Team 18 Triumphs as Winner of the 2023 Amazing Packaging Race

Exceptional student team takes the win in a battle of wit and strategy at PACK EXPO Las Vegas

The excitement at PACK EXPO Las Vegas was at an all-time high as the champions of the 2023 Amazing Packaging Race were announced today. Coordinated by show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and sponsored by Emerson, the race showcased the remarkable skills of 23 teams comprised of participants from schools across the United States. The competition stood out as an impressive display of quick wit and determination as teams competed to conquer a series of challenges spanning nearly 1 million net square feet of exhibit space.

Team 18, including Raya Sall from Michigan State University, Alexis Sarellano Tellez

from San Jose State University, Emmery Sayers from Clemson University, and Remy Schimick from Clemson University, emerged as champions in an outstanding display of creativity, strategy, and talent. These four students outperformed the competition with quick-witted social media strategies and show floor tactics, reaching more exhibitors and completing assignments faster than their opponents. Each member of Team 18 took home $1,000 in prize money for their achievement.

Team seven, Ryan Gertner from Virginia Tech, Marta Ghigo from Virginia Tech,

Luke Hambrick from University of North Texas, and Nick Harpstead from University of Wisconsin-Stout took second place.

“The Amazing Packaging Race is always such a great opportunity for us to engage with students and support the next generation of industry leaders,” says Kate Fioranti, director of workforce development at PMMI. “We are proud of all the participants; their teamwork and determination are impressive. Thank you to the participating exhibitors and to Emerson for sponsoring another great race!”

Competing students represented 13 schools across the country, including:

California Polytechnic State University

Clemson University

Michigan State University

Rochester Institute of Technology

San Jose State University

University of California, Davis

University of North Texas

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Virginia Tech

Participating exhibitors included:

3M

Allen Field Company Inc.

B&R Industrial Automation Corp.

Baumer hhs

Beckhoff Automation LLC

Belden

Duravant

Econocorp, Inc.

Fallas Automation, Inc.

Fox IV Technologies, Inc.

Freshlock

Hoosier Feeder Company

IoPP (Institute of Packaging Professionals)

Lenze Americas

Linmot USA, Inc.

Morrison Container Handling Solutions

OMAC

Pacteon Group

Paper Machinery Corporation

Plastipak Packaging, Inc.

Shurtape Technologies, LLC

SICK, Inc.

Siemens Digital Industries

Starview Packaging Machinery Inc.

WLS (Weiler Labeling Systems)

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,000 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, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, 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, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Manufacturing + 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.