PACK EXPO International will return to Chicago in October 2026 as the largest edition of the event to date, bringing together thousands of technology providers and packaging professionals at a time when the industry faces mounting pressure to adopt automation, address workforce shortages and meet sustainability targets.
The event will take place from 18–21 October at McCormick Place and is expected to feature more than 2,600 exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet of exhibition space. Organiser PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, said approximately 48,000 professionals from more than 40 vertical markets are expected to attend.
The show will present packaging and processing technologies used across sectors including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, logistics and supply chain, pet food, processing, and personal care.
According to PMMI, the industry’s technological landscape has evolved rapidly since the previous edition of the show. Research published by the association indicates that artificial intelligence applications in packaging equipment have expanded significantly in the past two years, as manufacturers seek ways to improve efficiency and reduce operational complexity.
“In the two years since our last show, trends like AI, robotics, and automation have taken off and become prominent in the industry,” said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “We’ve also seen workforce challenges, sustainability demands, and regulatory pressures remain top concerns.”
PACK EXPO International aims to provide a platform where companies can evaluate emerging technologies designed to improve productivity and streamline operations. Exhibitors will showcase automation systems, AI-driven technologies and sustainability solutions alongside equipment and services for packaging and processing operations.
Industry labour shortages remain another major theme shaping technology adoption. PMMI’s 2025 Inside the Workforce Gap report identifies the shortage of skilled technical workers as one of the most significant barriers facing manufacturers, with many companies expecting the challenge to persist in the coming years.
Beyond the exhibition floor, the event will host more than 150 educational sessions across five stages located throughout the show. These sessions will address key industry issues such as the state of the packaging and processing sector, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), GS1 Sunrise 2027, recycling strategies, material handling, logistics and supply chain developments.
Thompson said the show offers attendees an opportunity to explore solutions directly with suppliers and industry experts.
“PACK EXPO International offers brands an opportunity to see thousands of solutions to these pressing industry challenges on the floor in real time, learn from leading industry experts, and utilize their time effectively to come away with tangible results,” she said.
New Initiatives For 2026
For the 2026 edition, PMMI will introduce several new initiatives aimed at improving navigation and accessibility for attendees.
Among them is the SMB FastTrack programme, which highlights exhibitors and educational sessions designed specifically for small and medium-sized businesses.
PMMI Media Group will also organise PACK EXPO Discovery Tours — expert-led guided tours designed to help visitors identify relevant technologies and innovations across the large exhibition floor.
Sector-Specific Pavilions Return
The event will again feature dedicated pavilions focusing on specific segments of the packaging and processing ecosystem. These include the Logistics Pavilion, Confectionery Pavilion, PACKage Printing Pavilion, Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, Containers and Materials Pavilion, the Food and Beverage Processing Zone and the Reusable Packaging Pavilion.
Alongside the technology showcases, the show will host several networking events and industry gatherings, including A Night Out with PACK gives BACK®, the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast and a Young Professionals Networking Reception.
Students and early-career professionals will also have access to a range of educational initiatives, including the Amazing Packaging Race, the PACK Challenge and the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase.
To help visitors prepare for the show, PMMI offers digital planning tools including a Visual Category search function and My Show Planner, which allows attendees to organise exhibitors, sessions and meetings in advance.
Registration for PACK EXPO International 2026 is priced at USD 30 until 25 September, increasing to USD 130 thereafter.
