Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is the event?

Tuesday 29th September - Thursday 1st October 2009


2. What are the opening times?

Tue 29 Sep 10.00 - 17.00
Wed 30 Sep 10.00 - 17.00
Thu 01 Oct 10.00 - 16.00


3. Where is the event?

Hall 5
The NEC (National Exhibition Centre)
Birmingham
B40 1NT
UK

For further travel information visit http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/travel


4. What is the event about?

The PPMA Show is the UK’s annual showcase for processing & packaging machinery.

It is the only place where industry professionals can view such a large array of live machinery put through its paces, evaluate leading suppliers, make meaningful product comparisons, quiz the technical experts face-to-face and make the best purchasing decisions to achieve their efficiency & productivity targets. A visit is well worth-while!


5. Who is exhibiting at the event?

Many leading names have signed up to exhibit at the PPMA Show 2009. Meet face-to-face with exhibitors from the following sectors:

• Processing machinery including all types of processing machinery: mixers, grinders, portioning, drying machines, elevators, metal detection, refrigeration, weighing equipment and bespoke machinery
  
• Packaging machinery including bar coding, cartoning, closing machines, conveyors, form, fill, seal, inspection, labelling, palletising, blister packaging, vacuum packing and wrapping machines
  
• Control & instrumentation including control software, sensors, switches, motors and vision inspection...
  
  ...and much more! View the Exhibitor List >>

6. Who should visit the event?

Anyone with an interest in processing and packaging including:

• Professionals from manufacturing companies across all sectors
• Production managers
• Engineers
• Brand managers & owners
• Product & marketing managers
• Retailers
• Designers
• Supply chain & logistics managers
• New product development managers

7. Show Highlights include:

PPMA Machinery Finder Helpdesk (Stand C90)

If you’re looking to source equipment and would like some free advice on where to start, visit the advisors at the PPMA Machinery Finder Helpdesk who will be able to assist with all your production challenges. The Helpdesk also provides health and safety guidance and advice on the latest legislation and specific project management issues.

Live Machinery Demonstrations

This year, the PPMA Show will be highlighting the latest manufacturing machinery innovations, which will be demonstrated live throughout the event.
To view the full timetable visit http://www.ppmashow.co.uk

Join us at the Starpack Dinner & Awards – 30 September at the NEC

For the first time, the PPMA Show will be co-located with the prestigious Starpack 2009 Dinner and Awards Ceremony. Recognising innovation in packaging design and technology, the Dinner provides the perfect networking opportunity. For more details and to book your seat go to: http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/starpack

Free Practical Guide to Machinery Safety for every visitor

We are delighted to announce that every visitor to the PPMA Show can obtain a FREE Practical Guide to Machinery Saftey, produced by Laidler Associates. To claim yours, simply visit the PPMA Machinery Finder Helpdesk (stand C90) and hand in a business card.


8. Is there a catalogue?

Yes, there is an official exhibition catalogue which is free for all registered visitors to pick up on arrival (while stocks last).

To get the most out of your visit, we recommend planning your day in advance. Simply go to http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/planyourvisit to create your own personal floorplan, highlighting the companies that are of interest to you.


9. If I have registered for the exhibition, can I attend on more than one day?

Yes, your badge is valid for all three show days. Just remember to bring it with you each day. Your badge also entitles you to free car parking.


10. How can I register?

Simply go to http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/register and complete the short form. Please also forward the link to your colleagues so they can register too. Registration is free.


11. Can I register my colleague and/or friend?

Yes.

1. I'm worried that I haven't received my badge yet, what can I do?

Don't worry, simply bring your badge number with you (which will be on the confirmation email you received when you registered online) and you can pick up your badge from the entrance to the exhibition. If for any reason, you don't have your badge number, simply quote your name and company at the entrance to the PPMA Show Hall and we will print out a badge for you.


2. I attended the event last time; will I automatically receive a badge?

If you attended last time, you will receive a Priority Registration email from us which will ask you to check that the details we have for you are correct (if they are, you won't have to complete the form again). Once you confirm your details and click 'submit' you will be registered for the Show. You can then pick up your badge on arrival at the event (or if you have requested that we post it to you prior to the event you will receive it through the post).


3. Plan your Visit

For full event details and to use our interactive "plan your visit" tool, go to http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/planyourvisit

1. Can I visit the event if I'm not in the trade?

No, unfortunately not. All visitors should be involved in or have some connection or interest in the PPMA Show and associated industries. For our full admissions policy, please go to: http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/admission


2. Is there a charge for registering pre-event?

No, it is free of charge. The benefits of registering early via http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/register is that you will receive a show preview and all the latest information on what's going on at the event to enable you to plan your visit. Entering the exhibition on the day will also be very quick as you won't have to queue.


3.  Is there a charge to register on the door?

No, the exhibition is FREE to attend, however ALL visitors must fully complete a registration form either prior to the exhibition online, or on arrival. We highly recommend that you register for the event online well in advance of the event to avoid the queues and save you time on the day.


4. Do I have to provide all of my personal details?

We do need you to complete contact details for insurance and visitor auditing purposes. If you do not wish to receive further information about our events in the future you can tick the relevant data protection boxes. We do not sell our data to third parties.


5. I don't want to be contacted after the event; how can I prevent this from happening?

When you complete the registration form, just tick the relevant data protection boxes.


6. I am a student; can I visit the event?

We don't encourage students to attend as this is a business event. If you have a legitimate reason for attending please make sure you are dressed in business attire. No-one under the age of 16 is allowed to attend due to the live machinery on display.


7. Can my children visit the event with me?

We regret that no one under 16 is allowed into the exhibition hall due to the live machinery on display.

   
8. Are there any creche facilities?

No.

1. How do I get to the event?

The NEC is very accessible by both road and public transport. For further details and to plan your journey, go to: http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/travel


2. I'm travelling by car, where can I park?

The NEC has over 22,000 car park spaces specifically for visitors and exhibitors. All car parks have designated spaces for visitors with disabilities. Please note car parking for the PPMA Show 2009 is FREE of charge to ALL visitors and exhibitors.


3. I am travelling a distance for the event, where can I stay?

Travel Technology Group are the official accommodation agent for the PPMA Show. They are pleased to offer a wide selection of hotels, flights and car hire at discounted prices.

See http://www.ppmashow.co.uk/hotels for details and to book.

Alternatively a hotel reservation can be made by calling:
T. 0800 051 5781 (UK Freephone)
T. +44 (0) 1883 347 026 (International)

1. Will there be anywhere that I can access the internet while I'm at the event?

Yes, internet access is available in the Visitor and Business Centre and WifiZones.
See http://www.thenec.co.uk/planningavisit/facilities for details.

   
2. Can I hire a wheelchair at the event?

For details on disabled access and facilities, please visit http://www.thenec.co.uk/planningavisit/disabledvisitors


3. What is wheelchair access like at the venue?

For details on disabled access and facilities, please visit: http://www.thenec.co.uk/planningavisit/disabledvisitors

  
4. Are pushchairs allowed into the exhibition halls?

No. No-one under the age of 16 is allowed into the exhibition. 


5. Will there be anywhere to buy food while I'm at the exhibition?

There are a variety of excellent cafes and restaurants to choose from at theNEC.
For more details visit: http://www.thenec.co.uk/foodanddrink

1. What can I do if my question has not been answered by any of the above?

If you have any further queries, please call our visitor helpline on t.+44 (0)20 8271 2156 or email: ppma.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk