The HBA Global Expo (www.hbaexpo.com) Educational Program, taking place September 18-20, 2007 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center offers a wealth of information and features industry experts who can provide the latest industry insight on trends, tools and technologies that will enhance attendees professional and product development plans.

The HBA Marketing Conference Program features more than 22 sessions, and provides the latest information on marketing and strategic brand development, packaging, design, and display innovations. This year’s program features several sessions that will focus on the latest developments in packaging innovation and engineering, as well as the industry’s movement to reduce the “environmental footprint” of packaging.

Here are some highlights:

SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING
Tuesday, September 18 • 10:30am -12:00pm

Moderated by Package Design’s Group Publisher, Christopher Lyons, “Sustainable Packaging” will feature companies at the forefront of reducing waste and being environmentally conscious in the beauty and personal care arena. This session will provide a solid framework for attendees to plan and implement their own sustainable packaging initiatives. Speaking on this panel will be Joe Grady, Vice President Divisional Merchandise Manager, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. discussing "WAL-MART'S SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING NETWORK"; Sara Hartwell, Environmental Specialist, EPA Office of Solid Waste, "ENERGY AND CLIMATE IMPLICATIONS OF SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING"; and John Delfausse, VP, Estée Lauder, Packaging Development - Sustainable Packaging Coalition addressing the "THE SUSTAINABLE PACKAGING COALITION: Your Answers to Sustainability." There will be time for Q&A’s on making environmentally conscious product packaging decisions.

DISPLAY AND DESIGN: The Art of Sudden Impact
Tuesday, September 18 • 2:30pm - 4:00pm

It’s all about grabbing—and holding—the consumer’s attention. That one visual merchandising idea that will make the difference between a display that holds merchandise and one that sells it —to make it say, “Hey, pick me!” Recognizing this vital need for merchandisers to make their products stand out from all the others on the shelf, this session will provide real world case studies and research to assist marketers in tracking consumers' reactions on the shelf. Moderated by Curtis Weems, Founder, The Weems Group LLC, the panelists include: Scott Young, President, Perception Research Services, "BREAKING THROUGH THE CLUTTER: Research Insights to Measure & Leverage the Power of Packaging;" Nathan Hendricks, Creative Director, LPK Beauty Group, presenting with Krista Schwartz, Global Upstream Design Manager, Procter & Gamble, "THE HERBAL ESSENCES REDESIGN: Capturing the Heart of the Herbal Girl;" and Alex Williams, Creative Director, Girvin New York, “ITS ABOUT THE SENSATE: From Immersive Impression to Brand Remembrance."

MAXIMIZING THE PERFORMANCE OF YOUR PACKAGING LINES: Presented by the Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (PMMI)
Wednesday, September 19 • 9:00am -10:30am

Optimizing your packaging line and ensuring your packaging machinery best suits your needs as a health and beauty manufacturer will be the focus of this panel presentation moderated by PMMI. Suppliers and equipment manufacturers will provide attendees with state-of-the-art solutions designed specifically for this industry segment. A spirited Q&A at the end of this session will be addressed by the panel. Led by moderator.
Ben Miyares, Vice President, Industry Relations, PMMI; the other participants from PMMI’s Board of Directors include Richard P. Fox, Jr., President, President & CEO, Fox IV Technologies, Inc.; Katherine E. Putnam, President, Package Machinery Co., Inc.; Glenn R. Siegele, President, Omega Design Corp.; and Randy L. Spahr, Vice President, Packaging Machines International, Inc.

MEET THE PACKAGE DESIGNERS: What You Need To Know About The Creative Process
Wednesday, September 19 • 9:00am -10:30am

This session is about how you get from here (in your head) to there (on the shelf). The presenters all have their own perspective and approach to achieving optimum results. Attendees will have an opportunity to compare the various means and decide what is best for their brands and company. Moderated by Marianne Klimchuck, Associate Chairperson/Packaging Design Dept., F.I.T., the top designers participating include Ed Moeller, Principal, Zunda Design Group; Robert Bergman, Creative Director, Bergman Associates and Walter Perlowski, Creative Director, Anthem New York.

LABELING & DECORATING: New Ideas
Wednesday, September 19 • 11:00am -12:30pm

Does your label get your message across? Does it attract the consumer? Does it provide instant recognition of your product? These are what labels are all about. Attend this session to hear from experienced speakers who will be talking about their ideas, possibilities and techniques involved to make your product stand out. Nicole Beckley, Merlot Skin Care is the moderator and she is joined by Michelle Izzi, Sr. Account Executive, WS Packaging Group,"EXTENDED TEXT AND PRIME LABELING: How Labeling and Packaging Affects the Look and Feel of The Brand;” Theresa Skyes, Product Development Manager, Gilbreth Packaging, "SENSATIONAL SOLUTIONS;" and Paul Stolz, Group Product & Technical Manager, CCL Label Decorating Solutions Group, ”DIMENSIONAL VISIONS: Printed Optical Effects.“

CONTRACT PACKAGING: The Do's and Don’ts
Wednesday, September 19 • 3:00pm - 4:30pm

Today, many companies use contract packagers. What better way to find out about the do's and don'ts of this business than to attend this very important session. From outsourcing the packaging function to meet your needs, to maximizing your relationship with your contract packagers, to when to use and how to choose a contract packager. Jennifer Kwok, Managing Editor, CPC Magazine is the moderator and sharing their expertise and experiences are Rihaz Z. Chughatta, Executive Vice President, Equity Packaging Inc.,"OUTSOURCING THE PACKAGING FUNCTION: Meeting Your Needs;" Johan Pot, VP Business Development, Quick-Pak; and Douglas Miller, Production and Operations Manager, Beauty Avenues, "CONTRACT PACKAGERS: When to use, How to chose."

In addition to the Marketing Conference Program, the educational program will also focus on two other important interactive areas of the business of personal care and cosmetic products: Technical and Naturals. Each of these key areas, along with Marketing, will have a dedicated educational track that will empower attendees from all areas of the industry to learn new methodologies, technologies and trends. The conference program has been re-designed to allow marketing and technical professionals to attend any of the session tracks in order to facilitate the cross fertilization of ideas based on both “market pull’ and “technology push.” HBA Global Expo will continue to provide an expanded exhibit floor, with more than 650 exhibitors and educational partners, generating the most comprehensive view of the industry--from formula to finish. Other show highlights include Fragrance Business Conference & Pavilion, HBA International Safety & Regulatory Summit, New Product Showcase, Presentation Theater, and the HBA Industry Awards Dinner.

Register today on-line at www.hbaexpo.com and use Priority Code: WWP7 and receive substantial savings on the conference program fees and free admission to the HBA Exhibit floors which features hundreds of leading international suppliers of prestige and mass market packaging components including glass, plastic, metal, pumps, delivery systems, labels, and decoration; point of sale displays, and design houses. Or for more information on the HBA Global Expo event call 1-212-600-3351.