PACK EXPO East 2024 is set to be the preeminent event on the East Coast this year and a must-attend event for packaging and processing professionals in the region. 

The show, scheduled from March 18 to 20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, promises an immersive experience for dairy industry professionals interested in exploring new technologies, establishing valuable partnerships, and witnessing innovation in action.

PACK EXPO East boasts more than 450 exhibitors across 100,000 net square feet and is the largest edition of the show to date. This expansion allows attendees unprecedented access to the latest solutions and technologies in the packaging and processing realm. The event provides a comprehensive platform for crossover innovations for more than 40 vertical markets.

Philadelphia’s strategic location as a regional manufacturing hub adds to the convenience of attending PACK EXPO East. Easily accessible and centrally located in the eastern United States, the show facilitates seamless interactions for professionals seeking groundbreaking solutions.

Organizers recommend attending as a team to optimize the PACK EXPO experience to encourage collaboration and identify solutions for manufacturing challenges. 

Free educational opportunities

Hear from industry experts, learn about new applications and best practices, and put ideas into action at over a dozen free educational sessions. 

Industry Speaks: New to PACK EXPO East, industry experts from the PACK EXPO Partner Program, covering multiple verticals, will address the latest hot topics and industry trends such as workforce, emerging brands, remote services and monitoring, cybersecurity, and standards. Located in Booth 1653, sessions include:

Monday, March 18

10:30–11 a.m.: Career Mapping - Planning for Success

Tuesday, March 19

11:30 a.m.-Noon: Craft Beer and Spirits: Success Through Packaging

1:30–2 p.m.: Trends in Remote Services and Monitoring

2:30–3 p.m.: The Six Traits of Highly Successful Emerging Brand/Contract Manufacturing Relationships

Wednesday, March 20

10:30–11 a.m.: Machinery Standards Updates Increase Business Opportunities

11:30 a.m.–Noon: Cybersecurity & the IT-OT Divide

Innovation Stage: In the center of the action, the Innovation Stage offers ample opportunity for professional enrichment while at PACK EXPO East. Here, exhibitors present free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day. The Innovation Stage is a valuable opportunity for attendees to learn about breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven approaches from the experts themselves. Located in Booth 1153, sessions include:

Monday, March 18

10–10:30 a.m.: Food Safe Facility Drainage Design

11–11:30 a.m.: How to Survive and Thrive During the Skilled Trades Crisis

Noon–12:30 p.m.: The Most Surprising Opportunity in Robotic Automation (Sustainability Session)

1–1:30 p.m.: How to Solve Labor Challenges with Standard Robotic Solutions       

Tuesday, March 19

10–10:30 a.m.: Overcome Common Challenges in Preventative Maintenance with these 6 Proven Steps

11–11:30 a.m.: Unlocking a Safer, More Sustainable Future: The Evolution of Child-Resistant Packaging (Sustainability Session)    

Noon–12:30 p.m.: Creating a Carbon-Neutral Cold Chain (Sustainability Session)

1–1:30 p.m.: Digitalizing the Line Clearance Process

Special events and networking

Attendees can make valuable connections at one of these PACK EXPO networking opportunities.

Monday, March 18, 4–5:30 p.m.: Taste of Philly Opening Reception. Gather and enjoy networking with peers and fellow show attendees. Show badge needed for entry. Located in the Grand Hall, Pennsylvania Convention Center. 

Monday, March 18, 5—7 p.m.: Young Professionals Networking Reception. Learn more about the industry and connect with your peers in a fun, relaxed environment at SPIN Philadelphia. 

Tuesday, March 19, 4—6 p.m.: Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception. Connect with women making a difference in the industry. Located in Room 204C, Pennsylvania Convention Center. 

Supply Chain professionals can attend the Foundation for Supply Chain Solutions’ (F4SS) Spring Connect 2024 conference on March 19–20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Learn from your peers on the issues currently being faced in the Supply Chain. 

Identify and address critical challenges in packaging and processing operations with your peers at PMMI’s Vision 2030 session on March 20 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Attendance is by invitation only, and space is limited. Contact Andrea Admana (aadmana@pmmi.org) for details.

Education sessions and networking events are free for all registered PACK EXPO East attendees. Registration is $130. For more information and to register online, visit www.packexpoeast.com.  

As senior manager of public relations for PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, Gatwiri Muthara oversees public relations and media relations for PMMI’s portfolio of trade shows, including PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK Expo International, and PACK EXPO East. She is also responsible for the organization’s overall PR and media efforts.