Philadelphia is hosting the opening of PACK EXPO East 2026 today, as the three-day trade show gets under way at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Running from February 17–19, the event marks its 10th edition and positions itself as the East Coast’s primary regional platform for packaging and processing technologies.
Organised by PMMI, the show brings together 500 exhibitors across 125,000 net square feet of exhibition space. According to the organiser, the exhibitor base spans more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics and personal care, and industrial and household chemicals.
Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows at PMMI, said the event is structured to deliver immediate value to visitors. “PACK EXPO East is designed to deliver immediate, practical value the moment attendees step onto the show floor,” she stated. “From free education on the Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks Stage to new features like the Incubator Hub, attendees can explore ideas, technologies, and emerging solutions that are shaping the future of packaging and processing, all in one place.”
Focus On Materials And Early-Stage Innovation
A new addition for 2026 is the Containers and Materials Pavilion, intended as a dedicated area for packaging formats including paperboard, glass, metal, flexible and resealable materials. The pavilion is positioned as a destination for companies evaluating packaging redesigns, functional upgrades or sustainability-driven changes.
The show also introduces the Incubator Hub, presented by PMMI in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners. The feature highlights Pennsylvania-based start-ups and early-stage technologies, offering exposure to entrepreneurial ventures seeking to scale within the packaging and processing ecosystem.
In parallel, the SMB FastTrack Program returns with a targeted focus on small and medium-sized manufacturers. The initiative is designed to help smaller operations navigate the exhibition more efficiently, identifying suppliers that provide flexible financing, discounts or value-added services aligned with SME investment cycles. According to PMMI, the programme also integrates tailored educational content and planning tools aimed at accelerating technology adoption.
Established show features are also back, including the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, Association Partner Pavilion and Workforce Development Pavilion, reflecting ongoing industry priorities around sustainability, talent acquisition and skills development.
Education Centred On Standards, Sustainability And AI
Free educational sessions begin today across the Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks Stage. Topics span workforce trends, cybersecurity, standards, remote services and sustainability.
Among the headline sessions is “Unlocking Sunrise 2027: How Tech Providers Can Lead the 2D Revolution,” presented by representatives from GS1 Global Office and GS1 US. A second GS1-related session, “Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027: A Perspective on the Retail Industry’s Next Evolution,” will be delivered by Clay Ryan, head of worldwide business development for Amazon Transparency at Amazon.
Sustainability is addressed in “Sustainable Packaging in Practice: The Good, the Hard, and the Necessary,” presented by Jessica Adkins, vice president, corporate responsibility, safety & quality at Bonduelle Americas. Artificial intelligence and operational optimisation will be explored in “Building an AI Advantage in Processing and Packaging Operations,” delivered by Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development at PMMI.
The programme reflects an industry landscape increasingly shaped by regulatory pressures, digital traceability requirements and automation strategies aimed at improving throughput and resilience.
Regional Format With National Reach
PMMI positions PACK EXPO East as a high-impact regional alternative to larger national events, allowing professionals to attend without the travel time and cost associated with cross-country trade shows. On-site registration remains available throughout the event.
Networking activities begin with the Taste of Philly Opening Reception and continue with dedicated events such as the Young Professionals Networking Reception and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception.
Thompson described the show as a strategic platform for East Coast professionals. “PACK EXPO East is an essential event for packaging and processing professionals on the East Coast,” she said. “The 2026 show brings together new features, practical education, and unmatched access to suppliers and solutions, giving attendees a clear advantage as they plan for the year ahead.”
With live machinery demonstrations, targeted pavilions and a standards-driven educational agenda, PACK EXPO East 2026 underscores the continued importance of regional trade events in accelerating investment decisions and supplier engagement across the packaging and processing value chain.
