ATLANTA — PMMI: The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies launched PACK EXPO Southeast at the Georgia World Congress Center from March 10-12, 2025, continuing its track record of establishing and growing PACK EXPO events to meet regional demand.
The brand-new PACK EXPO Southeast made a triumphant debut, bringing together over 6,700 attendees and 2,800 exhibitor personnel for 9,500 total packaging and processing professionals.
“This show represents a big opportunity to bring the industry together in a region of the country that was not currently served by a trade show focused on packaging and processing for all vertical markets,” Laura Thompson, Vice President, Trade Shows at PMMI, said. “We found that 80% of attendees at our other regional show do not attend the larger PACK EXPO shows and we expect similar results from the Atlanta show. The goal of these regional events is to introduce PACK EXPO to a brand-new audience.”
Georgia, North Carolina, Florida, South Carolina and Tennessee were the top states in attendance at the show’s inaugural edition, and represented 64% of its total visitors.
Along with PACK EXPO Southeast, PMMI’s portfolio now includes PACK EXPO International, EXPO PACK Guadalajara, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East and EXPO PACK Mexico. Thompson shared that all editions of PACK EXPO are steadily growing, indicating that PMMI’s regional strategy is working.
Organizing for Success
PMMI and the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau (ACVB) began working together two years before the event’s launch.
“From strategic vendor selection and custom collateral to a personalized site visit showcasing Atlanta and the Georgia World Congress Center, our team acted as an extension of PMMI, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience,” Charlene Lopez, Executive Vice President and Chief Sales Officer, ACVB, said.
PMMI leveraged existing and new partnerships with regional organizations, such as the Georgia chapter of Women in Manufacturing, to attract new attendees.
Thompson added that the show’s breadth and depth, actionable education, networking opportunities — such as its Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network and Young Professionals events — contributed to its success.
“The feedback we’ve received from both exhibitors and attendees has been very positive,” Thompson explained. “People weren’t just walking the show floor — they were having real conversations, seeing live demos and making solid business connections. That’s exactly what we hoped for with the debut of PACK EXPO Southeast.”
According to Lopez, Atlanta is a premier convention destination for organizers looking to break into the region.
“Our unparalleled connectivity, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport placing 80% of the U.S. population within a two-hour flight, ensures easy access,” Lopez said. “Once here, attendees will appreciate our highly walkable convention and entertainment district, designed for convenient navigation … but Atlanta is more than just a destination; it’s a vibrant, evolving city. Our downtown is undergoing a transformation, with $950 million in completed development projects by the FIFA World Cup 2026, making it an even more compelling choice for an event.”
Looking Ahead
“We are certainly looking forward to PACK EXPO Southeast 2027,” Thompson said. “The southeast U.S. manufacturing sector is projected to experience continued growth and we will stay close to the demands of the region, continually tailoring the show to best serve the industry and bring critical resources to the companies that need them.
“Until then, we are shifting our focus to PACK EXPO Las Vegas [which will be held Sept. 29 – Oct. 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center], where attendees can continue to engage with the future of packaging and processing.”
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