44,000 Attend PACK EXPO International



PACK EXPO International attracted more than 44,000 attendees, surpassing the 2018 event when it was last held in Chicago, according to the event organizer, PMMI.

The expo, which was held October 23–26 at McCormick Place in Chicago, had 2,200 exhibitors and included numerous presentations that focused on improving operations, reaching sustainability goals, and showcasing innovations, PMMI said in a news release.

The expo also put a large focus on recruitment and retention.

“Developing the future packaging and processing workforce was a top priority at PACK EXPO International with the largest number of students in attendance in the history of the event,” PMMI said, adding that more than 1,500 students attended. That involvement included the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, the Amazing Packaging Race sponsored by Emerson, and Students PACK the Expo programs. This year, six high schools competed in a brand-new machine building PACK Challenge, sponsored by PepsiCo.

Other Highlights

About 1,000 people attended The Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast. Dawn Hudson, former chief marketing officer at the National Football League and former president and CEO of Pepsi Cola North America, talked about her experiences in the workforce.

The PPWLN event, aimed at advancing the future of women in the packaging and processing industry, was sponsored by Emerson, ID Technology, Morrison Container Handling Solutions, Plexpack Corp., Septimatech Group Inc., and SMC Corporation of America.

“The success of PACK EXPO is a testament to our industry’s continued growth as well as PMMI’s commitment to bringing the industry together to share cutting-edge innovations,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO of PMMI, in a news release.

In 2019, the market for packaging machinery was $10.8 billion. This year, the industry broke the $15 billion mark, a growth of 40%, according to PMMI’s “State of the Industry U.S. Packaging Machinery” report.

PACK EXPO Xpress, an on-demand, digital experience including key education sessions from PACK EXPO International 2022, is available until November 30.