Pack Expo International 2024 concludes, showcasing industry solutions and expanding networking opportunities
Pack Expo International concluded at McCormick Place in Chicago, drawing a total attendance of 77,500 people, including 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel. This year, international attendance rose by 19% compared to the previous show in 2022. Organised by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the show occupied 1.32 million square feet with over 2,700 exhibitors, setting new records for both exhibit space and exhibitor numbers.
The event featured seven industry-focused pavilions, along with new additions such as Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central. Attendees could use onsite resources to navigate the show effectively and maximise their time.
Attendees were able to make valuable connections off the show floor as well with popular networking events like PACK gives BACK, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, seeing nearly 3,000 attendees enjoy comedy from Nate Bargatze to benefit the PMMI Foundation. The popular Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast was captivating with guest speaker Lisa Sun, founder & CEO of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS giving an inspiring presentation. The Young Professionals Networking Reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC at Flight Chicago gave emerging leaders in packaging and processing a chance to build new relationships with their peers.
Looking to the workforce of the future, Pack Expo International featured several activities for local students to encourage their interest in the industry. Events like the PACK Challenge, sponsored by PepsiCo, and the Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson Discrete Automation Group, had students use their creativity and ingenuity to conquer real-life manufacturing challenges.
The next Pack Expo event, Pack Expo Southeast, is scheduled for March 10–12, 2025, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The new regional show will highlight innovations and solutions across over 40 vertical markets, offering a range of resources for packaging and processing professionals.
