PACK EXPO Las Vegas is the perfect opportunity to see all the latest technologies and your current machinery needs in one place. Whether you have a project in mind or are just exploring to stay up to date on the latest trends in packaging machinery automation, attending the show is sure to provide this experience.
However, with a show projecting to be more than 740,000 square feet with over 1500 exhibitors, you’ll need a plan of attack to make the most of it. Explore the tips below to get a leg up on the 30,000+ attendees you’ll be navigating amongst this September in Las Vegas.
- Register Early – Most exhibiting companies offer free registration for attendees. Avoid the last-minute costs and hassle of registering on site and do so early! This will allow you to explore all the show has to offer online, build your walking plan, and discover educational sessions. Use code 38C56 to register for free right here.
- Research Attending Companies – Once you’ve registered for the show, you can easily research which companies will be attending and what products they offer that you might be looking for. This will help you narrow down the companies that may have a potential fit for you or new technologies you’re curious to learn about. With over 1500 exhibitors, you won’t be able to hit every booth, so this will help you narrow down your search before the show.
- Add Booths to Your Show Planner – Create your plan to walk the show and make sure you don’t miss your must sees by adding companies’ booths to your show planner. The Map My Show feature helps you sort by machinery type so you can add companies you’ve researched to your show planner and find them easily at the show. It’ll even help you create a walking path so you are most efficient and don’t walk unnecessary steps!
- Pre-Book Meetings – When there is an exhibitor you know you want to visit, pre-book a meeting with the sales manager in that booth. This helps make the most of your visit to the booth and learn about technologies that can specifically help you. You can pre-book meetings with Morrison team here.
- Negotiate Deals – When you find the right machinery fit, you can often negotiate show specials right then and there! Many companies want to ship their show equipment directly to you after the show. Come prepared to make a deal! Know the budget you have to place a PO on the show floor for the best discounts.
- Wear Comfortable Shoes – Did we mention already the show is over 740,000 square feet? That’s right. Embrace your sneakers.
- Ask for References – If you find a piece of machinery that you feel is the right fit, ask that company for customer success stories and references. Often, their happy customers are already at the show and they can connect you to hear from the source what made their equipment improve their efficiencies.
- Know Your List of Challenges – Sometimes, you don’t know how to fix the challenge on your line or what you need to solve a specific problem, but the exhibiting companies do! Companies like Morrison that are proficient in container handling can help you narrow down what you need to solve your problems. Be ready to discuss them openly with exhibiting companies so you can leave the best options for your plant.
- Take Notes – With so much to see, you won’t remember everything. Remember to take notes, grab product brochures, and let booth personnel scan your badge. Each badge scan makes it so they can follow up with you.
- Visit the Innovation Stage or Industry Speaks Sessions – Maximize your show experience by attending presentations geared to specific technological improvements or market challenges and trends. They will help you expand your overall knowledge base and often give you nuggets to bring back to the office to implement immediately.
Trade Shows can be overwhelming, but they don’t have to be! Come prepared and open to knew technologies and PACK EXPO 2023 is sure to be a success.