If you’re involved in the packaging world, you’ve probably heard something about PACK EXPO. It’s one of the world’s largest packaging and processing conferences.

Regardless of your motivation for attending, we can assure you that PACK EXPO has something for everyone. From vendors and emerging technologies to educational sessions and networking receptions, PACK EXPO is the event the packaging world looks forward to every year. 

In this article, we’ll cover:

• What PACK EXPO is
• Who’s attends PACK EXPO
• Why you should attend PACK EXPO
• How to plan your trip effectively

PACK EXPO is a packaging and processing conference hosted by The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI). There are six regional conferences and PACK EXPO International is the largest – engaging packaging and processing professionals on a global scale. 

The other shows include:

Note: PACK EXPO International is PMMI’s key show biennially, alternating focus with PACK EXPO Las Vegas. 

Exhibitors come from all over the world to present innovative packaging solutions across all industries and at all levels of packaging. And attendees come to learn and explore technologies, build connections, and solve operational problems.

Both large and small operations; vendors from North America, Europe, and Asia; and industries from food and beverage to health and science – they all unite at PACK EXPO International. 

Some professionals attend PACK EXPO just to be in-the-know, others go to purchase a machine, and others go to get a look at their competition. Everyone has their own reason for attending PACK EXPO, and for some, it’s just the excitement that brings them.

But if you’re looking for some reasons why others choose to attend, here are some of the common ones:

• Experience Technology – Explore traditional and emerging packaging technologies
• Explore Innovation – See what different industries have accomplished
• Solve Problems – Talk with experts and other professionals to gain insights on how to solve operational challenges
• Find New Ideas – Gain fresh ideas to implement in their packaging lines
• Gain a Competitive Edge – Explore competitive solutions, and learn tips and tricks to gain an edge over their competitors

In short, anyone and everyone involved in packaging and processing in some form, is invited and welcome to attend PACK EXPO. Industry leaders, engineers, packaging and processing professionals in all job functions and across all industries – they will all be present.

This means equipment manufacturers, suppliers, consumer packaged goods (CPG) producers, researchers, and more are also going to be there. If there’s a problem you’ve been experiencing or a trend you’ve been interested in exploring, there will be someone there with the expertise you need to find a solution.

PACK EXPO is a broad, industry-wide, global celebration of packaging and processing technologies, and the people that make them happen. There really aren’t any limits as to who is invited to attend.

If we still haven’t convinced you, we’ll give it one last, thorough go. Experiencing machinery live is a completely different experience than reading specs online or watching videos. It’s different from talking to vendors and knowing what competitors are using.

Live machine demos allow you to see the ease and advancement of the technologies, while connecting with experts and talking over details. It’s a fast-track way to find the right solution for your line.

More than 40 different industries are represented at PACK EXPO, and it’s one of very few events in the world that crosses so many industries. This makes for a unique opportunity to learn from other operations and other industries, to gain a wide-angle view of the packaging and processing industry as a whole.

If you’re looking for automation, to explore new technologies, or to learn about the changing packaging industry, PACK EXPO is well-worth attending. It’s an extremely low-cost way to explore many different vendors and solutions.

Getting the most out of PACK EXPO is entirely dependent on your reason for going. Are you looking for new equipment? Interested in new ideas? Hoping to network? The first step to making the most out of PACK EXPO is to identify your personal motives for attending.

From there you can identify your priorities:

• Seeing as many new technologies as possible
• Exploring top quality case packing automation
• Attending receptions to network and connect
• Exploring sustainable solutions and educational sessions

If you’re looking for a good vendor to partner with, start by curating a list of exhibitors you’d like to talk to. If you’re interested in learning, take a look at the educational sessions and plan them into your schedule. Perhaps you want to catch up with old connections, so make sure to identify where their booths will be.

If you’re considering whether to attend PACK EXPO, and you’re still unsure if it’s worth it – we recommend you give it a try. There really is something for everyone who’s involved in the packaging and processing world.

Whether you’re interested in technology, innovation, connections, purchasing, or just being a part of the sights and sounds of PACK EXPO, you can make the experience your own. Identify your goals, make a plan, leave room for free time, and enjoy the show for all it has to offer!

And to sweeten the deal, many vendors offer discount codes and free passes – including Douglas!