Rockwell Automation, Inc., the worlds largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, is supporting industry education in a big way through sponsorship of the PMMI Education and Training Foundation Golf Tournament, Future Innovators Robotics Showcase and a direct donation to the PMMI Foundation, according to PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO (27-29 September 2021; Las Vegas Convention Center, United States) producer, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.

"Rockwell shows their commitment to this industry year after year, and we are grateful for their consistent sponsorship and continued support," said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI.

As the exclusive sponsor of the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, Rockwell Automation will support PACK EXPOs efforts to encourage a new generation of packaging professionals. Forming part of the brand-new interactive PACK to the Future exhibit in the North Hall at PACK EXPO Las Vegas and co-located Healthcare Packaging EXPO this year, FIRST robotics teams from Las Vegas area high schools will showcase robots in action that they have designed and built themselves. This year over 50 students, aged between 14 and 18, will participate in this exciting initiative to learn more about the industry. Students will have the opportunity to tour the show floor and learn about the breadth and innovation within the industry when they are not showcasing their robotic creations.

Rockwell Automation also made a US$10,000 direct donation to the PMMI Foundation, earmarked for additional support for the participating teams in the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase. Each team participating in the event will receive grant money as well as travel assistance and food and beverage during the show.

In addition, Rockwell Automation is the Gold Sponsor of the PMMI Foundation Golf Tournament, held in conjunction with PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO 2021. All proceeds of the PMMI Foundation Golf Tournament will support the PMMI Foundation. The PMMI Foundation provides financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the US and Canada providing over 32 academic scholarships annually in addition to funding student manufacturing summer camps. The event takes place on Sunday, 26 September, the day before the show starts at the Bali Hai Golf Club in Las Vegas, US.

“We are excited to be the exclusive sponsor of the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase and to continue our contributions to the PMMI Foundation this year. To be able to contribute to and support the development of future generations for this essential industry has always been the driving force behind our sponsorships during the PACK EXPO shows,” said Steve Deitzer, vice-president consumer products industry, Rockwell Automation. “It is an honour to partner with PMMI on another PACK EXPO event and we look forward to continue supporting the industry for years to come.”

PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO is the only show this year covering the entire packaging and processing industry spread across four expansive convention centre halls. More than 1,500 exhibitors will showcase the latest new materials, technologies and solutions to address the packaging and processing needs of over 20,000 attendees from 40-plus vertical markets. With multiple free educational platforms and countless networking opportunities, the event will provide endless prospects for exchanging ideas and professional growth.

With its PACK Ready health and safety programme, PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO will reunite the packaging and processing community, implementing thorough and up-to-date protocols for a successful in-person event.

based on all indications to date, the majority of the industry is excited to reunite with the more than 1,500 exhibitors that will be spread across four expansive halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center. PMMI has launched a show statistics page so all participants can get the latest statistics on the show. Attendee registration numbers are updated here daily in addition to a multitude of other key indicators so everyone can see at any given time how things are progressing. View the latest show stats here.

Registration, which includes access to both PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO, is $30 through 3 September, after which the price increases to $130. For more information and to register online, visit the Pack Expo Las Vegas website.