Pack Expo shows owner and producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, reports high demand for exhibit space in the inaugural edition of Pack Expo East (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia; Feb. 2–4, 2015).

In fact, according to Jim Pittas, vice president, trade shows, PMMI plans to expand the show floor to accommodate the demand are already underway. "With over a year until the show, exhibitors have already committed to more than 78% of our projected exhibit space," said Pittas. "Space sales have only been open since September, at Pack Expo Las Vegas."

The over-40,000 net square foot show will feature processing and packaging solutions for some of the most critical market segments in the eastern United States, market segments that happen to have large concentrations near Philadelphia.

"Philadelphia is a very reasonable drive for 40% of the U.S. population and the area includes large consumer goods companies, industrial manufacturers and life sciences," said Pittas. "Pack Expo East will give attendees and exhibitors local access to a level of service and value previously not seen in the East."

PMMI established Pack Expo East earlier this year. The move stemmed largely from data that came out of a survey of customers, conducted for PMMI by research firm Westat.

"The interviews confirmed customers see a need for a first-class trade show close to home. Better yet, they further revealed customers clearly would support an event that meets that need, a regional event such as Pack Expo East," Pittas noted.