Process Expo — the Global Food Equipment and Technology Show — presented by Messe Frankfurt Inc. and the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place, South Hall, from Oct. 23 to Oct. 25. The event brings together 350-plus suppliers from more than 15 countries and is intended to be an excellent meeting place for dairy industry professionals looking for processing, packaging, product inspection, wastewater treatment, and other manufacturing solutions.

The three-day event showcases all aspects of food and beverage (F&B) processing. “What started as an industry gathering by FPSA has now grown to become one of the most awaited events in this sector,” Kristy Meade, vice president of technology shows for Messe Frankfurt, and Andy Drennan, senior vice president for FPSA, tell Dairy Foods. 

The 2023 edition promises a variety of new experiences available to all attendees, including expanded product discovery, a robust education track, interactive product demos, career development programs, and special networking features, the executives note.

“Industry networking and business development have been driving forces of this platform, and this year, we are integrating several new aspects supporting education and career development that aim to fill learning and skill gaps in the industry through 30-plus complimentary educational sessions on the show floor, a career fair and much more,” Meade and Drennan note.

One of the key highlights, however, remains the live production lines, a feature that is “exclusive to Process Expo with no other trade platforms showcasing each stage of the food production and packaging process in person,” Meade and Drennan add.

Education in focus

As previously mentioned, Process Expo attendees can expect a large emphasis on education. The three-day Food for Thought series will focus on the latest trends and technologies that are pushing the industry forward. 

“Both exhibitors and attendees can expect to gain valuable insight into workforce best practices and continuous improvement strategies for their respective businesses,” Meade and Drennan mention. “From the most advanced innovations that are being implemented in the F&B industry, to the important research and development updates as well as best business practices, these sessions will enable visitors to keep up with all of the new developments being made in the industry.”

Dairy processors looking for a specific session catered to the industry are in luck as well. Dairy process equipment cleaning is an essential aspect of dairy production. However, according to Messe Frankfurt and FPSA, fewer fabricators “front-end” the design process by factoring in length of time required for cleaning and sanitizing both product and non-product contact surfaces; protection of electronics from cleaning solutions, high-pressure water and condensate; accessibility of all areas for maintenance and emergency repairs; ease of repair, frequency of periodic maintenance and accessibility; and choice of specific types of metal, plastic and rubber materials to match the intended use and cleaning of the equipment.

“An exclusive session with Allen Sayler, managing partner at the Center for Food and Regulatory Solutions, will take up many such engineering design factors that will be discussed in some detail, with recommendations provided in order to provide insight into improving cleanability, reducing downtime, and increasing the lifecycle of food processing equipment,” Meade and Drennan explain.

Networking opportunities

Beyond the show floor and educational sessions, Process Expo’s aim is to recognize the F&B industry’s most groundbreaking innovators with its Innovation Awards, where suppliers from across industry sectors will receive recognition for innovations making waves in the industry. 

“Targeting four key areas with new product development, new application, new technology for sustainability, and new technology for automation, our primary goal is to highlight technological advancements in the industry,” Meade and Drennan note. “Visitors walking the floor can spot these innovations or network with technology experts during their visit.” 

Process Expo also presents an opportunity for women in the F&B industry to socialize and celebrate their achievements and “honor women who have worked tirelessly to push the F&B industry forward through the FPSA’s Women’s Alliance Breakfast on the second morning of the event,” conclude Meade and Drennan.