- PACK EXPO East is the East Coast’s largest and most comprehensive packaging and processing show. It includes over 100,000 net square feet of exhibit space dedicated to the latest solutions and innovations for 40+ vertical markets.
- Includes the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association.
Herndon, VA; January 10 – PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has announced the return of PACK EXPO East 2024 (March 18-20, Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia) this spring. PACK EXPO East 2024, the leading show on the East Coast for packaging and processing professionals, helps attendees identify new technologies, meet key partners, and see innovation in action. The show will bring together 7,000 industry professionals and more than 400 exhibitors spread over 100,000+ net square feet of space, making it the largest PACK EXPO East show to date.
The event’s location in Philadelphia is strategically beneficial. It’s accessible to a large number of attendees from the Northeastern United States, a region dense with various industries. This convenience increases attendance and the diversity of industries represented. While large enough to attract a wide variety of exhibitors and attendees, some insiders describe PACK EXPO East as more manageable than larger trade shows. This size allows for more in-depth conversations and networking opportunities, as attendees and exhibitors can spend more time with each other.
“PACK EXPO East brings unparalleled value to manufacturers in this region and beyond,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO of PMMI. “This show provides attendees an up-close view of the latest packaging and processing solutions, an opportunity to make new connections, and personalized help for their biggest manufacturing needs. PACK EXPO East’s convenient location makes it a must-attend event for packaging and processing professionals in the region seeking to improve and grow their operations.”
The show floor will feature hundreds of solutions that address the trends and challenges driving over 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, pharmaceutical and medical devices, cosmetics and personal care, industrial and household chemicals, and many others.
Previous PACK EXPO East shows were enthusiastically received
Previous PACK EXPO East attendees attest to the comprehensive solutions, educational opportunities, and networking found on the show floor.
“PACK EXPO East makes it so much easier to connect in person and see the machinery that you are interested in investing in,” said Jesse Gracey, production equipment manager at Allen Distribution. “There is such a wide range of exhibitors here serving almost all industries I can think of that you are bound to find the solution you are looking for. The educational opportunities available are an amazing bonus to an already irreplaceable show.”
“PACK EXPO East has a lot to offer. I wanted to find flow wrap and bagging machines for my business but there was so much more that I discovered that I didn’t realize I could potentially use in my facility. This has definitely been an invaluable networking experience,” said Patricia Verderame, owner of Maven Foods.
Businesses of all sizes and backgrounds have found the show useful.
“As a new business owner, I needed innovations that can help streamline my production,” said Karen Armstrong, owner and president of LCI Paper Co. “It was hard to see machinery and connect with professionals online, so I decided to come to PACK EXPO East. Initially, I came to find automated shrink wrap equipment, but what I found was so much more.”
Reusable Packaging Pavilion
The show will also feature the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by our industry colleagues at the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA). The Pavilion will present sustainable packaging solutions to help reduce waste, cut costs, and gain supply chain efficiency. The Association Partner Pavilion will house leading associations dedicated to advancing the packaging and processing industry and offering significant resources, insights, and expertise in one central location. Participating associations include the RPA, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packaging Association, Flexible Packaging Association, OMAC – Organization for Machine Automation and Control, and the Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions (F4SS) with more being added.
Free educational opportunities are abundant at this year’s show, including new and popular show features. New to PACK EXPO East is Industry Speaks (Booth 1653), where experts from the PACK EXPO Partner Program, covering multiple industry verticals, will address hot topics and industry trends. In the center of the action, the Innovation Stage (Booth 1153) offers opportunities for professional enrichment where exhibitors present free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day. Attendees can learn about breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches from the experts themselves.
Registered attendees can look forward to many networking opportunities after the show floor closes for the day. The PACK EXPO East “A Taste of Philly” opening reception on Monday, March 18, kicks things off with some of the best small bites and beverages the city has to offer. The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) networking reception, sponsored by ID Technology and Morrison Container Handling Solutions, will take place on Tuesday, March 19. Emerging professionals in packaging and processing can unwind with their peers at the Young Professionals Network’s (YPN) free networking reception. Learn more about the industry and how to get involved with YPN on Monday, March 18, at SPIN Philadelphia.
Attendees can plan their visit before the show by utilizing the My Show Planner feature to identify and map out exhibitors to visit, search for educational sessions, and more. The PACK EXPO East show app will be available in mid-February and can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store to help navigate the show floor and easily locate exhibitors while at the show.
Just a drive or train trip away for most of the East Coast, no other regional event will offer such a wide range of state-of-the-art packaging and processing solutions as PACK EXPO East. For more information and to register, visit packexpoeast.com.
Rick LeBlanc, EMBA, is the founder and editor of Reusable Packaging News (subscribe to the free newsletter) and editor of Western Pallet Magazine. A supply chain journalist with more than 30 years of experience, he specializes in pallets, reusable packaging, material handling and related operations. Rick is co-author of Pallets: A North American Perspective and Pallets & Progress: A Collected History of Pallets and Palletized Handling 1922–1945. He is also an advisory board member of the Virginia Tech Center for Packaging and Unit Load Design. Read Rick’s full bio.
