The Epicenter of Innovation in Packaging and Processing for 2024

Experience PACK EXPO International, November 3-6, 2024 at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois.
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Discover unparalleled industry insights in Chicago, Nov. 3-6.

By Laura Thompson, Vice President, Trade Shows at PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies

Get ready for PACK EXPO International’s thrilling return to Chicago, which is more expansive and comprehensive than ever. From Nov. 3–6, 2024, at McCormick Place, this year’s event promises to be the largest packaging and processing showcase with 45,000 attendees and 2,500 exhibitors offering solutions for over 40 vertical markets. Spanning an impressive 1.3 million net square feet, the 2024 show is set to break records and deliver unparalleled industry insights.

Two New Destinations

Two destinations make their PACK EXPO International debut: Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central. Sustainability Central will explore packaging sustainability and what it means to brands, featuring expert speakers and actionable solutions in manufacturing, materials, design, and more. With over 20 educational sessions, attendees can gain insights from experts at Amazon, Conagra, Clorox, Dow, Nestle, the Consumer Brands Association, and other major industry players. Additionally, Sustainability Central will showcase kiosks from top colleges and universities, PMMI Business Intelligence, and AMERIPEN, highlighting their latest innovations and best practices.

For attendees seeking sustainability-enhancing solutions in action, an online planning tool, the Sustainability Solutions Finder, will help locate exhibitors with environmentally friendly products and machinery. The professionally vetted and searchable tool is live, and a kiosk will be located in Sustainability Central. On-site, attendees can look for the PACK EXPO Green icon to identify sustainable materials and machinery suppliers and educational sessions focused on sustainability. A complete list of current PACK EXPO Green exhibitors can be found in the online exhibitor directory.

Emerging Brands Central is a resource for upcoming brands working to expand their reach and scale operations. An evolution of the Emerging Brands Summit, this educational stage offers easy access to industry experts sharing insights on topics such as product development, packaging innovation, and scaling strategies. Attendees can freely participate in these 30-minute sessions, which promise to deliver up-to-the-minute content and practical advice for scaling operations.

Seven Returning Pavilions

Seven pavilions returning to PACK EXPO International offering a robust selection of solutions for every packaging and processing need, including the expanded Logistics Pavilion, the Processing Zone, the PACKage Printing Pavilion, the Containers and Materials Pavilion, the Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, the Confectionary Pavilion, and the Reusable Packaging Pavilion. Learn more about the show’s Sustainability Commitment at https://www.packexpointernational.com/the-show/sustainability-commitment.

Educational Sessions

Attendees can also take part in educational sessions at stages on the show floor. The Innovation Stage, Processing Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks, and Reusable Packaging Learning Center will feature thought leaders and industry experts sharing advice, best practices, and their take on hot topics in packaging and processing.

Networking Opportunities

The show offers ample networking opportunities with fellow attendees and industry leaders. End your day at the PACK gives BACK™ reception and comedy performance with Nate Bargatze, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, on Nov. 4 at 4:30 p.m., benefiting the PMMI Foundation. The Young Professionals Network will also host a networking reception at Flight Club on Nov. 4 at 7:00 p.m. On Nov. 5 at 7:15 a.m., the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast will feature guest speaker Lisa Sun, founder & CEO of GRAVITAS, sharing inspiring stories and practical career tips.

Tools & Resources

PACK EXPO International offers numerous tools and resources to help attendees prepare. My Show Planner lets attendees create and track a personalized list of “must-sees,” which syncs with the official mobile app for easy access. Through the PACK Match program, attendees can schedule a free 30-minute virtual consultation with an industry expert in October. Sign up for PACK Match starting September 19. Additionally, visit the Attendee Resource Center for planning tools, including the Attendee ROI Guide, justification letter templates, and explainer videos.

Visit packexpointernational.com to register and learn more!