PMMI, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute, is the association that leads the packaging industry as a total resource for suppliers, manufactures (both machinery and materials), contract packagers and direct product/brand packagers. The global association provides in-depth market analyses and quality industry trends including market research, industry surveys, and forecasts through their extensive Business Intelligence program.
The data PMMI accumulates will surely enhance your business and you can pick and choose which markets you’re targeting. Examples of industry reports readily available for your product may include but are not limited to:
Many of these reports are available to any company looking for more intelligence on taking their product/brand to market. If you are not acquainted with PMMI, also the founder and facilitator of Pack Expo International (Chicago) and Pack Expo Las Vegas, I urge you to go into their site to learn more about services and studies that may assist your global product awareness. Visit: www.pmmi.org today.
Now, for Packaging Suppliers (machinery or materials manufacturers), I highly suggest becoming a member of PMMI for a mere $1,500 yearly annual dues. That may sound like a large some in today’s shrinking marketing budget but here’s an example of how spending a little may bring a better ROI than you anticipated.
As a womb-born penny-pincher, if that’s even possible, I made it my responsibility to scrutinize every aspect of saving a nickel here or a dime there with my marketing dollars. Back in the early ‘90’s, as Marketing Manager for a well known machinery manufacturer, I was exhibiting at one of my first Pack Expo shows in a 10’ x 20’ booth – total 200 sq. ft. The exhibitor next to me had the same space. As exhibitors do, we start up conversations such as “What product are you exhibiting?” or “How’s business?” or “Did your electricians come yet?” After working side by side for a few hours of set up we’re chummy and the inevitable “So how much are you paying for booth space?” question comes up. Remember, penny-pinching baby boomer needs to know she’s getting a good deal.
I have the same 200 sq. ft. real estate and I find out I’m paying $22/sq. ft. vs. their $10/sq. ft. price? This can’t be so! The reason? PMMI member vs. Non-PMMI member. Very quickly I delved into the math.
Back then it cost my neighboring exhibitor $2,000 in real estate that I was paying at $4,400. Annual dues back then were $1,000. That means my neighbor was paying $3,000 total for the same booth size and I’m STILL (after dues) paying $1,400 more? But wait, it gets better. Becoming a member doesn’t only help your floor space pricing, you also move WAY up in the pecking order for booth space selection. Excuse me? I’m saving money AND I’m getting a better booth location? SIGN ME UP. I had our company evaluated for membership and the process was simple and smooth.
The best part is there are so many other advantages to becoming a member that I can only drive you to their website for more information. This is their resource guide page: http://www.pmmi.org/a/article.asp?id=1797&navitemid=622. Many of these reports are FREE if you’re a member. Plus, if members attend the annual PMMI meeting or Executive Council event, you get additional discounts. No brainer.
Bottom line to product/brand packagers: Find value in Associations such as PMMI that will work for you, providing beneficial information on economic issues, market trends, industrial insights and more. Use the knowledge they provide to your benefit.
Bottom line to packaging manufacturers: Be frugal in your budget but be wise in your ROI.
PMMI also offers comprehensive programs and services that enable packaging professionals to stay abreast of the latest economic trends, regulations and industry news and events.
For more information on PMMI’s business resources, programs and services, please log onto: www.pmmi.org or contact PMMI at 1-888-ASK-PMI (275-7664)
Oh, and don’t forget to register for the Show: Pack Expo International, October 31 – November 3, 2010, McCormick Place, Chicago Illinois USA.
This information presented by: Cheryl Miller, Selah Marketing LLC: info@selahmarketing.com