As the need for contract packaging services increases among brand owners, Packaging Services Expo offers an exhibition and conference that includes a contract packaging track. The show will be May 10-12, 2005, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL. The event is hosted by the Tarsus Group.

Both the event and the Contract Packaging Association offer brand managers and package designers educational opportunities to improve packaging efficiencies. The expo will provide critical insights on creating a more direct relationship between package functionality, cost-effectiveness and shelf impact. This is becoming a central issue as brand owners require that their design groups and creative agencies be more involved in package production.

Among conference topics of interest to those involved in package creation: “Identifying Unique Market Opportunities,” presented by Dennis Furniss at BrandScope, and “Meeting Customer Expectations in a Highly Competitive Consumer Products Market With a New and Different Design Criteria,” presented by Mike O’Leary and Henry Renella at Estèe Lauder.

For information, call Don Browne at 262/782-1900, ext. 222.