Held Nov. 3-6 in Chicago, the biennial PACK EXPO International went down in the history books as the largest to date, as well as the biggest event hosted at McCormick Place in 2024, according to officials from The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), which produces the show. 

The packaging and processing industry trade show and conference brought together 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel, reaching 77,500 in total attendance with a 19% increase in international attendance. The trade show reported a record number of 2,700 exhibitors occupied more than 1.3 million net square feet of expo space – a 10% increase in exhibit space and 24% increase in number of exhibitors compared to PACK EXPO International 2022, according to PMMI officials. 

What they are saying: “PACK EXPO International 2024 has truly raised the bar for what an industry event can achieve,” said Jim Pittas, PMMI president and CEO. “This show has not only grown in scale but also in substance, attracting attendees and exhibitors from every corner of the industry. The connections made here are invaluable, reinforcing PACK EXPO’s role as an unmatched platform for innovation, collaboration, and progress across the packaging and processing landscape.” 

Looking back: Held Oct. 23-26, 2022, at McCormick Place for the first time in four years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the bustling event drew more than 44,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors spanning 1.2 million net square feet, eclipsing its 2018 edition. 

Deeper dive: “All across the board, our numbers have increased,” said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “Exhibitors continue to showcase top innovations, and attendees are flocking to see the latest solutions to their manufacturing challenges. It’s not just the size of our show that draws people in – it’s the quality.” 

A buzzing show floor 

On the massive expo floor, exhibitors showcased the latest innovations in packaging, processing, and automation across seven pavilions tailored to meet industry demands, trends, and rapidly growing segments, providing solutions for attendees from more than 40 vertical markets. 

“There was more machinery than ever before on the show floor, and our two newest show features – Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central – were a huge draw for attendees,” Thompson explained. “They offered the latest insights into sustainable solutions and a place for emerging brands to learn how to scale their operations and consult one-on-one with industry experts.” 

She added the show’s more than 150 education sessions took place across eight stages on the show floor, allowing attendees to drop into a session to learn something new and then continue exploring the expo as they saw fit. From the Sustainability Central Stage to the Processing Innovation Stage, attendees were able to dive into breakthrough technologies, best practices, and trends shaping the future of packaging. 

What exhibitors are saying 

“I am a packaging engineer in the pharma space, and I love coming to PACK EXPO International to network and find new packaging materials – it’s an amazing show,” said Rachel Hark, packaging engineer with Catalent Pharma Solutions. “I’m especially focused on finding packaging solutions that are also good for the Earth. I have attended PACK EXPO shows about ten times and love the app! It has really helped me map out what I have to do while onsite and not feel overwhelmed.”   

Many veteran and first-time exhibitors commented that they were pleased with the strong buyer presence, robust floor traffic, and high-quality sales lead opportunities at the event.  

“PACK EXPO International is a great show [and] we’ve been an exhibitor for many years,” said John Ruyf, project planner, The Austin Company. “This year, we’ve met many of our target customers, connected with vendors, and met our goals for leads. The conversations we’re having are positive.” 

He continued, “We choose to exhibit at the show for the brand awareness. The industry’s major suppliers and brands are all here. It’s a good place to connect with the people we work with. As long as the show is around, we’ll be at PACK EXPO International.” 

Beyond the show floor 

Attendees had opportunities to gain valuable industry insights and make valuable connections off the expo floor, as well. 

Popular networking events included PACK gives BACK, where 3,000 attendees enjoyed comedy from Nate Bargatze to benefit the PMMI Foundation, and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast, featuring guest speaker Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS, who delivered an inspiring presentation. Additionally, the Young Professionals Networking Reception and the First-Time Attendee Breakfast provided attendees with opportunities to meet industry leaders, build connections, and share insights. 

“There is so much to take from the show,” said Grace Dover Hoffman, director of procurement, Little Spoon. “I have had many valuable conversations with suppliers and been inspired by events at PACK EXPO International such as the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast. It’s a great place to be for networking and new ideas.” 

Looking to the workforce of the future, the show also featured several activities for local students to encourage their interest in the industry. Events such as the PACK Challenge and the Amazing Packaging Race inspired and motivated students to use their creativity and ingenuity to conquer real-life manufacturing challenges.   

“Our goal is to present an attendee-centric experience, helping attendees take a large show like PACK EXPO International, find exactly what they need, discover things they might not have even known they needed, and make valuable connections across all industries,” Thompson said. 

Looking ahead

Up next for PMMI is the inaugural PACK EXPO Southeast, set for March 10-12, 2025, at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Designed to be the most comprehensive show in the region, the new event will offer an extensive depth and breadth of solutions for more than 40 vertical markets, allowing attendees access to crossover innovations from other industries equipped to address packaging and processing challenges.  

PACK EXPO International will return to McCormick Place Oct. 18-21, 2026. 

Related: PMMI Produces Largest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in History (October 2023) 

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