Students from Virginia Tech, Purdue University Northwest and Cal Poly Team claimed the winning title at this year’s 2021 Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson, on the PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO show floor.

Herndon, Va.; Oct. 1, 2021 — Students from Virginia Tech, Purdue University Northwest and Cal Poly Team claimed the winning title at this year's 2021 Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson, on the PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO show floor. Coordinated by show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and sponsored by Emerson, the race brought together students from six Education Partner schools across the country to complete a series of challenges over four expansive halls of exhibit space.

Anna Troutt (Virginia Tech), Andrew Smith (Purdue University NW) and Serena Pu (California Polytechnic State University) outsmarted the competition with their social-media savvy and show floor strategy, meeting the most exhibitors and completing the tasks faster than their opponents. Each student on the winning team took home $1,000 in prize money.

"PACK EXPO Las Vegas and Healthcare Packaging EXPO is the world's biggest interactive packaging classroom and students thoroughly enjoy this annual event," says Kate Fiorianti, senior manager, education, PMMI. "It's a great way for future leaders to learn about the industry and test their wits in the field."

Gabby Brophy (Virginia Tech), Harash Bhutada (Michigan State University) and Shayne Babich (Alexandria Technical and Community College) took second place, while Nicholas Magan (Alexandria Technical and Community College), Leslie Kim (Virginia Tech), Alexandria Stein (Clemson) and Morgan Graham (Michigan State) brought home third place.

Competing students represented 6 Education Partner schools, including:
• Alexandria Technical & Community College
• California Polytechnic State University
• Clemson
• Michigan State University
• Purdue University Northwest
• Virginia Tech
Participating exhibitors included:
• Baumer hhs
• Belden
• BW Packaging Systems
• B&R Automation
• Dorner
• Duravant
• Fallas Automation
• FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
• Frazier & Son
• Honeywell Intelligrated
• IoPP
• Lenze Americas
• LinMot USA, Inc.
• Morrison Container Handling Solutions
• OMAC
• SICK
• Siemens Digital Industries
• Starview Packaging Machinery
• Syntegon Packaging Technology, LLC
• Tri-Tronics Company
• Weiler Labeling Systems



About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 900 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, Enlace EXPO PACK, EXPO PACK México and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World, Mundo PMMI and OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members' growth strategies and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.