The packaging and processing community came together for PACK EXPO Las Vegas, hosted by producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. Taking place Sept. 11-13 at the Las Vegas Convention Center, more than 32,000 attendees, the most in the show’s history, actively engaged with more than 2,300 exhibitors across 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, the association says.
This event not only stands as the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America this year but as the largest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in the show’s history, it adds.
“PACK EXPO Las Vegas was a huge win for the packaging and processing industry,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO at PMMI, in a statement. “From attendance to exhibition space to educational sessions – the show surpassed expectations to provide our largest, most comprehensive show to date. This is proof that the industry continues to thrive and show-up to provide the most innovative, sustainable, effective solutions the world has to offer.”
As PMMI’s State of the Industry report highlights, industry growth remains steady at 3.4% with the total size of the market in the U.S. reaching $10.2 billion.
Looking to capitalize on this growth, more than 2,300 exhibitors displayed and promoted their latest innovations to make connections with decision makers in packaging and processing.
As stated in the latest State of the Industry report, sustainability remains top of mind and thousands of attendees visited the new Sustainability Central exhibit to take a journey through the sustainability process. They also were able to visit the hundreds of exhibitors showcasing sustainable materials and machinery at the show.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas was more than just a packaging and processing equipment and materials show, it offered more than 130 educational sessions and plenty of networking opportunities.
A highlight of the show’s second day came when 750 industry professionals gathered for the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast. Keynote speaker Manjit Minhas, renowned Canadian entrepreneur, beer baroness, and TV personality covered mentorship, being a working mom, starting her business, the importance of being fearless and constant learning, the association notes.
“It takes coordination and participation from all parts of our industry to pull together an event of this size and caliber. We’re extremely grateful to all involved in making this show a record-breaking success,” said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI, in a statement. “The feedback from exhibitors and attendees is encouraging, especially hearing success stories from both first-time and long-time participants.”
PMMI heads east next year with registration officially open for PACK EXPO East (March 18-20, 2024; Pennsylvania Convention Center).
PACK EXPO East is followed by EXPO PACK México (June 4-7, 2024; Mexico City), PACK EXPO International (Nov. 3-6, 2024; Chicago), and the newest addition to the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, PACK EXPO Southeast (March 10-12, 2025; Atlanta).
