com); prospective attendees need to only register for one exhibit. One badge will allow access to both exhibitions, including pavilions and specialty centers. Converters must register for the conference sessions and programming separately, and must be registered for the exhibit in order to participate in the educational program. Visit www.cppexpo.com for registration and to receive updated details on programming.

At the conclusion of CPP EXPO 2005, a total of 2,887 converting professionals (3,619 with exhibitor personnel) had attended the show over the three days. They saw everything from printing presses and digital workflow solutions, representing all processes, to slitting/rewinding, diecutting, coating, laminating and finishing equipment.

If you are looking for new solutions in any of these key areas to upgrade your converting operation, or want to be updated on new technology, CPP EXPO Chicago is a show within a show—built especially for you.