As PACK EXPO East kicks off today at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, excitement mounts with registrations indicating this edition as the largest yet. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the event, running from March 18–20, brings together 500 exhibiting companies and an anticipated 7,000-plus industry peers across an expansive 115,000 net square feet of exhibit space.
"PACK EXPO East marks a significant milestone as we celebrate our largest show to date. This event underscores our commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the packaging and processing industry. We're thrilled to see such enthusiastic participation from professionals across the East Coast, affirming the show's growing significance in the region," says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI.
Throughout the three-day event, attendees will witness technology in action, stay abreast of industry trends, and discover innovations relevant to their businesses.
Complementing the exhibits, PACK EXPO East offers world-class educational opportunities, free of charge, directly on the show floor. The Innovation Stage (Booth 1153) hosts 30-minute sessions by industry experts on breakthrough technologies and hot topics such as sustainability, food safety, and automation, while Industry Speaks (Booth 1653) presents leading organizations discussing the latest trends affecting the packaging and processing industry.
For those seeking sustainable solutions, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, hosted by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), presents sustainable packaging solutions to help reduce waste, cut costs, and gain supply chain efficiency. Attendees can explore reusable transport packaging products and services and see innovative reuse solutions. Meanwhile, the Association Partner Pavilion houses leading associations dedicated to advancing the packaging and processing industry, offering significant resources, insights, and expertise in one central location. Participating associations include RPA, the Institute of Packaging Professionals, the Contract Packaging Association, the Flexible Packaging Association, OMAC – The Organization for Machine Automation and Control, and the Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions.
Networking opportunities extend beyond show hours, with events like the “Taste of Philly” welcome reception on Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and the Young Professionals Network reception at SPIN Philadelphia from 5 to 7 p.m. The show also provides women in the industry a chance to connect at the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception on Tuesday, March 19, from 4 to 6 p.m.
Keeping the next generation of packaging and processing professionals in mind, the event also will host a new Student Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the PMMI Foundation, where local high school students venture around the show testing their industry knowledge on a quest for objects and machinery unique to the trade.
Registration for PACK EXPO East remains open online at packexpoeast.com and onsite, welcoming industry professionals to join this premier event.
