Even though the launch of the show was announced just seven months ago, PMMI’s debut edition of EXPO PACK Guadalajara already has sold out when it’s set to run Feb. 27-March 1.

“In December, we were happy to see 90 percent of the exhibit space was sold,” said Enrique Guzman, director of PMMI’s Latin America office.

He added, “But now, less than a month later, we are even more pleased to report that 100 percent of available booth space is taken.”

EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2013 will feature more than 300 exhibitors from 18 countries and cover more than 3,000 net square meters of exhibit space (32,000-plus net square feet).

In addition to a large contingent of Mexican companies (67 percent of the exhibitor base), exhibiting companies on hand will be from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Korea, Spain, France, Holland, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Taiwan, United States and the United Kingdom.

Among the U.S. exhibitors will be 46 PMMI member companies, 18 of them in the PMMI member pavilion.

“Our members know first-hand the value of the Mexican marketplace in general, and the importance of western Mexico in particular,” Guzman said. “Jalisco is at the heart of industry in Mexico.”

Anticipated attendance is 3,000 packaging and processing professionals representing a wide variety of brands in the food, beverage, electronics, automotive, pharmaceutical, personal care and chemical industries.

“EXPO PACK Guadalajara will display the latest innovations for productivity and efficiency, sustainability solutions and new developments in machinery, converting, printing, materials and components,” Guzman said. “Attendees will find many ways to improve their packaging and processing operations.”

Besides a busy showfloor, there also will be a conference program from the Mexican Packaging Association (AMEE).

Session highlights will include a report on “Trends in Packaging Machinery” given by Jorge Izquierdo, vice president of Market Development, PMMI, and “Packaging and Product Protection,” presented by Hiram Cruz, director general, AMEE.

“The support of the packaging and processing community is playing a large role in our success to date,” Guzman said.

In addition to AMEE’s conference, the Chamber of the Food Industry of Jalisco (CIAJ) and the Chamber of the Footwear Industry of the State of Jalisco (CICEJ) both are holding conference events exclusively for their members during the show.

“CIAJ and CICEJ represent two of the strongest industries in the region, and their support and participation in this first EXPO PACK Guadalajara is especially important,” Guzman said.

He added, “We are looking forward to helping buyers and sellers in this important region connect during EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2013.”