PACK EXPO has plenty in store for its 30th anniversary trade show

PACK EXPO LAS Vegas will celebrate 30 years of its trade show with several new wrinkles. Show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has elevated PACK EXPO Las Vegas from a regional trade show to a global industry stalwart by expanding its scale, influence and relevance across international markets.

Taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, the show will span more than 1 million net square feet, feature 2,300 exhibitors, and expects to attract 35,000 attendees from more than 40 vertical markets. This is the largest show floor in the event’s history, according to PMMI.

Laura Thompson, vice president, Trade Shows for PMMI, says, “Anyone who wants to engage with cutting-edge solutions, forge valuable connections, and stay ahead in packaging and processing should attend.”

Adds PMMI President and CEO Jim Pittas, “PACK EXPO Las Vegas has always been more than a trade show; it’s where the future of packaging and processing takes shape. For 30 years, we’ve been proud to drive innovation, foster collaboration, and spotlight the technologies shaping tomorrow’s supply chains. As we look ahead, we remain focused on the forces transforming our industry: automation, artificial intelligence, sustainability and workforce development.”

During this year’s show, PMMI will honor the PMMI Member Companies that were part of the inaugural 1995 show and continue to exhibit today by highlighting each company with a special PMMI legacy member exhibitor placard in their booths.

Since its launch in 1995, each show edition has introduced cutting-edge technologies, from the earliest automation solutions to today’s advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and sustainable packaging solutions. This year, PACK EXPO will honor a history than includes:

• In 2015, the show brought a new focus on pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing, eventually growing into today’s Healthcare Packaging Pavilion and highlighting the show’s diversification into specialized sectors.
• The growing demand for logistics solutions, driven by the surge in eCommerce and supply chain complexities, led to the introduction of the Logistics Pavilion in 2023.
• The Processing Zone, featuring front-of-the-line solutions, and the Processing Innovation Stage, were added to provide everything food and beverage manufacturers need to improve production, all in one place.
• Las Vegas has become a destination where the entire industry converges, thanks to the addition of the Industry Speaks learning stage, where thought leaders from the PACK EXPO Las Vegas Partner Program provide valuable insights and resources to their peers.
• Sustainability Central debuted in 2023 and has evolved into a must-visit show floor destination with educational sessions covering sustainability, one of the most multifaceted challenges the packaging and processing industry faces today. Expert-led sessions will help attendees navigate the complexities of this issue and what it means for their brands.

What’s new?

PACK EXPO continues to innovate as it grows the show. This year, there will be two new guided show floor tours that will offer attendees curated experiences.

“The PACK EXPO Discovery Tours are ideal for first-time buyers and senior-level decision-makers looking for automation solutions to streamline and optimize various stages of packaging and processing. The PACK EXPO Sustainability Tour is tailored for consumer-packaged goods brand owners seeking eco-conscious solutions,” PMMI states.

Featured pavilions this year comprise the following:

• Logistics Pavilion: Dive into the latest warehousing, fulfillment, distribution logistics, and transportation services needed to move products faster, and more efficiently. (Location: North Hall)
• Processing Zone: Discover the newest food and beverage processing innovations, see equipment in action, and discover solutions to increase efficiency, achieve total system integration, and ensure employee and product safety. (Location: North Hall)
• Healthcare Packaging Pavilion: Explore state-of-the-art packaging innovations for pharmaceuticals, biologics, nutraceuticals, and medical devices. (Location: North Hall)
• Containers and Materials Pavilion: Get hands-on with groundbreaking innovations in paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable solutions designed to captivate consumers and boost sustainability. (Location: South Lower Hall.)
• Confectionery Pavilion: Sponsored by the National Confectioners Association (NCA), explore the latest candy-making trends and technologies. (Location: South Upper Hall)
• Reusable Packaging Pavilion: Discover reusable packaging solutions that reduce waste, drive down costs, and supercharge supply chain efficiency — all while supporting the planet. (Location: South Upper Hall)

Also of note, the Association Partner Pavilion connects attendees to 30-plus associations from all segments of packaging and processing. Plus, the Education and Workforce Pavilion serves as a resource hub intended to strengthen today’s workforce and nurturing tomorrow’s workforce.

Educational offerings

Attendees can expect plenty of educational sessions this year. In fact, there will be more than 100 educational sessions right on the show floor. These include:

• Sustainability Central: Expert-led sessions help attendees navigate the intricacies and opportunities of sustainability and what it means for their brand. (Location: South Upper Hall, Booth SU-35000) (See more on sustainability in the next section of this story).
• Innovation Stage: Suppliers and subject matter experts present free, 30-minute seminars on breakthrough technologies and best practices from three stages. (Location: West Hall, Booth W-4300, W-4310, W-4318).
• Processing Innovation Stage: Expert presenters focus on advancements in processing technologies and offer insights into improving efficiency and product quality. (Location: North Hall, Booth N-9100).

Attendees also can visit the Industry Speaks stage (Booth W-4324) and hear from PACK EXPO Las Vegas Partner Program thought leaders, offering vertical-specific outlooks and timely strategies for various market sectors. Lastly, the Reusable Packaging Learning Center (Booth SU-34000) presents applications in reusable packaging systems and supply chain intelligence.

Sustainability takes center stage

Many dairy processors are often on the lookout for more sustainable packaging offerings for their products. PACK EXPO will have them covered with a wealth of technologies from more than 1,000 exhibitors identified as serving the dairy industry, plus cross-over solutions not found at vertically targeted events.

In addition to the sustainability sessions taking place during all three days of the show, industry expert-led PACK EXPO Sustainability Tours will be available. Navigating sustainable solutions can also be done easily via the Sustainability Solutions Finder, an online resource directory that connects attendees with professionally vetted suppliers offering environmentally friendly solutions.

Attendees can search by sustainability feature, package type, or “beyond the package” criteria such as machinery and sustainable facilities. In addition, exhibitors featuring sustainable packaging materials or machinery solutions will be identified with the PACK EXPO Green logo in the exhibitor directory and on-site placards.

“As the industry accelerates toward smarter, more sustainable operations, PACK EXPO Las Vegas remains the one place where it all comes together: technology, insight, and community. This year’s show reflects the momentum we’re seeing across the market, with record participation and unmatched opportunities to learn, connect, and grow,” Thompson says.

Outside of the show floor

Beyond the exhibits, PACK EXPO Las Vegas is a prime opportunity to build relationships that drive business growth. Attendees can participate in the PMMI Foundation Golf Tournament or enjoy a private Cirque du Soleil performance of Mystère at PACK Gives BACK, supporting the PMMI Foundation.

Also, attendees are invited to join the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast. This breakfast, offering a keynote from Alison Fragale, a nationally recognized negotiation, communication and workplace dynamics expert, is for anyone who seeks to connect with like-minded professionals and supports the advancement of women in the industry.

In addition, future leaders in packaging and processing can connect with their peers and other industry trailblazers during the Young Professionals Networking Reception, taking place at the Cove Bar & Arcade.

“Newcomers can benefit from the First-Time Attendee Lounge, a dedicated space offering guidance and networking, ensuring everyone leaves with valuable connections,” PMMI concludes. DF