(Herndon, Va; Mar. 16, 2026) As packaging and processing operations face accelerating technological change, workforce shortages, and rising sustainability demands, PACK EXPO International 2026 (Oct. 18-21, McCormick Place, Chicago) returns at the right time for packaging and processing professionals seeking solutions to these challenges and more.
The show will be the largest in its history, featuring 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space, more than 2,600 exhibitors, and approximately 48,000 professionals from over 40 vertical markets. The event brings together packaging and processing solutions across industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, logistics and supply chain, pet food, processing, personal care and more.
Industry research from show producer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, highlights why attending PACK EXPO International is more important than ever. According to PMMI’s white paper, the range of AI applications in packaging equipment has expanded significantly in the past two years, with solutions becoming increasingly affordable and sophisticated. As awareness and proof-of-concept implementations grow, AI is becoming accessible to a wider range of manufacturers and brand owners.
At the same time, the industry continues to face significant workforce challenges. PMMI’s report identifies the shortage of skilled technical workers as one of the most significant barriers facing manufacturers today, a challenge many expect to persist or even worsen in the coming years.
“In the two years since our last show, trends like AI, robotics, and automation have taken off and become prominent in the industry,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. “We’ve also seen workforce challenges, sustainability demands, and regulatory pressures remain top concerns.”
PACK EXPO International provides a unique opportunity for attendees to address these challenges firsthand. The show floor will feature thousands of solutions designed to improve productivity, streamline operations, and support evolving industry needs, from automation and AI-driven technologies to sustainability innovations and workforce development tools.
“PACK EXPO International offers brands an opportunity to see thousands of solutions to these pressing industry challenges on the floor in real time, learn from leading industry experts, and utilize their time effectively to come away with tangible results,” Thompson says.
In addition to technology demonstrations, attendees will have access to more than 150 free educational sessions on five different stages located directly on the show floor, providing insight into the industry’s most important topics including the State of the Industry (packaging and processing), Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), GS1 Sunrise 2027, recycling, material handling, logistics, supply chain, and more.
New for 2026
To support small and medium-sized businesses, PACK EXPO International will introduce the SMB FastTrack program, highlighting exhibitors and educational sessions tailored to the needs of small to medium-sized businesses (SMB).
During the show, PMMI Media Group will host , curated expert-led tours designed to help busy professionals efficiently navigate the expansive show floor and discover relevant innovations.