With the goal of creating “the premier convention and exposition for the beverage processing industry,” the American Beverage Association announced InterBev 2006 will be held at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas Oct. 23-25 under the theme “Let the Sales Pour In.” Since re-acquiring the show late last year, the association has refocused InterBev as a more intimate event that will zero in on issues important to beverage manufacturers, with conference programming designed to appeal to owners and operators of bottling facilities, plant managers, engineers, quality assurance managers and production supervisors. Exhibits will feature machinery, equipment and supplies that represent supplier innovations and new technologies. In addition, show planners say there will be opportunities for beverage processors seeking distribution.

The association has selected an advisory committee comprising producers and suppliers to ensure the show’s content is “highly relevant and reflective of the marketplace it serves.” Programming will feature five educational tracks — General Management, Trends, Logistics, Plant Design and Formulation — and has allowed for conflict-free hours for attending both conference programs and exhibitions. The show floor at the Sands Expo Center will cover 40,000 to 50,000 square feet and feature an American Beverage Association Networking Center. BI