CHICAGO — Process Expo 2023 promises to offer attendees a wealth of new experiences, opportunities and excitement. Co-hosted by the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA) and Messe Frankfurt, the event will be held Oct. 23 to 25 at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago.
According to FPSA and Messe Frankfurt, over 350 companies from 15 countries across various industries are set to attend the show. The event will include an expanded product discovery space, interactive experiences, networking and educational sessions, and other special features.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into creating unique opportunities for in-person interaction this year,” said Kristy Meade, vice president of technical textiles and technology shows, Messe Frankfurt Inc. “Everyone at the show will find an experience that fits their needs, whether it’s sourcing new suppliers and buyers, identifying new and emerging technologies, or discussing the latest trends and topics with the brightest minds in the industry.”
The show floor will feature a wide variety of live demonstrations, including three separate production lines showcasing the production and packaging of pet treats, as well as bacon and empanadas, utilizing equipment from various industry suppliers.
“This collection of leading OEMs doesn’t just show food manufacturers how to produce and package these products in the most efficient way possible, by incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced automation into these demonstrations, they’ll also be teaching the end user how best to take advantage of the data for even greater production,” said Andy Drennan, senior vice president of the FPSA.
The floor will also include a new live experience, called The Market, where McCullough Kelly-Willis, founder and head instructor of the Chicago Meat Collective, will demonstrate how to source, process and prepare various cuts of meat.
In addition to experiences across the show floor, Process Expo 2023 will also include various networking and educational events, on and off the show floor. Other special features include:
- FPSA Women’s Alliance Breakfast held on Oct. 24, will honor women who have made an impact on the food and beverage industry.
- Food for Thought educational sessions held all three days will educate attendees on the latest trends and technologies in the industry, from workforce optimization and automation to digital transformation.
- The Career Development Center will offer attendees opportunities to meet and hear from industry leaders to learn how to accelerate their careers.
Process Expo 2023 will also recognize companies that have made an impact on the industry through multiple awards. The Innovation Awards will recognize companies in four categories: Best New Product, Best New Application, Best New Technology for Sustainability, and Best New Technology for Automation. Winners will be announced on Oct. 23 and attendees will be able to explore the winning innovations on the show floor.
“We’ve created experiences that not only provide an opportunity for our visitors to see and engage with new products and innovations, but also network with, learn from and celebrate leaders from across the industry,” Drennan said.
