THE PPMA (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) has confirmed that this year’s PPMA Show will go ahead at the NEC Birmingham from September 28-30.
Organisers revealed the announcement will come as ‘welcome news’ to those within the UK manufacturing sector.
The event, which highlights the latest innovations in processing, packaging, machine vision and robotics, will feature more than 350 exhibitors, comprising more than 1,700 brands, from the UK and parts of Europe.
Richard Little, show director for the PPMA Group of Associations, said, “There were a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding to run this year’s event; not least of all the safety and well-being of all concerned. Based on the advice we’ve received, the likely scenario is that all UK adults will have had or be eligible to receive their second Covid-19 vaccination in September 2021. Therefore, restrictions that would materially impact our Show running will have been lifted.
“We also had to gauge the appetite of exhibitors and prospective visitors to attend a live show, from which our surveys generated a very favourable response. The overwhelming consensus among those within the industry is that they want to see the return of live events; particularly in the food, beverage and pharmaceutical sectors. These sectors generate over half our visitors, many of whom have been working flat out to support the critical supply chain during the Coronavirus pandemic, and subsequently have a keen interest in the latest machinery and equipment.
“As an event organiser, we will now be working closely with the NEC to ensure that the necessary Covid-19 controls are in place, without compromising the overall event experience. This could mean some alternations to the omnidirectional floorplan and onsite catering provisions, but it will remain a large-scale exhibition.”
The conference area will feature speakers from major brands. Representatives from Iceland Foods and Scottish brewer and social enterprise Brewgooder have already pledged their commitment to speak at the exhibition.
The registration portal for PPMA Show 2021 is now open for new registrants to apply for their complimentary visitor pass. To register, or for more information about this year’s Show, visit: https://www.ppmashow.co.uk
