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Now’s the time to start thinking about Pack Expo International, the biggest packaging trade show in North America. This year (Nov. 2-5), Pack Expo lands in Chicago, a city rooted in industry and technology. At the show, you’ll find almost 2000 suppliers eager to share solutions to your problems.

Because there’s so much to do and see in so little time, we’re providing you a few tips to make your trip to Pack Expo as efficient as possible. Trust us, we’ve been around the block once or twice.

1. Plan Ahead  

Before you fly to Chicago, check out www.packexpo.com, in which many of the show’s vendors have detailed information and videos about their products. Also consult the show planner by clicking here. With it, you can find exhibitors, sort by location and sign up for conference sessions. Another incentive to head to Chicago – free tickets. Check with your vendors because if you’re an end user, you may receive complimentary registration. When you’re pitching your trip to your supervisors, send them this template for a memo that justifies your trip to attend the show.

2.  Ask everyone about solving your problems

The more you talk to people and tell them what you’re looking for, the more likely you’ll meet someone who either has what you need or knows the person who does. You never know who will have a key piece of information to help you. Trying to find the solution yourself without asking for any help wastes time.

3. Recharge your batteries

Trade shows are hard work – mentally and physically. You need to keep your energy up, and you need to keep a smile on your face and talk until you’re tired of it. Then you need to keep doing it. Find a time to unplug and relax. Take some time before or after lunch to find a quiet corner or lounge and relax for a bit. Put in some earbuds, listen to a little music and close your eyes.

4. Take notes – lots of them

Besides networking with other industry professionals at the show, your primary job is to take mental and written notes of what stands out. Figure out how the implications of what you’ve learned affect your company and the immediate actions you can take when you get home. Remember, if you don’t capture your notes early, you’re likely to forget what’ve you’ve learned.

If you follow these tips, you can make the most of every minute while you’re at Pack Expo.

Want your admission fee waived? Go to lantech.com to register for free.

Stop by our booth S-2901 and say hello. We’ll be showcasing our stretch wrappers, case erectors and shrink tunnels.

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This post was published on September 11, 2014 and updated on July 20, 2015.

September 11, 2014

Now’s the time to start thinking about Pack Expo International, the biggest packaging trade show in North America. This year (Nov. 2-5)