As packaging and processing operations face accelerating technological exchange, personnel shortages, and emerging sustainability calls for, Pack Expo Global 2026 (Oct. 18-21, McCormick Position, Chicago) returns on the proper time for packaging and processing execs in the hunt for answers to those demanding situations and extra.
The display would be the greatest in its historical past, that includes 1.3 million internet sq. toes of showcase area, greater than 2,600 exhibitors, and roughly 48,000 execs from over 40 vertical markets. The development brings in combination packaging and processing answers throughout industries together with meals and beverage, prescription drugs and existence sciences, logistics and provide chain, dog food, processing, non-public care and extra.
Trade analysis from display manufacturer PMMI, The Affiliation for Packaging and Processing Applied sciences, highlights why attending PACK EXPO Global is extra vital than ever. In line with PMMI’s 2026 Development an AI Benefit in Packaging Apparatus white paper, the variety of AI programs in packaging apparatus has expanded considerably up to now two years, with answers changing into more and more inexpensive and complicated. As consciousness and proof-of-concept implementations develop, AI is changing into out there to a much broader vary of producers and logo homeowners.
On the similar time, the trade continues to stand vital personnel demanding situations. PMMI’s 2025 Throughout the Group of workers Hole document identifies the lack of professional technical employees as one of the vital vital limitations going through producers as of late, a problem many be expecting to persist and even irritate within the coming years.
“Within the two years since our ultimate display, traits like AI, robotics, and automation have taken off and turn into distinguished within the trade,” says Laura Thompson, vp, business displays, PMMI. “We’ve additionally noticed personnel demanding situations, sustainability calls for, and regulatory pressures stay best considerations.”
PACK EXPO Global supplies a singular alternative for attendees to deal with those demanding situations firsthand. The display ground will function hundreds of answers designed to support productiveness, streamline operations, and make stronger evolving trade wishes, from automation and AI-driven applied sciences to sustainability inventions and personnel construction gear.
“PACK EXPO Global provides manufacturers a chance to peer hundreds of answers to those urgent trade demanding situations at the ground in actual time, be informed from main trade mavens, and make the most of their time successfully to come back away with tangible effects,” Thompson says.
Along with generation demonstrations, attendees can have get admission to to greater than 150 unfastened tutorial classes on 5 other phases situated immediately at the display ground, offering perception into the trade’s maximum vital subjects together with the State of the Trade (packaging and processing), Prolonged Manufacturer Duty (EPR), GS1 Daybreak 2027, recycling, subject material dealing with, logistics, provide chain, and extra.
New for 2026
To make stronger small and medium-sized companies, PACK EXPO Global will introduce the SMB FastTrack program, highlighting exhibitors and academic classes adapted to the wishes of small to medium-sized companies (SMB).
Returning Pavilions
PACK EXPO Global will as soon as once more function specialised spaces devoted to key trade sectors, together with:
- Logistics Pavilion
- Confectionery Pavilion
- PACKage Printing Pavilion
- Healthcare Packaging Pavilion
- Bins and Fabrics Pavilion
- Meals and Beverage Processing Zone
- Reusable Packaging Pavilion
Networking, Scholars, and Display Sources
Attendees can even get pleasure from a lot of networking alternatives and particular occasions equivalent to A Night time Out with PACK provides BACK®, the Packaging & Processing Girls’s Management Community (PPWLN) Breakfast, and the Younger Pros Networking Reception subsidized via Beckhoff Automation. Gold sponsor for the PPWLN Breakfast comprises Morrison Container Dealing with Answers. Silver sponsors come with BW Packaging, Plexpack Corp., and Septimatech Staff Inc.
Scholars exploring careers in packaging and processing can take part in systems such because the Superb Packaging Race, PACK Problem, and the Long run Innovators Robotics Show off.
To assist attendees maximize their time on the display, PMMI supplies quite a few making plans gear together with the brand new Visible Class seek the place attendees can to find packaging and processing apparatus on the display via class. Additionally, My Display Planner is a customized instrument for organizing must-see exhibitors, classes, and conferences sooner than, all the way through, and after the display.
“We all know attendees are desirous about riding effects,” says Thompson. “That’s why PACK EXPO Global is each expansive and simple to navigate — from focused pavilions to systems designed particularly for SMBs. The objective is to assist each attendee go away with sensible insights, sturdy connections, and a transparent trail ahead for his or her trade.”
Registration is $30 thru Sept. 25, expanding to $130 in a while.
To be informed extra and sign in, discuss with packexpointernational.com.
