PACK Expo International 2022: Make the Most of Your Experience

September 7, 2022|Exclusive Features

Six Tips to Map Out Your Plans and Discover the Events, Technology and Solutions You Need to See Oct. 23-26 in Chicago

By Vicki McDonald Kastory, Editor of Packaging Technology Today

PMMI is bringing together global packaging and processing experts and over 2,000 exhibitors from more than 40 vertical markets at PACK EXPO International at McCormick Place in Chicago from Oct. 23-26. This annual event is one of the best ways to stay on top of advances in packaging and processing technology, automation, robotics, printing and supply chain solutions—all at one show

Here are six ways to make the most of your conference experience:

1. Plan ahead to get the best return on your investment

Register by Sept. 30 for the best value

Early bird registration is $30, and after Sept. 30 show registration increases to $130:

https://www.packexpointernational.com/attending/registration-info.

For anyone unable to attend in person, consider registering for PACK EXPO Express online conference experience: https://www.packexpointernational.com/pack-expo-xpress.

Make travel reservations

PACK Expo attendees and exhibitors are eligible for travel and hotel discounts:

https://www.packexpointernational.com/travel-hotel

Meet with a Pack Match Advisor

Schedule a free virtual consultation before Oct. 14 to find the right suppliers and experts to meet your needs. One-on-one, 30-minute consultations will take place Oct. 3 – Oct. 21. Spots are limited, so sign up now: https://www.packexpointernational.com/attending/pack-match

Set up My Show Planner

My Show Planner enables attendees and exhibitors to schedule meetings, and plan to attend events, exhibits and presentations: https://packexpo22.mapyourshow.com/8_0/login/login.cfm

2. Save your spot at popular events

The Emerging Brands Summit

Sunday, October 23, 2022
9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
McCormick Place, Room S100

This new one-day event kicks off Pack Expo 2022, and is designed to bring together start-up brands and experts in manufacturing and packaging. Early bird pricing is $195, and registration after Sept. 30 is $295. Registration, guest speaker and sponsorship information are available online: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/emerging-brands-summit

PACK gives BACK™

Monday, Oct. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

McCormick Place, West Building

Legendary rock band, STYX, will perform live during the annual PACK gives BACK networking event benefitting the PMMI Foundation. Tickets are $95 and proceeds provide financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the U.S. and Canada. Buy tickets online: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/pack-gives-back

Young Professional’s Networking Event

Monday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.

Punch Bowl Social Chicago

310 N. Green Street, Chicago

The Emerging Leaders Network will host a fun evening for young professionals to network at Punch Bowl Social Chicago in the city’s Fulton Market District, with bowling, bocce, games and more. Register now online: https://web.cvent.com/event/ccf93a1c-268d-4bb3-b425-3a74b6ea6dfe/summary

Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast

Tuesday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 a.m.

McCormick Place, Room S-100

Join PPWLN for a complimentary breakfast reception featuring keynote speaker Dawn Hudson, former President and CEO of Pepsi Cola North America and former Chief Marketing Officer of the National Football League. RSVP online at https://web.cvent.com/event/18079e89-cf9d-4e3b-88fc-73cb0a98793f/summary.

Industry Meets at PACK EXPO

As part of the Partner Plus Program, a record number of association partners are hosting targeted industry events. In addition, Association Partner thought leaders will present the latest industry trends on the Industry Speaks stage throughout the show. Learn more at: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/industry-meets

3. Discover innovative solutions through exhibits and educational programs

See the complete schedule online: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/schedule. Image Courtesy of PMMI.

The PACK EXPO Green Program:

PACK EXPO and all its partners, vendors and exhibitors are working together to create a more sustainable world. Find resources to advance your company’s unique sustainability goals. Learn more online: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/pack-expo-green

PACK to the Future Exhibit , West Building Booth W20001:

New this year, PACK to the Future is an interactive exhibit celebrating the role of packaging and processing throughout history, and the impact it is poised to have on our future. Take a journey through the evolution of packaging and processing and explore this curated exhibit of historical equipment, materials and photographs spanning 250 years.

PACK to the Future Stage, West Building at booth W20025:

Experience thought-provoking sessions on groundbreaking industry advancements with free presentations by industry experts on advances in pharmaceutical and cannabis packaging, wireless factory automation, sustainable alternatives, smart packaging, artificial intelligence and more!

The Forum at PACK EXPO: North Hall, Booth N4543.

