MCLEAN, VA. – Beginning in November 2011, Process Expo, where food industry professionals seek out solutions offered by the food industry's largest collection of processing and packaging equipment suppliers, will transition to a biennial show held in Chicago.

This shift to an every-other-year show cycle allows exhibitors to improve their exhibition R.O.I. and focus on one worldwide show that will host premier suppliers of food equipment and technology, according to The Food Processing Suppliers Association (F.P.S.A.), which manages Process Expo on behalf of the members.

The decision to move to a biennial show was based on extensive market feedback received from F.P.S.A. industry councils and then unanimously approved by the F.P.S.A. Board of Directors at the recent annual conference.

During the council sessions, representatives from the world’s major food equipment suppliers overwhelming expressed a strong preference to move from an annual show to a two-year cycle, hosted in a major show city during mid- to late fall. “There are too many shows and a diminishing R.O.I. for each show,” was the common sentiment echoed throughout these meetings.

Next year’s event is expected to be the largest Process Expo to date. It will be held from Nov. 1 – 4, 2011, at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The 2010 Process Expo show, co-located with the Institute of Food Technologists’ Food Expo, takes place July 18-20, also at McCormick Place.