CHICAGO — More than 77,500 people attended PACK EXPO International Nov. 3 to 6 in Chicago. The packaging and processing tradeshow, produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, boasted a record number of 2,700 exhibiting companies occupying 1.32 million square feet at McCormick Place. International attendance was also up 19% over 2022.

“PACK EXPO International 2024 has truly raised the bar for what an industry event can achieve,” said Jim Pittas, president and chief executive officer of 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.”

Seven pavilions were featured throughout the show floor including Processing Zone, Containers and Materials Pavilion, PACKage Printing Pavilion, Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, Reusable Packaging Pavilion, Confectionary Pavilion, Association Partner Pavilion, and Workforce Pavilion. In addition, attendees were encouraged to visit the Showcase of Packaging Innovations® sponsored by WestRock and the newly added Sustainability Central and Emerging Brands Central. Sustainability Central featured environmentally friendly solutions ranging from manufacturing to logistics, and expert speakers shared insights on the Sustainability Stage throughout the show. Emerging Brands Central was a hub for early-stage companies looking to grow and scale.

“This show is packed with great companies and innovation,” said Warren Pruitt, senior vice president of global engineering at Colgate Palmolive, parent company to Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “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.”

Since the last PACK EXPO International in 2022, the tradeshow has seen a 10% increase in exhibit space and a 24% increase in number of exhibitors.

“All across the board, our numbers have increased,” said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI. “Exhibitors continue to showcase top innovations, and attendees are flocking to see the latest solutions to their manufacturing challenges.   It’s not just the size of our show which draws people in — it’s the quality.”

Alpharetta, Ga.-based Macrovey, a designer and developer of material handling and robotics solutions, exhibited for the first time at the 2024 event.

“Our goal was to find the people interested in automating processes — not just exploring it — and we’ve had conversations with leads that are ready to automate,” said Matt Labinski, director of business development for Macrovey.

In addition to exhibition hours, attendees took advantage of networking events including PACK gives BACK™, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, on Nov. 4 starring comedian Nate Bargatze. Proceeds from the ticketed event benefited the PMMI Foundation. The Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast featured Lisa Sun, founder and chief executive officer of retail brand and lifestyle company GRAVITAS, who gave an inspiring presentation to a packed ballroom. And, the Young Professionals Networking Reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC at Flight Chicago gave emerging packaging and processing professionals an opportunity to build new relationships.

PMMI also announced the addition of a new PACK EXPO event — PACK EXPO Southeast, scheduled for March 10–12, 2025, at Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

Read more about pet food and treat industry events.