Process Expo 2023 offers product discovery, educational opportunities

Process Expo, a global food equipment and technology show, will take place Oct. 23-25 at McCormick Place Convention Centre in Chicago, Illinois. The event brings together businesses, thought leaders and innovators for three days of networking, education and engagement.

With over 350 companies from more than 15 countries, the 2023 edition offers a variety of new experiences for visitors, including expanded product discovery, interactive experiences, networking, education and special features.

“We’ve put a lot of thought into creating unique opportunities for in- person interaction this year,” Kristy Meade, vice president of technical textiles and technology shows for Messe Frankfurt, said. “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.”

Live demonstrations

Some of the highlights of this year’s event include a wide variety of live demonstrations on the show floor. There will be three separate live production lines that demonstrate the processes of producing and packaging bacon, empanadas and pet treats, allowing visitors to see new equipment and technology at work first-hand.

“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 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,” Andy Drennan, senior vice president for FPSA, said.

Visitors can also visit The Market, a new live experience on the show floor this year. The Market will host renowned artisanal butcher McCullough Kelly-Willis, founder and head instructor of the Chicago Meat Collective, as she demonstrates how to source, process and prepare popular cuts of meat. During this series of live demonstrations, she will discuss the benefits of whole-animal butchery, including methods for minimizing kitchen waste, maximizing flavor and locally sourcing meat options.

Industry peers and networking

Visitors can participate in a variety of networking events on and off the floor, including the FPSA Women’s Alliance Breakfast, Food for Thought sessions and the Career Development Center.

The FPSA Women’s Alliance Network Breakfast will be hosted on Tuesday, Oct. 24 and honors women who have made an outstanding impact in the food and beverage industry. The FPSA Network Meet-Ups offers a networking opportunity on the show floor.

Food for Thought features a three-day series of complimentary educational sessions that will take place on the show floor and focus on the latest trends and technologies that are pushing the industry forward. Topics include workforce optimization, next-generation design and automation, and the opportunities and effects of digital transformation. Both exhibitors and attendees can expect to gain valuable insight into workforce best practices and continuous improvement strategies for their respective businesses.

The Career Development Center will be located on the show floor as well, and will offer visitors a chance to meet with and hear from industry professionals to learn tips and best practices for starting and accelerating a career path in the industry.

Industry innovators

Additionally, Process Expo hosts the Innovation Awards as well as the Bakery of the Year Award, to recognize companies that have made an outstanding impact in the industry.

The Innovation Awards honor exhibiting companies that have produced the most innovative technologies in their respective industries. The Innovation Awards winners will be announced on Oct. 23, and will recognize companies in four different categories including Best New Product, Best New Application, Best New Technology for Sustainability and Best New Technology for Automation.

Attendees can explore the show floor to see these innovations on display and learn how exhibitors are driving thought leadership and positively influencing their industries.

“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.

Online registration for the 2023 edition is open. An exhibit hall pass also grants visitors access to Best Practices 2023 EXPO, co-located in the South Hall of McCormick Place, providing a two-shows-in-one experience. For more information, visit myprocessexpo.com.