Staged every three years, the NEC, Birmingham will host the UK’s largest processing and packaging machinery exhibition, PPMA Total Show 2019, which runs from 1 to 3 October 2019.
With over 400 exhibitors and 1,600 brands all under one roof, this year’s show provides visitors with an unrivalled opportunity to experience and discover solutions for increasing output and efficiencies through the whole production cycle; from filling and packaging machinery and processing equipment, to robotics, automation and vision systems.
Exhibitors will showcase the latest products and solutions in processing and packaging machinery, robotics and industrial vision systems.
Leading companies already confirmed as exhibitors include: Gordon Strapping, Dustcontrol UK, Citronix, Concetti Group and James Mae Group.
Add to this the FREE to attend, industry-responsive conference programme and first-class speaker line-up tackling key industry issues, and this years’ event will offer a practical, informative and value-added visitor experience – and on an even larger scale than before.
The Enterprise Zone – a hub of knowledge sharing, learning and networking
PPMA Total Show 2019 will offer visitors a focal point for learning, networking, and live debate via its Enterprise Zone. Alongside providing dedicated meeting areas and activities, there will be a full conference programme across all three days of the show. It will also play host to a series of workshops, presentations and interactive panel discussions, with insightful keynote addresses covering topical issues and industry trends.
Case studies, panel discussions and presentations will provide visitors with real life examples of best practice in manufacturing and excellence in processing and packaging production, aiming to motivate and inspire visitors to improve their businesses.
Topics will include the Factory of the Future @ 2050, Industry 4.0, how artificial intelligence is shifting the possibilities of manufacturing, as well as issues affecting the future of food manufacturing and processing.
Another significant issue on the agenda will be the strategy for plastics in a circular economy. David Harrison, PPMA Group Exhibition Manager, explains, “The great plastic debate remains a topical area of conversation among PPMA members and end users alike and will feature in the conference programme during the show. We have invited a panel of experts to discuss the new narrative for packaging – to reduce, redesign and replace, with transformative innovation.”
PPMA BEST
Engineering is of vital importance to the UK economy, generating 23% of the UK’s total turnover. Therefore, with an annual shortfall of 59,000 engineering graduates and technicians to fill core engineering roles, there is much work to be done.
As part of the drive to encourage more young people to pursue a career in engineering and to develop a better understanding of how to connect schools with employers to access high quality, engineering focused engagement activity, this year’s PPMA Total Show will host an education hub. This will offer guidance on apprenticeships and how companies can access funding through the PPMA’s charitable arm, PPMA BEST (Business, Education, Skills and Training).
“Through its leadership of the BEST initiative, the PPMA Group is determined to play its part in proactively addressing the current shortage of skills,” explains Andrew Mint, “The skills gap represents an enormous challenge for members. We simply don’t have enough new blood coming into our industry, especially those with hands-on skills, and there is still a requirement for higher levels of engineering skills.” For more information on BEST, please go to: www.ppmabest.org.uk.
Networking and relationship building
Adding to the appeal of the Show is the extensive networking opportunities available. The PPMA Industry Awards 2019 will be held at the National Conference Centre (NCC) in Birmingham. Now in its eighth year, this prestigious awards ceremony brings together more than 300 industry professionals and stakeholders from the world of processing and packaging machinery and celebrates the finest examples of innovation, smart manufacturing and entrepreneurship.
There are 12 Awards categories, ranging from innovative technologies in processing, packaging, robotics, vision systems and ancillary equipment, to achievements in sales, export and the environment. The ‘Apprentice of the Year’ Award serve to acknowledge the most promising young talent within the processing and packaging, robotics and automation and industrial vision industries.
Companies that have developed a comprehensive apprenticeship or training programme have the opportunity to be recognised too through the PPMA BEST Award.
The Awards will be hosted by UK television presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern, who has appeared as a host on Britain’s Got Talent, Catchphrase and Big Star’s Little Star.
Award entry submissions are FREE and companies are encouraged to submit their entries by the deadline of 17 July 2019.
For further information on the Awards and details on how to enter, visit:
www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk/awards/ppma-group-industry-awards.
Dr Mint concludes: “PPMA Show 2018 drew the largest ever audience to a PPMA event, surpassing all our expectations. From the incredible range of new products to the vibrancy of debate during the conference, last year’s show reinforced our confidence that the industries we serve never stop developing and looking for new ways to achieve growth.
“This is an especially important time for the industries we represent. We’re entering a phase where political changes are set to impact our business dealings internationally. We believe that this year’s PPMA Total Show will provide visitors with an array of product launches and thought-provoking content to help them drive their business forward in these uncertain times.”
Visitor registration for the PPMA Total Show is now open. To register and attend the event for FREE, visit the PPMA Total Show website at: www.ppmatotalshow.co.uk
