The excitement at PACK EXPO Las Vegas was at an all-time high as the champions of the 2023 Amazing Packaging Race were announced. 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 sq ft 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 7, 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,” said 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, included:
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)