Free, 45-minute sessions about the latest industry trends will be offered throughout the conference: https://www.packexpointernational.com/education/the-forum

Industry Speaks Stage: Industry Association Pavilion, North Hall Booth N4565

Experts in the PACK EXPO Partner Program will discuss the latest hot button topics and industry trends such as sustainability, remote access, supply chain solutions, augmented reality, operational efficiency and more. : https://www.packexpointernational.com/education/industry-speaks-stage

Innovation Stages: North Hall Booths N4560, N4580, N4585

Three Innovation Stages offer free, 30-minute seminars on breakthrough technologies and techniques for industry-specific solutions: https://packexpo22.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/#/searchtype/sessiontype/search/Innovation%20Stage/show/all

Processing Innovation Stage: Lakeside Center Booth LU7130

Learn about the latest food and beverage processing breakthroughs:

https://packexpo22.mapyourshow.com/8_0/sessions/#/searchtype/sessiontype/search/Processing%20Innovation%20Stage/show/all

4. Explore the industry-specific pavilions

An interactive map is available for exhibitors and attendees to find halls, pavilions and booth locations: https://packexpo22.mapyourshow.com. Image courtesy of PMMI.

Association Partner Pavilion: North Hall, Booths N4510 – N5101

The leading associations dedicated to advancing the packaging and processing industry will offer significant resources, insights and expertise all in one central location within the North Hall.

Confectionery Pavilion: South Building, Booths S2284 – S2895

Home to the latest trends and technologies relating to aeration, batch refining, shaping, cluster production and more. Be sure to visit the Candy Bar Lounge, hosted by The National Confectioners Association (NCA), and sponsored by Syntegon Packaging Technology, LLC.

Containers and Materials Pavilion: West Building

Big trends such as sustainability, recyclability, e-commerce and consumer convenience have loomed large in recent years in this pavilion. Located in the West Building, it is a prime destination for companies looking to refresh a brand, launch new products, broaden appeal and attract attention. Don’t miss the Showcase of Packaging Innovations®, featuring award-nominated packaging solutions at booth W20042, sponsored by WestRock

The Processing Zone: Lakeside Center, Booths LU7000-LU7799

Discover a wide variety of food and beverage processing equipment, and learn about solutions to increase efficiency, achieve total system integration and ensure safety.

Healthcare Packaging Pavilion: West Building at booths W13000 – W20099

The name has changed, but this “show within a show’ will be the gathering ground for life science industries, featuring innovations pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals and medical devices.

Logistics Pavilion: North Building

The explosion of e-commerce and the latest challenges with supply chain has brought about the brand-new logistics pavilion where attendees can address warehousing, fulfillment and transportation needs in one convenient location.

PACKage Printing Pavilion: South Building

This exciting area in the South Building features digital printing and converting, labeling, coding and marking technologies.

Reusable Packaging Learning Center: Upper Lakeside at booths LU6700 – LU6999

Learn the latest and discover how implementing a reusable packaging system can improve material handling performance, reduce operating costs, create new economic values, and lower environmental impacts in your supply chain.

5. Learn new skills and meet prospective employees

PMMI’s online job board, CareerLink @PACK EXPO is going live at the show, providing opportunities for PMMI, CPA, OMAC and IoPP member companies to offer one-on-one informational interviews to students and veterans pursuing careers in packaging and processing. Image Courtesy of PMMI.

PMMI U Workforce Development Pavilion: West Hall Concourse

This is a one-stop-shop for resources to strengthen and grow your current workforce, and complete popular PMMI U training workshops:

Risk Assessment Workshop October 21-22, 2022
Certified Trainer Workshop: Oct. 23-24, 2022
Fundamentals of Field Service: Oct. 23-24, 2022

6. Get inspired by innovators

Vote for Technology Excellence Award Winners from 9 a.m. Oct. 23 until noon on Oct. 25

Recognize the most innovative new technologies in various market segments by casting your vote onsite, on the app or online. Find this years’ finalists here: https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/technology-excellence-awards-finalists

PACK EXPO presents opportunities to recognize innovators within the industry, and opportunities to excite students about packaging and processing careers. Image courtesy of PMMI

The Amazing Packaging Race: Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Teams of engineering students from North American colleges and universities race around the PACK EXPO International show floor to complete tasks at the booths of participating exhibitors.

Future Innovators Robotics Showcase: North Hall, Booth W21028

Chicago-area high school robotics teams showcase their design, engineering and troubleshooting skills.

PACK Challenge (Location TBD)

Six high school teams will face-off in a new machine building competition. The winning school will be awarded $5,000, and an additional $2,000 will be split between individual team members. The other five teams in attendance will receive $1,000 for participating in the event.