PHILADELPHIA — PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies’ (PMMI) biennial PACK EXPO East saw its largest show to date in 2024, spread over 120,000 net square feet at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. PMMI also reported a record number of more than 7,977 attendees and 500 exhibitors at the event.
“I’m really excited to see the growth,” PMMI Vice President, Trade Shows Laura Thompson said. “Our industry is doing well… [and] I think that is a key driver because we’re seeing growth across all of our shows.”
Additionally, Thompson shared that PMMI’s collaboration with the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) fueled attendance: “The CVB was very focused in helping us find ways to kind of reach new audiences, and using some of their targeted lists to promote this show.”
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According to Thompson, PACK EXPO East’s location also makes it more accessible for many in its target area — 70% of the show’s attendees come from Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey — and more first-time attendees visited in 2024.
“One benefit of this show is they can take the train, [and] they can drive in, so somebody who may not get approved for flying to the Vegas show or flying to the Chicago show is able to come… learn about the industry and familiarize themselves with some of the latest trends.
“It’s a very good mix of attendees at our show, where you have the high-level CPGs [Consumer Packaged Goods], all those brand names that you’re familiar with… [and] somebody who’s like ‘Hey, I’ve been packaging these cookies on my own, and I want to scale up my production, where do I even start?’… and the beauty of Pack Expo is we kind of offer everything,” Thompson stated.
Thompson explained that PACK EXPO East’s smaller size, compared to other PACK EXPO events, makes it “so much easier for people to come and have more extensive conversations… I really do like having the opportunity to introduce new people to the industry, and giving them the time to really interact and learn.”
The show’s receptions and networking events also saw higher attendance, with its Young Professionals Networking Reception selling out. PMMI also hosted a new Student Scavenger Hunt.
“I think attendees look for that personalized experience… you want to make a connection and you want to meet fellow colleagues in the industry,” Thompson added. “We’re excited to see the success of this regional event… [and] have the opportunity to bring these solutions to that region, as well as connect our exhibitors with brand new buyers that don’t come to our other shows… any time we can help facilitate that is a win-win for us.”
PMMI’s upcoming PACK EXPO International 2024, set for Nov. 3-6 at Chicago’s McCormick Place, already surpassed its 2022 net square footage and exhibitor-count, and will include new Sustainability and Emerging Brands Central educational stages.
Reach Laura Thompson at lthompson@pmmi.org.
