SPI steps up technology shows at NPE 2009

The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) has announced initiatives designed to showcase new technologies at the NPE 2009 international plastics exposition.

The “New Technology Pavilion” will spotlight exhibiting companies’ latest and most innovative advances as judged by a panel of top industry editors.

The New Technology Pavilion is one of several new types of multi-exhibitor pavilions planned by Washington-based SPI for the new West Building of McCormick Place. Companies that have already contracted for standard exhibit space in NPE2009 have the opportunity to make an additional investment in a New Technology Pavilion kiosk to spotlight developments that are new at the show and constitute real advances over existing technologies. A panel of industry editors will determine if a development qualifies for display in the pavilion.

“While visitors will discover technological advances throughout NPE2009, the New Technology Pavilion will bring together dozens of themtruly innovative equipment and material introductionsin a single pavilion,” said Gene Sanders, SPI’s vice president of trade shows. “For exhibitors whose product offerings qualify for inclusion, the pavilion provides an opportunity to double their exposure for the most exciting developments that they have brought to the show and to attract additional visitors to their main booth.”

The SPI will also use the NPE 2009 in conjunction with its next design competition. The International Plastics Design Competition will be the first time the long-standing design contests organized by SPI’s Alliance of Plastics Processors will be open to anyone worldwide and to virtually any type of design.

According to the SPI, the competition will extend its reach to new categories including packaging products, bioplastics, nanocomposites, and products that address energy efficiency and sustainability.

“This is a huge audience that is vastly different from past years. It will give them the opportunity to be on display for potential customers and mold makers,” said an NPE spokesperson.

NPE 2009 will take place June 22-26, 2009 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.

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