PACK EXPO East Preview

PACK EXPO East 2024 is the leading show on the East Coast this year for packaging and processing professionals seeking to explore new technologies, meet key partners, and view innovation in action. Taking place March 18–20 (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia), PACK EXPO East is the only show in the region offering the depth and breadth of solutions for more than 40 vertical markets, allowing attendees access to crossover innovations from other industries.

The show’s Philadelphia location is a regional hotspot for manufacturing that is easy to access and convenient to much of the eastern United States. For the optimal PACK EXPO experience, companies are encouraged to attend as a team to find solutions to address their manufacturing challenges. Visit packexpoeast.com to learn more and register.

The Show Floor

The PACK EXPO East show floor has expanded, and 2024 is the largest edition of the show to date, featuring more than 450 exhibitors displaying the latest solutions and technologies across over 100,000 net square feet of space. It’s a perfectly sized show where attendees can have a personalized experience and meaningful interactions to address their specific needs.

Pavilions offer specialized solutions from exhibitors and industry leaders to address unique manufacturing needs.

The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), will present sustainable packaging solutions to help reduce waste, cut costs, and gain supply chain efficiency. Explore reusable transport packaging products and services and see innovative reuse solutions.

The Association Partner Pavilion includes leading organizations dedicated to advancing the packaging and processing industry, offering significant resources, insights, and expertise in a central location. Participating associations include the RPA, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packaging Association, Flexible Packaging Association, the Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions, and more.

Special Events and Networking

Attendees can make valuable connections at one of these PACK EXPO networking opportunities.

Monday, March 18, 4:00­-5:30 p.m.: Taste of Philly Opening Reception. Gather and enjoy networking with peers and fellow show attendees. Show badge needed for entry. Located in the Grand Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center.

Monday, March 18, 5:00-­7:00 p.m.: Young Professionals Networking Reception. Learn more about the industry and connect with peers in a fun, relaxed environment at SPIN Philadelphia. Learn more and register at: https://bit.ly/48YCwCN.

Tuesday, March 19, 4:00–6:00 p.m.: Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception. Connect with incredible women making a difference in the industry. Located in Room 204C, Pennsylvania Convention Center. Learn more and register at: https://bit.ly/2oweTMF.

Free Educational Opportunities

Hear from industry experts, learn about new applications and best practices, and put ideas into action at over a dozen free educational sessions.

Industry Speaks: New to PACK EXPO East, industry experts from the PACK EXPO Partner Program, covering multiple verticals, will address the latest hot topics and industry trends such as workforce, emerging brands, remote services and monitoring, cybersecurity, and standards. Located in Booth 1653. For a list of sessions, visit: https://bit.ly/3OFaowf.

Innovation Stage: In the center of the action, the Innovation Stage offers ample opportunity for professional enrichment while at PACK EXPO East. Here, exhibitors present free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day. The Innovation Stage is a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn about breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches from the experts themselves. Located in Booth 1153. For a list of sessions visit: https://bit.ly/3SuFkR1.

Workforce Development

Workforce issues remain a critical topic in the industry and PACK EXPO East offers many features to address those needs.

The Workforce Development Pavilion is a one-stop shop for resources to strengthen and grow the workforce. Schools will present their packaging and processing offerings, and companies can meet students interested in careers in the industry.

Professional Development: PMMI is offering its popular Certified Trainer Workshop at the Pennsylvania Convention Center to coincide with PACK EXPO East on Monday, March 18, and Tuesday, March 19, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

• This workshop gives companies the strategies and tactics to train well across all employee skill levels including service technicians, service and training managers, maintenance technicians, internal trainers, line supervisors, and any employee tasked with training fellow employees or customers. Register at https://bit.ly/3MglCEe. Located in Room 107B.

Student Opportunities: PACK EXPO East offers programs and activities aimed at exciting students about careers in packaging and processing.

• Student Scavenger Hunt – New to PACK EXPO East, local students will have a chance to test their packaging and processing knowledge by accepting “missions,” James Bond-style, in a scavenger hunt taking place on the show floor. Learn more at: https://bit.ly/2wlTXQm.

Tools and Resources

• My Show Planner

My Show Planner is each attendee’s personalized collection of “must-sees” and a key means of tracking interests prior to, during, and after the show.

• PACK EXPO East Mobile App

Navigate the show like a pro with the free mobile app.

• PACK EXPO Match 1:1 Free Consultation

Whether you are an emerging brand or a well-established household name, PMMI’s PACK Match Advisors are available for 30-minute virtual consultations prior to the event to help guide you to the right suppliers on-site at PACK EXPO East 2024.

Registration is $30 through Feb. 23 after which the price increases to $130. For more information and to register online, visit www.packexpoeast.com.

Additional Events

Attendees also may take advantage of related events coinciding with PACK EXPO East.

Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions (F4SS) Conference, March 19–20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia (Room 204A)

• Supply Chain professionals should make time for the F4SS Spring Connect 2024 conference at PACK EXPO East. Learn from peers on the issues currently being faced in the Supply Chain. For more information and to register, visit https://bit.ly/3OvYlBy.

Vision 2030, Wednesday, March 20, Pennsylvania Convention Center (Room 201B)

• PMMI’s Vision 2030 session gives peers a chance to identify and address critical challenges in packaging and processing operations. Develop joint solutions for the evolving challenges in the industry and gain a greater understanding of packaging and processing partners. Attendance is by invitation only, and space is limited. Contact Andrea Admana (aadmana@pmmi.org) for details.