As with many other industry trade shows, Process Expo returned in 2021.
While attendance was strong, it was not as strong as the previous time the show was held in 2019. This trend has been common across the other industry trade shows EnSight attended this year.
While there were less attendees, those who were at the event were serious consumers. Those two factors combined to allow more intimate, meaningful conversations between exhibitors and attendees.
By popular demand, this year’s Expo welcomed back the live production demonstration line. One line showed the production of meatballs, and the second demonstration was a prepared food line making alternative-protein nuggets. EnSight had the opportunity to showcase our fenceless palletizing system on the meatball line and two of our column dumpers on the prepared food line. We want to say thank you to Seaboard Foods, Cereal Ingredients and Idan Foods for providing the ingredients, as well as everyone else who provided the machines, tools and everything else that helped make the lines a success.
One truly impressive thing was that the lines comprised machines from a variety of companies. Instead of being a competition, these different companies came together as part of the processing industry to demonstrate how products are made. In the end, both demonstrations were very well attended.
In addition, the expo included an Innovation Showcase where the following organizations were recognized for innovative processes and products:
Bakery, Grains, Nuts, Seeds & Snacks
- SideDrive Conveyor Company – Side-Drive Hygienic Spiral Conveyors
Beverage, Coffee Blends & Juices
- Custom Stainless Enclosures, Inc. – Single Hygienic Quarter Turn for All Enclosure Door Sizes
Cheese, Dairy, Ice Cream, Milk & Yogurt
- OMEGA Engineering – HANI Clamp-On Temperature Sensor (this was also awarded the 2021 People’s Choice Award)
Confectionary, Candy & Sweets
- Everactive – Wireless & Batteryless Sensors
Meat, Poultry & Seafood
- Grasselli SSI – KSL/DV
Pet Foods & Treats
- P&P Optica – Smart Imaging System
Prepared Foods, Fruits & Vegetables
- Brite Belt – Brite Belt Scrubbers
All in all, FPSA hosted a very professional, very well-produced show that brought together industry leaders from all over. The next Process Expo is scheduled for Oct. 23-25, 2023, in Chicago, IL.
EnSight Solutions thanks all the people who stopped by our booth, and we look forward to seeing you at future events. In the meantime, if you have any questions or want insight into how our team can help you with your automation and packaging needs, please contact us now.