Organisers claim the show will feature the US’ most impressive group of solution providers for the global meat industry, as well as “meat industry’s most innovative educational programmes”, with sessions across the four day event focusing on a wide range of topics aimed at meat processors.
Earlier this year, Process Expo reported that its international exhibit sales have doubled compared with its previous show in 2011. It has also seen a good growth in visitors over the last few years, with attendance growing by 98.5% since the last show, resulting in Process Expo becoming the fastest-growing trade show in the US.
The largest trade show in North America, the show hosts more than 12,000 attendees and claims to offer “cross-pollination opportunities” which often result in new business opportunities.
Among the speakers for this year’s Process Expo are Pat Reynolds of Packaging World Magazine and Gordon Bockner of Business Development Associates, who will discuss improvements and innovations in the packaging industry.
Defeat Hunger
The Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) foundation and companies exhibiting at the show have been raising funds, food and awareness in its Defeat Hunger initiative.
FPSA foundation chairman Barry Shoulders says: “Both the Association and the foundation are committed to giving back to the community and this initiative underscores that commitment. We are overwhelmed by the number of Process Expo exhibitors who have rallied around Defeat Hunger to make a difference for the 860,000 food-insecure individuals in the greater Chicago area.”
The campaign began at the FPSA spring conference, when it announced that it was due to donate $75,000 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) and it is launched as part of FPSA’s Giving Back initiative in conjunction with GCFD.
Exhibitors are encouraged to donate one case of food for every 1,000sq ft of exhibition space reserved, with those having less than 1,000sq ft requested to donate one case of food.
GCFD Executive director and CEO Kate Maehr explains: “We are so thankful for the generosity of FPSA and its members to help us make a difference in so many lives. The association and its members understand that nutrition grows strong people, minds and communities. We’ll celebrate Defeat Hunger at Process Expo when our city will take notice of the meaningful difference your industry has made.”
Save Food
In addition to Defeat Hunger, Process Expo will see another campaign aimed at tackling the issue of food waste. The Save Food campaign, launched by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and Messe Düsseldorf, will also be exhibiting at the show, and FPSA is its first US-based sponsor at the show.
It will present an interactive display that presents solutions for food waste, with pictures, graphics and videos. FPSA president and CEO David Seckmann said: “It is unacceptable that 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted each year from ‘farm to fork’ and Save Food exists to address this problem.
“Save Food is an established platform that will make a difference in feeding the world and will foster positive public perceptions of the food industry. As an association, FPSA is behind the initiative 100% and we are encouraging our members to become sponsors as well.”
The show will take place at McCormick Place, which also plays host to the North American Meat Association’s (NAMA) Outlook Conference and the International Dairy Show.