Pack Expo International has wrapped up for 2024, announcing significant crowds throughout its four-day stint at McCormick Place in Chicago, IL, USA. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the show brought together 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel, reaching 77,500 in total attendance. International attendance increased 19% over 2022.

A record number of 2,700 exhibitors occupied 1.32 million net square feet of space, making Pack Expo International the largest show in its history and the biggest event at McCormick Place this year. 

“Pack Expo International 2024 has truly raised the bar for what an industry event can achieve,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “This show has not only grown in scale but also in substance, attracting attendees and exhibitors from every corner of the industry. The connections made here are invaluable, reinforcing Pack Expo’s role as an unmatched platform for innovation, collaboration, and progress across the packaging and processing landscape.”

The show has grown significantly year over year, with a 10% increase in exhibit space and 24% increase in number of exhibitors from Pack Expo International 2022. “All across the board, our numbers have increased. Exhibitors continue to showcase top innovations, and attendees are flocking to see the latest solutions to their manufacturing challenges,” says Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “It’s not just the size of our show which draws people in – it’s the quality.”

With seven pavilions tailored to meet industry demands, new show features like Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central, and show resources to help attendees plan their days, attendees found value throughout the show.

“I am a packaging engineer in the pharma space, and I love coming to Pack Expo International to network and find new packaging materials – it’s an amazing show,” says Rachel Hark, packaging engineer, Catalent Pharma Solutions (Kansas City, MO). “I’m especially focused on finding packaging solutions that are also good for the earth. I have attended Pack Expo shows about ten times and love the app! It has really helped me map out what I have to do while onsite and not feel overwhelmed.” 

“We came to Pack Expo International looking for conveyors and other solutions that can help improve our operations. The show is great. A lot of people and a lot of vendors. It’s awesome to see so much innovation all under one roof,” says Ali Buehler, engineer, Hallmark (Leavenworth, KS).

“This show is packed with great companies and innovation. If each person from my team walks away with just one great idea as a result of the inspiration we find here at Pack Expo International, it will already have been worth it,” says Warren Pruitt, SVP of global engineering at Colgate-Palmolive (Piscataway, NJ).

Not only large companies and long-time attendees found the show inspiring. Several first-time attendees and emerging brands also gave it high marks. “This is our first time attending, and it’s been a really great show. It’s been great to see the equipment that’s here and see who’s differentiating across various areas,” says Michaela Belling, business development director, Plexus (Neenah, WI).

“I’m most impressed with how well-organized everything is given the number of exhibitors and attendees,” says  Ernest Swindell, owner of XCEL. “We produce vegan and gluten free meal replacement bars and have been in business since 2021. We do everything by hand right now and we’re looking to scale up, so attending an event like this allows us to network with end users and the equipment manufacturers for our potential future co-manufacturers.”

Exhibitors found the show rewarding with plenty of opportunities for sales leads. “Pack Expo International is a very important packaging show for our business in the US market and the automation industry,” says Jonathan Titterton, CEO, Coesia North America. “We appreciate the opportunity to discuss with our customers’ face-to-face how customized solutions are helping them with greater flexibility, efficiency, and productivity.”

“This is our first time exhibiting at Pack Expo International. We have a lot of customers at the show, and we’re seeing a ton of foot traffic,” says Conrad Lilleness, CEO of Conduit. “As a result, we already have several meetings booked. Pack Expo International is the biggest show I’ve ever exhibited, with the right audience. We’re connecting with high-quality leads and plan to be at Pack Expo Las Vegas next year.”

Attendees were able to make valuable connections off the show floor, as well, with popular networking events like PACK gives BACK, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, seeing nearly 3,000 attendees enjoy comedy from Nate Bargatze to benefit the PMMI Foundation. The popular Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast was captivating, with guest speaker Lisa Sun, founder and CEO of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS, giving an inspiring presentation. The Young Professionals Networking Reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC at Flight Chicago, gave emerging leaders in packaging and processing a chance to build new relationships with their peers.

“There is so much to take from the show – I have had many valuable conversations with suppliers and been inspired by events at Pack Expo International such as the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast. It’s a great place to be for networking and new ideas,” says Grace Dover Hoffman, director of procurement, Little Spoon (New York, NY).

Looking to the workforce of the future, Pack Expo International featured several activities for local students to encourage their interest in the industry. Events like the PACK Challenge, sponsored by PepsiCo, and the Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson Discrete Automation Group, had students use their creativity and ingenuity to conquer real-life manufacturing challenges.