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Comprising dedicated hubs including Pakex, PPMA and Interphex, The Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition takes place at the NEC, Birmingham from 4th to 6th June 2013. In addition to the exhibition there are free-to-attend seminars and plenty of opportunities for networking

This year's Total Processing & Packaging exhibition takes place against a tough backdrop for the industry. Manufacturing output fell by 3% in the year to March 2013, according to the Office for National Statistics. On top of that, the manufacturing industry is suffering a degree of collateral damage from the horsemeat scandal. The industry could be forgiven for looking glum. Luckily, there are some chinks of light amongst the darkness: some firms are finding ways to turn the crises into opportunities.

Speaking about the challenges facing manufacturers during this time, Michelle Newman, marketing manager for Kliklok International, (Stand H10), commented: "In light of the recent controversy over horsemeat, an increasing number of supermarkets are pledging to source their ingredients from reputable suppliers in the UK. For the UK food producer, this may well lead to an unexpected upturn in overall production, which means higher speed, labour- saving automatic packaging could be the next step." Graham Earl, exhibition manager at the Total Processing & Packaging Exhibition, added: "It sounds counter-intuitive, but tough times can be positive for manufacturers, as they act as a catalyst for innovation. We think that this is where a show like Total comes into its own - it is a place to meet peers from across the industry, share the latest ideas and thinking, and find ways to chart a course through tough terrain." Over 320 exhibitors will be on hand to demonstrate just how processing and packaging professionals can improve efficiency, accuracy and consistency while focusing on innovation.

Dedicated hubs Comprising three dedicated hubs including Pakex, PPMA and Interphex, attendees are invited to discover the latest innovations in packaging design at the Pakex Hub, machinery to enhance productivity at the PPMA show and new manufacturing solutions designed specifically for the pharmaceutical industry in the Interphex hub.

From design, automation and control, packaging machinery to materials and containers, no matter what industry or product you're in charge of, the event offers the chance to discover the latest solutions and technologies available to enhance your business and transform your production line.

Learn from industry insiders While advice on the latest pressing industry topics can be found on a number of exhibitor stands, free-to-attend seminars will be available throughout the 3-day event featuring, for example, Tyrrells, M&S, Dairy Crest, B&Q, Kerry Foods, GSK, Siemens and B. Braun who will put the industry's pressing issues under the spotlight, share the latest advice and reveal the latest industry innovations.

Reflecting the three show hubs, visitors can attend seminars in the Manufacturing Forum, sponsored by Linx Printing Technologies, the Interphex Theatre, sponsored by Bürkert Fluid Control Systems and Pakex Innovation Hub, sponsored by Markem Imaje. Each hub offers a unique seminar programme packed with an exciting line up of topics.

Looking to the future: Recognising the best and brightest up-andcoming talent in the industry will also be a key focus, with the return of the Ones to Watch competition. This is a search for the industry's brightest young processing and packaging professional, judged on entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to the industry. Sponsored by Festo, the successful candidate and 'one to watch' will win more than £9500 of in-house training from Festo's Training & Consulting portfolio.

If you know a colleague that fits the bill, visit totalexhibition.com/otw.

New to the exhibition, the Packaging Design Challenge will offer one packaging professional the chance of investment in their packaging innovations. Candidates are invited to submit their packaging concepts for a chance to secure a real financial investment live at the show. If you have an idea you'd like to see on the shop shelves, visit totalexhibition.com/ packdesignchallenge.

For more information on the exhibition and to register, visit totalexhibition.co.uk.