Packaging: PMMI launches connected communities

PMMI, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO trade shows, announces the launch of PMMI’s Connected Communities, an online forum where professionals with packaging- and processing-related responsibilities in a range of core industries can connect year-round.

“PMMI is carrying its customer-centric focus beyond the trade show floor,” said Charles D. Yuska, president and CEO, PMMI. “Connected Communities is a place where the industries can gather to find trends, share knowledge and network, 24/7/365.”

PMMI’s Connected Communities will launch with four community sites, tailored to specific industry markets: confectionery, baking & snack, pharmaceutical and general packaging and processing. Each community will include a range of features to connect these industries with tailored news, insight and discussions developed and moderated by the staff of PMMI’s Packaging Machinery Technology Magazine:

The Blog:  Hand-selected editors, chosen for their expertise in their respective markets, will use the blogs to develop insightful discussion, share the latest trends and offer thought-provoking analysis to their niche audience.

Industry News: Professionals can turn to PMMI’s Connected Communities for the latest news and trends, current events and announcements as well as PMMI-related events that include a focus on their specific industries.

Packaging and Processing Glossary: The Wiki-based packaging and processing glossary at the Connected Communities allows site visitors to define common terms in packaging and processing. Visitors have the ability to update existing definitions, request definitions, and produce new entries. The glossary will give suppliers and their customers a common “language” to facilitate communication.

Discussion Forums: Connected Community discussion forums are the most direct way for a community member to interact and network with his or her peers. Site visitors can join or start discussions about the latest news, trends, innovations or challenges affecting their businesses.

The site will also feature a calendar of PMMI-sponsored events.

“These communities are more than just news feeds or trends articles,” Yuska added. “They’re a way for professionals to engage and interact with their industries and markets year round.”

Industry professionals can learn more about these communities and register online at community.pmmi.org, or on site at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2011 (Las Vegas Convention Center, September 26–28)  with the help of PMMI representatives at The Candy Bar, The Rx Lounge and the Baking & Snack Break to supply information and aid in registration. These Lounges will serve as brick-and-mortar versions of the Connected Communities, with industry experts and bloggers on site for questions and conversation.

Modern’s Pack Expo Coverage.