April 18-19, 2012 at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont (Chicago), IL
Packaging Digest is announcing a new launch conference and networking event in Rosemont (Chicago), IL on April 18-19, 2012. The Innovations in Food & Beverage Packaging Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that will bring together packaging professionals from food and beverage companies and packaging suppliers showcasing their state-of-the-art technology for a comprehensive agenda providing practical solutions to the pressing issues faced by food and beverage packagers today.
Chaired by John Kalkowski, Editorial Director, Packaging Digest, this two-day program is designed to facilitate networking, in-depth discussion on technological advancements, and provide expert insights into green and cost-saving strategies. "To gain competitive advantage in the food and beverage packaging industry requires the ability to create innovative packaging that adapts to consumer demands while enhancing protection and marketability. There are so many new developments that food and beverage companies must actively search out the information and strategies they need to transform their product into an industry frontrunner," says John.
Headlining the 24 speaker line-up is Edward Socci, Ph.D., Director of Advanced Research at PepsiCo, Gary Neff, Group Leader of Packaging Innovation at Heinz, and Wes Wasson, Director of RQI Package Engineering at ConAgra Foods. The conference agenda includes 20 information-packed sessions spanning topics from the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) to barriers and light-weighting to adhesives and reclosures.
"It's rare to find a central place where the specific problems in the food and beverage packaging industry are addressed. Being able to meet the right people and walk away with inspiring new technologies and critical business strategies makes the Innovations in Food & Beverage Packaging Conference the perfect platform for discovering applicable solutions," says speaker Robb Clarke, Ph.D., Director of the Auto-ID Research Center, Michigan State University School of Packaging.
A panel discussion on consumer perception and roundtable discussions on plastic, metal and glass provide platforms for asking industry experts specific questions on the challenges within each topic. In addition, Zipbox and Scholle Packaging are bringing a tactile and interactive experience to the conference via snack-sized zipboxes during coffee break and wine and beer dispensed from keykegs during the evening drinks reception.
