Experiencing strong growth since its 2011 show, Process Expo, taking place Nov. 3-6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, will feature more than 200,000 feet of exhibit space dedicated to showcasing the latest in food processing technology from more than 500 equipment suppliers. 

In addition to this expansion, the trade show will debut an educational program this year that is free to all registered attendees. The beverage portion of the Process Expo University educational program features experts from Purdue University, West Lafayette, Ind.  Session topics will include “Aseptic Processing and Packaging” and “Wine and Its Challenges in Processing.”  A third session, “Electrolyzed Water (ECA) Sanitation – Coca-Cola Refreshments’ ‘Business Case’” presented by SPX, Charlotte, N.C., and Pete Duessel, director of quality assurance at Coca-Cola Refreshments USA, Atlanta, also was added.

The following are additional courses available during the trade show: “FSMA Made Practical: Managing Compliance for New Regulations,” “Designing Safe Food Processes,” “Food Allergen Control Strategies,” and “Labeling Requirements and Systems.”

“We’re excited to be able to offer this level of education to Process Expo attendees,” said Hank Brink, chairman of McLean, Va.-based Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA)’s beverage council and chief executive officer of Cadence Technologies, Alpharetta, Ga., in a statement. “Purdue is highly regarded in the beverage industry, and we look forward to what their speakers can add to the show.”

Two new initiatives also will make their debuts at the show: Defeat HungerSM and Save Food. The Defeat HungerSM initiative is a partnership with the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD), which will culminate at Process Expo. The charitable campaign began at the FPSA Spring Conference when the foundation announced its commitment to donate $75,000 to GCFD. Exhibitors have the opportunity make cash donations as well as ship cases of food to McCormick Place for distribution to the food bank. Additionally, the Save Food exhibit will be located at the entrance to McCormick Place’s North Hall. The initiative is a joint campaign instituted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and Messe Düsseldorf GmbH, Düsseldorf, Germany, to fight global food loss. The FPSA was the first U.S.-based sponsor of Process Expo in 2011, the association says.

The interactive display calls out the issue of food waste and presents solutions for consideration about global food waste.

 Registration for Process Expo 2013 also will allow access to the International Dairy Show and North American Meat Association’s Outlook Conference. For more information, visit myprocessexpo.com.