Pack Expo Chicago is ready for record numbers

The world’s largest packaging and processing show returns to Chicago’s McCormick Place November 3-6.

Pack Expo International, scheduled for Nov. 3–6 at McCormick Place in Chicago, is set to be the largest packaging and processing show worldwide for 2024. According to PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the industry’s growth underscores the need for manufacturers to access innovative solutions for their needs.

This year’s event, which is set to surpass previous benchmarks, includes more than 2,500 exhibitors occupying 1.3 million ft², with nearly 50 fluid power companies displaying their motion control and automation technologies. More than 45,000 attendees are expected to attend from global consumer packaged goods and life sciences companies.

“We’re thrilled to be back in Chicago, offering an event to spotlight numerous solutions for an expanding market, complete with its distinct challenges,” said Jim Pittas, president & CEO of PMMI. “Every aspect showcased at our event is grounded in thorough research and listening to our members, ensuring we remain attuned to the evolving needs of our industry both now and in the future.”

New show features

Pack Expo International always offers new and expanded show features, including:

• Making its debut, Sustainability Central will take a look into packaging sustainability and what it means to brands, including expert speakers at the Sustainability Stage, and a look at actionable sustainable solutions in manufacturing, materials, recovery, logistics, analytics, and design.  Related to this is a category search on the exhibitor list for sustainability, where attendees can find companies showcasing technologies that are biodegradable, recyclable, reusable, bio-based, and more.
• Emerging Brands Central is a resource for rising brands seeking 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.
• Logistics is a crucial part of the product journey from manufacturer to consumer. Due to high attendee demand, this year’s Logistics Pavilion will be four times larger than 2022. With the boom in e-commerce, the Logistics Pavilion will be the place to find targeted solutions related to the supply chain, including distribution, warehousing, transportation, material handling, docking, and inventory management.

The pavilions are a “show within a show,” offering focused solutions in specific industry areas. These pavilions streamline the attendee experience, allowing them to explore a wide array of offerings and easily compare solutions in proximity on the show floor. Pavilions include the Processing Zone, the Containers and Materials Pavilion, the PACKage Printing Pavilion, the Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, the Confectionery Pavilion, the Association Partner Pavilion and the Workforce Pavilion.

Education on the show floor

Pack Expo is well-known for its educational opportunities and ties to programs to bring high school and college students into the event. More than 150 educational sessions will occur on the show floor, offering convenient opportunities to learn about the latest topics and trends in packaging and processing.

Sessions of interest to fluid power design engineers and system users could include some of the following:

• How Standard Robotic Solutions Revolutionize Food Production
• Exploring 2024 Maintenance Trends & Challenges
• Integrating AI into Your Manufacturing Operations
• PLCopen – Mastering Remote Robot Control through PLC
• Future of Manufacturing with Software-Defined Automation
• Fueling Industry 4.0 Progress with DataReady Machines
• Key Robotics Trends and their Impact on Industry
• Demystifying Automation … Are You Ready?
• Leveraging Data for Predictive Maintenance
• How Digital Twin Impacts Value Creation & Sustainability
• Your Vacuum System is a Sustainability Hero in Disguise
• Mastering Automation: Smart I/O Solutions for Data-Driven Ops
• Transforming Workplace Safety with Autonomous Mobile Robots
• Update on Current Machinery Safety Standards

The event offers additional programs and activities aimed at exciting students about careers in packaging and processing.

• Pack Challenge unites six high school teams in a machine-building showdown.
• The Future Innovators Robotics Showcase features Chicago-area high school robotics teams displaying their design, engineering, and troubleshooting skills.
• The Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson, invites students from colleges and universities across North America to collaborate and team up to navigate the show floor, tackling a series of tasks at the booths of participating exhibitors in a thrilling race.
• PMMI human resources professionals will host workshops in the Student Lounge on interview best practices and resume writing for students attending Pack Expo International. On Tuesday, November 5, PMMI will host students from schools in Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin at Students Pack the Expo. The students will gain an understanding of the packaging and processing industries through a scavenger hunt, tours, and a lunch-and-learn session.

Finally, Pack Expo International will honor innovation and excellence in the industry with two award programs.

• The Technology Excellence Awards will recognize the most innovative technologies not yet shown at a previous Pack Expo. Attendees can vote on-site, on the app, or online for their favorite finalists selected in specific market segments.
• The Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame will induct four members into the 48th class. Since 1971, the Hall of Fame has recognized career packaging and processing professionals for their significant contributions to the industry and education.

Visit packexpointernational.com for more details and to register.