Hosted by the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA), McLean, Va., Process Expo 2011 takes place Nov. 1-4 in Chicago’s McCormick Place. This 100% food-focused event attracts more than 10,000 attendees from the world’s leading food companies who are looking for solutions that will help them more rapidly, efficiently, safely and successfully create and bring food products to market, says the expo organizer.
The educational program features three main areas of interest. Designed to address critical issues in the food and beverage industry, the educational sessions provide a wide array of manufacturing solutions for participants from some of the industry’s top experts. Sessions start each day of the show and are free.
“This is by far the most comprehensive educational program we’ve ever offered at Process Expo,” says David Seckman, president and CEO of FPSA. “We are grateful for the support of our food processor educational sub-committee that chose the submissions that will best appeal to Process Expo attendees. We are confident that the strength of this program gives food processors yet one more reason to come to Chicago this fall to a show that is on track to double in size as compared to the 2010 show. By combining this high-level educational content with the unmatched technical expertise that attendees will find on the show floor, Process Expo has become an integral resource for the food and beverage processing industry and a must-attend event.”
Attendees can also visit the Siemens Exhibitor Spotlight Theater, which will deliver a series of short technical workshops throughout the day on the show floor, covering a wide variety of topics. Visitors can listen to experts discuss manufacturing solutions.
Dedicated entirely to Process Expo’s attendees from Latin America is Seminario de Innovaciones, which runs throughout the day on Oct. 31. These sessions are presented in Spanish and sponsored by the show’s international partners-Canainca, Canilec, Comecarne and Chilealimentos.
FPSA also launched a Spanish language version of its website to inform Latin American food processing professionals about the benefits of participating in Process Expo. While still in development, the Spanish language educational sessions will feature topics such as food safety and sanitation, employee training and maintaining standards for food and beverages being exported into the United States. In addition, FPSA councils will develop industry-specific sessions for dairy and beverage, as well as meat/poultry/seafood, bakery, and fruit and vegetables. n
For exhibitor and attendee information, travel arrangements, airfare discounts, registration links and more, go to www.myprocessexpo.com.
By Pete Herb
Process Expo may not have the word “dairy” in its name, but the premiere 100% food-focused tradeshow is packed with opportunities for dairy processors.
Food safety has always been a critical concern in the dairy industry and it is punctuated by heightened consumer awareness of recalls and contamination issues. Dairy processors want to ensure that they are delivering top quality products to their consumers that are safe for consumption.
One of the many free educational opportunities is a presentation on the key aspects of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), the likely implementation steps and how food processors can start to prepare for compliance. Hailed as the most significant public health legislation in more than 60 years, the FSMA will likely impact every food processor worldwide.
Another presentation will discuss how brand protection and food safety go hand-in-hand. Technology can help manufacturers improve compliance and lead the marketplace while reducing costs. Technology also helps manufacturers and consumers successfully navigate the new regulations while building increased product value.
Processing efficiencies is another topic that is foremost in the minds of dairy processors. They need to keep their production lines up and running and ensure that their processes are repeatable day-after-day. If lines are down, they aren’t making saleable product and profitability suffers. They need processing equipment that is reliable and keeps their lines running for many years with minimal maintenance.
Process Expo exhibitors will showcase the latest improvements in equipment design to boost performance and reduce maintenance. One educational session will provide insights to help processors better manage their maintenance operations, ensure the safety and quality of their products and satisfy the requirements of third-party audits. Another presentation will address how having the right mixing technology can improve uptime, product consistency, reduce functional ingredient amounts and cut down on product losses.
Since the show covers the entire food and beverage industry, dairy processors will not only have the opportunity to see the latest technologies in their specific industry, but also observe processing solutions in other industries that may solve a problem in their plant. For example, the cheese industry has a need to handle curd efficiently without damaging the product. Manufacturers have had success with pumps that have long been used in tomato and orange juice pulp concentrate processing.
Industry Councils, the foundation of FPSA, play a major role in shaping Process Expo and will have dedicated space on this year’s show floor. The Council Pavilion, booth 5412, will provide a social setting for attendees to talk to representatives from different councils to discuss how they operate and how suppliers and processors in their particular industry can better collaborate. Dairy Council Day is Nov. 4.
Pete Herb is chairman of the FPSA Dairy Council and president of Fristam Pumps USA.
Exhibit Hours
Tuesday, Nov. 1 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 2 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Thursday, Nov. 3 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 4 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Exhibit show hours are subject to change.
