PACK EXPO International 2026 wrapped up four dynamic days at McCormick Place in Chicago, bringing together over 43,000 attendees and29,000 exhibitor personnel for a total number of 72,000 packaging and processing professionals creating a showcase of innovation, collaboration, and industry advancement.
Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the Oct. 18–21 event featured more than 2,700 exhibitors across over 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space, showcasing solutions for more than 40 vertical markets. Beyond its impressive scale, the event stood out for the quality of attendees, meaningful conversations, and strong engagement between manufacturers and suppliers. From live machinery demonstrations to expert-led education and industry networking, PACK EXPO International connected attendees with the technologies, expertise, and relationships needed to advance real-world projects and future investments.
"PACK EXPO International once again demonstrated the strength, resilience, and momentum of the packaging and processing industry," says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. "What makes this event so powerful is the business happening across the show floor. Attendees come with real challenges and investment priorities, and exhibitors are ready with the technologies, expertise, and solutions to move them forward. The energy and engagement throughout the week mirrored the industry's commitment to innovation and growth."
Where Innovation Meets Real-World Solutions
The show floor was a hub of discovery as attendees explored the latest advancements in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, sustainable materials, processing technologies, and packaging machinery.
Seven targeted pavilions helped attendees navigate solutions tailored to their specific industries and operational needs. From food and beverage processing, healthcare packaging and confectionery to logistics, reusable packaging, and printing technologies, the show offered a comprehensive view of innovations shaping the future of manufacturing.
For attendees, the opportunity to see equipment operating live and connect with suppliers was invaluable.
"Being able to see the equipment in person and talk through different options made a huge difference," says Funmi Johnson, owner, Simi and Temi. "Sometimes those face-to-face conversations help you discover solutions you wouldn't have found otherwise."
Julie Kendall, senior packaging engineer, Mondelēz International, attended the show seeking advancements in sustainable materials, structural innovations, and productivity solutions.
"You can't replicate the value of face-to-face discovery on the show floor," Kendall says. "Having everything under one roof at PACK EXPO International allows us to uncover new material solutions, connect with emerging industry partners, and learn about future innovations that you simply wouldn't find through standard web research."
The event also offered manufacturers opportunities to explore technologies beyond their immediate needs, sparking ideas for future projects and operational improvements.
"Every engineer in the industry, whether they work in packaging, project execution, or plant systems, needs to come to PACK EXPO International," says Bradley Hannah, packaging engineer, General Mills. "It's the best place to see the newest technologies firsthand and discover what's possible for your operational efficiency."
“Most of the trade shows I attend are focused on the food industry, so PACK EXPO is different. It offers a much broader look at solutions and technologies,” says Eddie Akibeh, owner, Fancy Cheese. “I only have three days at the show, and honestly, I don't think that's enough time to see everything. There are so many companies and so many solutions that it's worth planning multiple days if you can.”
Exhibitors Report High-Quality Connections and Strong Business Opportunities
Exhibitors reported productive conversations, strong engagement with decision-makers, and opportunities to connect with new and existing customers.
"The overall quality of visitors and conversations at PACK EXPO International has been outstanding," says Robin Praat, global head of business development, AmbaFlex. "The caliber of decision-makers coming to our booth has exceeded our expectations. Having high-level, face-to-face technical discussions in person is still the most efficient way to shorten project timelines and build trust."
Michelle Wolf, marketing manager at PTI – Packaging Technologies & Inspection, echoed that sentiment, noting that approximately 70% of visitors engaging with the company were new contacts and that attendees brought active projects to the table.
“Being a first-time exhibitor based near Chicago, we were excited to display at PACK EXPO International, and the show delivered,” says Brad Granquist, president, GQI. “There was steady traffic in our lower east side booth with a variety of companies that had active and specific project to discuss. We look forward to returning in the future.”
For exhibitors, the show's value extended beyond immediate business opportunities to building relationships that can generate results for years to come.
"Throughout the show, attendees were discussing real projects, and those are exactly the opportunities we're looking for," says Lilly Roth, marketing specialist, Quest Industrial, a ProMach product brand. "We were able to connect with people we've been trying to reach for months, and in some cases even years."
Roth also highlighted the impact of the new PACK EXPO Discovery Tours, which helped drive qualified attendees to the company's booth and encouraged follow-up conversations.
Education Delivers Insights for Today's Manufacturing Challenges
Beyond the exhibits, PACK EXPO International offered more than 150 free educational sessions across five destinations, connecting attendees with practical insights on the industry's most pressing challenges and emerging opportunities.
