Tarsus Plans Packaging Services Show

Tarsus Group plans to launch a packaging services tradeshow in the same region where the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute holds its 1.3 million square foot show during even-numbered years.

Although some might view the U.K.-based Tarsus' new Packaging Services Expo as a competitive challenge to PMMI's dominant PACK EXPO— particularly in light of the new show's Chicago-area location — those involved say the packaging industry is big enough for both.

While PACK EXPO aims to be a broad horizontal show focusing largely on packaging machinery and equipment, the new Tarsus show is targeting services, a growing industry sector that takes in contract packagers and packaging design, logistics, testing, consulting and distribution.

"We're not competing with PACK EXPO in any way," said Don Browne, show director of the Packaging Services Expo, set to launch May 10–12, 2005, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. "We're looking at a very focused area that currently doesn't have representation and support."

Tarsus produces 20 exhibitions per year, including five versions of Labelexpo, which has grown to become a Tradeshow Week 200 event in the United States. The inaugural Packaging Services Expo is expected to draw 200 exhibitors and 4,000 attendees. "It's a very modest starting point and one we believe is realistic," said Browne.

The show's sponsors include Packaging World magazine and the Institute of Packaging Professionals. Both sponsors also plan to support Tarsus' Smart Packaging conference, scheduled for this Sept. 8–9 in Rosemont.

According to Tarsus, the contract packaging industry is growing at a 25-percent annual clip. The services expo is expected to draw buyers from a variety of industries, ranging from food, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, to beverages, automotive and electronics.

Browne said Tarsus would wait until after the show launch to decide on a future venue. But, he added: "Chicago is very crucial to the market. In contract packaging, you'll find a large percentage of those companies here."

PMMI currently produces two packaging shows. Its largest, PACK EXPO Intl., drew 2,001 exhibitors and 46,740 attendees to a 1.3 million net sq. ft. showfloor at Chicago's McCormick Place in November 2002. That earned it a No. 2 rank on the TSW 200. PACK EXPO Las Vegas, held during odd-numbered years, in 2003 drew 1,221 exhibitors and 18,369 attendees to a nearly 500,000 sq. ft. showfloor, earning it a No. 34 rank on the TSW 200.

"Our view is that anything that supports the industry is a good thing," said Matt Croson, PMMI's director of member services. "Seeing more and more events serving the industry is a good thing."

However, just days after Tarsus unveiled its event focused on contract packaging, PMMI announced that PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2005 scheduled for Sept. 26–28, will include a contract packaging pavilion. PMMI also used the opportunity to assert its position as the leading packaging industry gathering. "From packaging machinery and materials, to components and services," said PMMI President Charles Yuska in a statement, "PACK EXPO Las Vegas supports every conceivable packaging need."