The PPMA (Processing and Packaging Machinery Association) is pleased to confirm that its flagship PPMA Show will go ahead at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) on 28-30 September 2021.

Confirmation of this year’s eagerly awaited processing, packaging, machine vision and robotics event in Birmingham will come as welcome news to show-goers and industry influencers alike within the UK manufacturing sector.

Speaking after the decision to stage PPMA Show 2021, 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 over 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,” added Little

This year’s FREE-to-attend flagship Show will house in-excess of over 350 exhibitors, comprising more than 1,700 brands, from the UK and parts of Europe. 

Since the Show’s inception in 1988, it is now widely accepted as being the most important and influential industry event in the calendar for key decision-makers and purchasers from the FMCG (fast-moving consumer goods) sector.

This has recently been extended to building materials and suppliers, pet care, micro-breweries and distilleries, contract packers, tobacco and vaping industries. 

PPMA shows have always attracted high-end speakers and big-name brands to its Conference area, and this year’s three-day event is no different. Prominent industry representatives from Iceland Foods and Scottish brewer and social enterprise Brewgooder have already pledged their support and commitment to speak on 28-29 September.

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 and follow the links.