Recap: Interphex 2021

By: Matthew Mulvey

Interphex

October 19th – 21st, Jacob Javits Center, New York City

Greetings from Day 1 of Interphex 2021 at the Jacob Javits Center in NYC. This is one of the first in-person trade shows on the East Coast since the pandemic started.  In spite of the pre-screening program (which was first class by-the-way) and NYC’s vaccination and mask mandates the show seems to be well attended by both exhibitors and visitors.  All evidence points to an opportunity-laden second act to last months Pack Expo in Las Vegas.

Exhibitors this year included CMOS/CDMOs to the life sciences, integrators of filling, packaging and end-of-line equipment, clean room and facilities companies, vision/inspection and robotics specialists.  However, my favorite booth, hands down, is definitely the manufacturer of automatic application and removal of shoe covers (booties).  Hey, the arthritic can dream!

I’ve seen some old friends (challenging because we’re all wearing masks!), met plenty of strategic new business contacts and sat with at least a dozen packaging equipment vendors…and I’m only halfway through the showroom floor.  If the turnout today is a precursor of trade shows to come then I am truly excited for EastPack and MDM East in December (back here at the Javits) and of course for Pack Expo in a Chicago next year. 

It’s great to be back!