Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, taking place Sept. 11-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, will feature more than 2,000 exhibitors showcasing the newest innovations for more than 40 vertical markets, spanning nearly 1 million square feet of exhibit space.

“We will surpass previous PACK EXPO Las Vegas shows this year with more exhibitors and features offered to attendees than ever before. This reflects the growth in our industry as well as the need for our attendees to find new solutions, expand their knowledge and build their network,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO at PMMI, in a statement. “A thriving industry allows for great opportunities as well as challenges — and we’ll be addressing critical issues such as sustainability, workforce and automation to name a few. It will all come together making PACK EXPO Las Vegas a world-class, must-attend event.”

The theme of PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 is “Expect Innovation,” and will feature new and growing show features that address critical industry trends:

• Targeted Industry Pavilions: The new Logistics Pavilion, the newly formatted Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, and the expanded Processing Zone are joined by the returning PACKage Printing, Containers & Materials, Reusable Packaging, and Confectionery Pavilions.
• Sustainability Central: A new show floor destination taking an expansive look into packaging sustainability and what it means to brands, including expert speakers, interactive content, and a look at actionable, sustainable innovations in manufacturing, materials, design, and more.
• Networking Events including Young Professionals and First-Time Attendee Events, Show Floor Receptions, and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast: Brewing Success: How Manjit Minhas Turned an Idea into a Beer Empire.

The PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 show floor will have more exhibits than ever before, brand-new show features and pavilions, and more than 100 educational sessions to expand attendees’ knowledge and professional networks, according to PMMI.

“With a show this size, we’ve organized our show floor and content in way that will allow attendees to take part in everything from exhibits to educational sessions to pavilions to networking and social events in a way that meets their specific needs,” said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “We didn’t just strive for more as far as size, but considered what would make the most impact to our attendees and industry by the technologies and topics we’ve chosen to highlight.”

Specifically, PACK EXPO Las Vegas will feature discussions on critical timely industry topics on several distinct show-floor educational stages, including the Innovation Stage, Processing Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks Stage and Sustainability Stage. These are free, 30-minute seminars on breakthrough technologies and best practices addressing a wide range of industry hot topics.

Attendees also will gain knowledge during the interactive sessions in The Forum, which provide the opportunity to discuss new ideas and collaborate on solutions to widespread issues and trends such as digitalization, cybersecurity, sustainability, automation and integration of cobots into manufacturing. Each 45-minute session begins with a presentation before participants are invited to discuss the issue further in small roundtables.

PACK gives BACK takes on a new format this year, as a private "O" by Cirque du Soleil Performance benefitting the PMMI Foundation. Happening on Sunday evening, Sept. 10, show attendees can jumpstart their PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 show experience and gather with colleagues and customers to enjoy a private performance at the Bellagio Resort & Casino. Rockwell Automation is the title sponsor and proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation. 

PMMI recognizes the significance of PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023 opening on Sept. 11 and strives to honor the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice that day, it says. PMMI will match donations up to $50,000 to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, an organization honoring slain FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller’s legacy by supporting the heroes who continue to risk life and limb in the line of duty, it notes. During the past 20 years, Tunnel to Towers has delivered more than 1,000 mortgage-free homes to our nation’s heroes and committed over $500 million across all its programs. Attendees can donate to the organization when they register as well as online.