CHICAGO — The numbers tell the story, 2,700 exhibitors occupying 1.32 million net square feet of space, attracting 48,000 attendees and 29,500 exhibitor personnel.
The 2024 PACK EXPO International at McCormick Place in Chicago, produced by the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies (PMMI), was a resounding success — the largest show in its history and the biggest event at McCormick Place this year.
The show saw a 10% increase in exhibit space and 24% increase in exhibitors from PACK EXPO International 2022. “All across the board, our numbers have increased,” Laura Thompson, Vice President of Trade Shows at PMMI, said. “Exhibitors continue to showcase top innovations, and attendees are flocking to see the latest solutions to their manufacturing challenges.”
International attendance increased 19% over 2022, which she attributes in part to the growth of the market.
“We see this as a result of the packaging and processing market’s global growth, along with our position as this year’s largest and most comprehensive industry event in the world. We welcomed 21 international delegations with several new countries joining us for the first time.”
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Show highlights included seven industry-specific pavilions ranging from healthcare packaging to confectionary packaging to reusable packaging, and more than 150 education sessions across eight stages. A networking highlight was PACK gives BACK™, where nearly 3,000 attendees enjoyed comedy from Grammy-nominated comedian, podcaster, director and producer Nate Bargatze. All proceeds go to the PMMI Foundation. The show is adapting to the needs of younger attendees, said Thompson.
“We’re committed to creating accessible, hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Our educational sessions are right on the show floor, so it’s easy for attendees to go from exploring exhibits to joining an insightful session.
“Programs like the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network and the Young Professionals Network also have events designed to help emerging industry professionals connect and grow,” she added. “Our student programs also bring a fun, interactive element, with competitions like PACK Challenge and the Amazing Packaging Race, where PACK EXPO International becomes the world’s largest packaging and processing classroom.”
A new PACK EXPO event, PACK EXPO Southeast, is scheduled for March 10–12, 2025 at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Organizers expect it to be the most comprehensive show in the region. There are also regional shows in Mexico, Las Vegas and Philadelphia. The next PACK EXPO International Show will be October 18–21, 2026 at McCormick Place.
Reach Laura Thompson at lthompson@pmmi.org
