The Process Expo show, which was co-located with Pack Expo and CPP Expo at the Las Vegas Convention Center, October 5-7, attracted a total 22,721 attendees to the event.

“We were extremely pleased with the turnout,” said FPSA president David Seckman. “This is especially true since many other industry shows were as much as 30% down this year and our show was only slightly down from 2007 attendance of 23,864 [the last time the event was held in Las Vegas]. It’s exceptional when you consider elements such as the economy, industry cutbacks and some negative press about Las Vegas as a show destination.”

Almost 55% of registered attendees indicated their primary business was in food and beverage – by far the biggest sector represented at the show. This was followed by pharmaceutical/medical at 8.7%, chemicals/other at 6%, cosmetic/personal care at 5.4%, with the balance consisting of several miscellaneous market segments.

New focus in 2010
In 2010, Process Expo will move to a 100% food focus with their new co-location partners, the Institute of Food Technologists. IFT’s Annual Meeting & Food Expo, which includes an extensive scientific education program, draws thousands of food professionals from around the world. The combined shows will be held in adjoining halls at Chicago’s McCormick Place, July 18-20.

Together, the two events will offer attendees valuable new opportunities in terms of continuing education, professional networking and business development, all in one focused, convenient venue. Additionally, for organizations employing a team approach to bringing products to market, the co-location provides an opportunity for teams to gain a better understanding of the interrelated stages involved in food product delivery, which can impact team effectiveness and ultimately reduce costs and time-to-market.

“We’re excited about the new format,” Seckman said. “Early indication is that many customers will come in ‘teams’ representing product development, engineering, manufacturing and packaging. Whether the many hands-on workshops, demonstrations and displays on the show floor or the vast array of educational sessions for the science and engineering community – it will all be found under one roof at the McCormick Place – from field to fork.”