PACK EXPO International 2026 to highlight artificial intelligence and automation solutions
PACK EXPO International 2026 will return to McCormick Place in Chicago from Oct. 18–21, bringing together packaging and processing technologies designed to address key challenges facing manufacturers.
The event, produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is expected to be the largest in the show’s history. Organizers say the exhibition will span approximately 1.3 million net square feet and feature more than 2,600 exhibitors. About 48,000 professionals representing more than 40 vertical markets are expected to attend.
PACK EXPO International showcases packaging and processing solutions across industries including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and life sciences, logistics and supply chain, personal care, pet food, and other manufacturing sectors.
According to PMMI, the event arrives at a time when manufacturers are navigating rapid technology adoption, workforce shortages, and growing sustainability requirements. The show floor will feature equipment and technologies focused on improving production efficiency, automation, and operational performance.
Industry research from PMMI highlights the increasing role of artificial intelligence in packaging equipment. In its 2026 Building an AI Advantage in Packaging Equipment white paper, the association reports that AI applications have expanded significantly over the past two years as solutions become more affordable and sophisticated.
As adoption increases and proof-of-concept deployments expand, AI is becoming accessible to a broader range of manufacturers and brand owners.
Workforce availability also remains a major challenge for the industry. PMMI’s 2025 Inside the Workforce Gap report identifies the shortage of skilled technical workers as one of the most significant barriers facing manufacturers, with many companies expecting the gap to persist in the coming years.
Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows for PMMI, said the industry has seen rapid growth in technologies such as robotics, AI, and automation since the last PACK EXPO International event.
She noted that manufacturers are also facing ongoing pressures related to sustainability requirements, workforce shortages, and evolving regulations.
The PACK EXPO International show floor will feature thousands of packaging and processing technologies designed to help companies improve productivity, streamline operations, and adapt to changing market demands.
In addition to equipment demonstrations, attendees will have access to more than 150 free educational sessions presented on five stages located throughout the exhibit floor. These sessions will cover topics including the state of the packaging and processing industry, Extended Producer Responsibility programs, GS1 Sunrise 2027 initiatives, recycling developments, logistics strategies, and supply chain operations.
New programming will also be introduced for the 2026 event. The SMB FastTrack program will highlight exhibitors and education sessions tailored specifically to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
PMMI Media Group will also host PACK EXPO Discovery Tours, curated tours led by industry experts designed to help attendees quickly identify relevant technologies across the large exhibition floor.
Several specialized areas will return to the show as well, including the Logistics Pavilion, Confectionery Pavilion, PACKage Printing Pavilion, Healthcare Packaging Pavilion, Containers and Materials Pavilion, Food and Beverage Processing Zone, and the Reusable Packaging Pavilion.
The event will also feature networking opportunities and workforce development activities, including the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast, the Young Professionals Networking Reception, and student-focused programs such as the Amazing Packaging Race, PACK Challenge, and the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase.
PMMI will provide planning tools to help attendees navigate the event, including the Visual Category search feature and My Show Planner, a digital tool that allows users to organize exhibitors, sessions, and meetings before and during the show.
Registration for PACK EXPO International 2026 is $30 through Sept. 25 and increases to $130 after that date, according to PMMI. More information and registration details are available at the event website.