Sessions addressed artificial intelligence, robotics, automation, sustainability, workforce development, regulatory changes, and operational efficiency, providing actionable strategies manufacturers can apply to their operations.
The Innovation Stage, Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks, Sustainability Central, and Reusable Packaging Learning Center, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, brought together technology experts, industry leaders, and end users to share knowledge and explore new approaches to improving productivity and competitiveness.
“I've been attending PACK EXPO for more than 30 years, and it hasn't changed in terms of what makes it valuable,” says Herb Dutra, Senior Engineer, Sensient Technologies Corporation. “PMMI does a very good job with its educational programming, and there are a lot of strong sessions focused on topics like automation, sustainability and workforce challenges. For someone attending for the first time, I'd definitely recommend taking advantage of those opportunities in addition to spending time on the show floor.”
Sustainability remained a central focus, with discussions exploring recyclability, circularity, extended producer responsibility, reusable packaging systems, and material innovation.
New Experiences Enhance Technology Discovery
PACK EXPO International 2026 introduced new resources designed to help attendees make the most of their time on the show floor.
The debut of PACK EXPO Discovery Tours offered curated, expert-led experiences produced by PMMI Media Group, helping attendees explore specific technology categories and connect with relevant exhibitors.
SMB FastTrack helped small and medium-sized businesses identify exhibitors and educational sessions suited to their operational needs, while the new PACK EXPO Solutions Finder provided an additional way to discover relevant technologies and exhibitors. Integrated with My Show Planner and the PACK EXPO International mobile app, sponsored by ProMach, these resources helped attendees identify solutions, organize their schedules, and navigate the expansive show floor.
A first-time attendee, Funmi Johnson had advice for small businesses on the fence about attending: “Don't be intimidated if you're a small business owner like me because there is probably a solution here for you.”
The Next-Gen Reuse Corridor, part of the Reusable Packaging Pavilion sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, highlighted scalable reuse and refill systems already operating in the marketplace, reinforcing the industry's growing focus on practical sustainability solutions.
"One of our priorities is making sure every attendee, regardless of company size or where they are in their investment journey, can find meaningful solutions and connections," says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. "From the debut of Discovery Tours to new digital tools and resources for small and medium-sized businesses, we focused on making an already comprehensive show even more accessible and productive."
Celebrating Industry Connections and the Next Generation
The energy extended beyond the exhibit floor through networking events, industry celebrations, and programs dedicated to strengthening the packaging and processing workforce.
PACK gives BACK™, held at the House of Blues Chicago and featuring a performance by Third Eye Blind, brought the industry together for an evening of entertainment in support of the PMMI Foundation. Sponsored by Rockwell Automation, the event reinforced the industry's commitment to advancing packaging and processing education.
The event also celebrated the inaugural CPG NexGen Awards, recognizing 10 outstanding young professionals from consumer-packaged goods and end-user companies whose contributions are helping shape the industry's future.
The Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network breakfast featured Col. Nicole Malachowski, USAF (Ret.), the first woman Thunderbird pilot, while the Young Professionals Networking Reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation, created opportunities for emerging industry leaders to build relationships and expand their professional networks. PPWLN Gold sponsors include Morrison Container Handling Solutions and ProMach and their PowHER Women’s Resource Group. Silver sponsors include BW Packaging, Dassault Systèmes, Duravant, Plexpack Corp., Ryson International Inc., and Septimatech Group Inc.
“Spending multiple days at the show allowed us to unlock great project opportunities, and attending the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast was a wonderful highlight,”
Workforce development remained a major focus throughout the show. The PACK Challenge, Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, sponsored by Schneider Electric; Students PACK the EXPO; Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by SICK, Inc.; and the Workforce Development Pavilion connected students, educators, and industry professionals while showcasing the talent and skills essential to manufacturing's future.
Together, these programs highlighted the industry's investment in developing its next generation of innovators, engineers, and leaders.
The Momentum Continues at PACK EXPO Southeast
As PACK EXPO International 2026 concludes, the packaging and processing industry's momentum continues with PACK EXPO Southeast 2027 taking place April 12-14 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
Building on the innovation and business opportunities generated in Chicago, PACK EXPO Southeast will bring packaging and processing solutions closer to manufacturers throughout the growing Southeastern United States.
Produced by PMMI, the event will connect attendees with leading suppliers, live machinery demonstrations, educational opportunities, and technologies designed to address today's manufacturing challenges. For more information, visit packexposoutheast.com.
