PACK EXPO International 2026 is one of the most anticipated trade events of the year. Taking place October 18–21, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, this four-day event brings together the packaging and processing industry like no other gathering in the Americas. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning professional, this guide covers everything you need to plan a successful trip.
What Is PACK EXPO International?
PACK EXPO International is the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America. It is organized by PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. The event takes place every two years, making each edition a highly significant moment for the industry.
The show spans 1.3 million net square feet of exhibit space. It welcomes more than 2,600 exhibitors and is expected to draw over 48,000 professionals from more than 40 vertical markets. These markets include food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care, and many more.
Additionally, the event offers live machinery demonstrations, free educational sessions, and networking events. It is designed for engineers, buyers, brand owners, and business decision-makers who want to evaluate technology, discover new solutions, and connect with industry peers.
Event Details at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event Name | PACK EXPO International 2026 |
| Dates | October 18–21, 2026 |
| Venue | McCormick Place, Chicago, IL |
| Address | 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616 |
| Organizer | PMMI – Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies |
| Expected Attendees | 48,000+ professionals |
| Number of Exhibitors | 2,600+ |
| Vertical Markets Represented | 40+ |
| Total Exhibit Space | 1.3 million net square feet |
Show Schedule
The event runs for four days. Below is the daily schedule for exhibits:
| Day | Date | Hours |
| Sunday | October 18, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Monday | October 19, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | October 20, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
Note that Wednesday closes at 3:00 PM, so plan your final day accordingly. If you are visiting from out of town, consider arriving a day early to settle in before the show opens on Sunday morning.
Ticket Prices and How to Register
Registration for PACK EXPO International 2026 is straightforward. You can sign up through the official website at packexpointernational.com.
There are two pricing tiers:
- Priority rate: $30 (available through September 25, 2026)
- Standard rate: $130 (after September 25, 2026)
Your badge gives you full access to all exhibit halls, more than 150 free educational sessions on the show floor, and all networking events. There are no separate charges for the educational stages or pavilion areas. Therefore, registering early is highly recommended, as you save $100 and secure your spot at the industry’s most comprehensive event.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America. It sits on the lakefront in Chicago, Illinois, and covers 2.6 million square feet of exhibit space across four connected buildings: North, South, West, and Lakeside Center.
For PACK EXPO International 2026, exhibits are located across all four buildings. Attendees are encouraged to use the official mobile app to navigate efficiently with turn-by-turn directions inside the venue.
Getting to McCormick Place is easy. It is accessible by car, public transit, taxi, and rideshare services. However, visitors should be aware that a Chicago Bears home game may affect traffic near the venue on October 22. If you are planning to leave on that day, allow extra travel time.
Exhibitors: Who Will Be There?
With over 2,600 exhibitors, PACK EXPO International 2026 features a wide range of companies. These range from global machinery manufacturers to small and innovative startups. Exhibitors display products and solutions across categories such as:
- Packaging and processing machinery
- Packaging materials and containers
- Automation and robotics systems
- Labeling and printing technologies
- Sustainability and reusable packaging solutions
- Logistics and supply chain tools
The show floor includes several specialized pavilions and zones designed to help visitors find the solutions most relevant to their work. These include the Food and Beverage Processing Zone (featuring 227 exhibitors), the Logistics Pavilion, the PACKage Printing Pavilion, the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, and the Containers and Materials Pavilion.
The Containers and Materials Pavilion also hosts the Showcase of Packaging Innovations, a display of award-winning packages from around the world.
Technology Highlights
Technology is at the heart of PACK EXPO International 2026. The show floor features thousands of live demonstrations covering the latest advances in automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing, and sustainable packaging.
Automation and Robotics
Automation is one of the strongest themes at this edition. Visitors can watch robotic systems operate in real time. These include packaging robots, pick-and-place systems, and collaborative robots designed for flexible production lines. PACK EXPO Discovery Tours include a dedicated “Robots in Action” guided tour for those who want a curated look at robotics innovations.
Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transformation
AI-powered tools are making a strong appearance at this show. One of the most notable new features is the PACK EXPO Solutions Finder. This tool allows attendees to enter a product or packaging need — or upload an image — and receive AI-powered supplier recommendations. Additionally, the Innovation Stage will feature sessions on AI applications in packaging, digital transformation, and smart manufacturing.
Sustainable Packaging
Sustainability is another major focus. The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association, highlights reusable packaging options. Sustainability Central on the show floor offers dedicated sessions on recycling, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), and material innovation. These discussions are particularly relevant given the growing global focus on reducing packaging waste.
Smart Manufacturing and Connectivity
Connected manufacturing systems, predictive maintenance tools, and Industry 4.0 solutions are also well represented. Visitors can explore how smart sensors, cloud-connected machines, and data analytics platforms are transforming production environments.
Education: Free Sessions and Stages
One of the most valuable benefits of attending is access to more than 150 free educational sessions. These sessions take place on five stages located directly on the show floor. No separate registration or fee is required.
The five learning venues are:
| Stage / Venue | Focus Areas |
| Innovation Stage | Automation, AI, robotics, sustainability, EPR, GS1 Sunrise 2027 |
| Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage | Food safety, UHT processing, AI, sustainability |
| Industry Speaks Stage | Supply chain, workforce challenges, tariffs, 2D codes |
| Sustainability Central | Recycling, EPR, reusable design, material innovation |
| Reusable Packaging Learning Center | Reusable systems, circular economy strategies |
Sessions are led by both industry experts and technology suppliers. Topics range from operational efficiency and workforce development to cutting-edge subjects like GS1 Sunrise 2027 and ultra-high-temperature processing.
New Features for 2026
Several new tools and programs have been introduced to improve the visitor experience this year.
SMB FastTrack Program
This new program helps small and medium-sized businesses connect with relevant suppliers and educational sessions. Exhibitors and sessions that are particularly suited for smaller operations carry an “SMB Friendly” designation. Educational topics under this program include automation, AI, food safety, robotics, sustainability, and workforce challenges.
PACK EXPO Solutions Finder
This AI-powered search tool allows attendees to find suppliers by describing their need or uploading an image of their product or packaging challenge. It is designed to save time and simplify the process of finding the right technology partner.
PACK EXPO Discovery Tours
These expert-led tours, produced by PMMI Media Group, guide attendees through curated sections of the show floor. Tour topics include Robots in Action, Digital Transformation, Pharma and Medical Packaging, Food Processing Equipment, and Packaging on the Shelf. The tours are ideal for busy professionals who want to maximize their time on the floor.
PACK EXPO International Mobile App
Sponsored by ProMach, the official mobile app is available starting September 15, 2026. It includes exhibitor searches, personal agendas, alerts, and turn-by-turn directions inside McCormick Place. Using the app in advance helps you build a focused agenda before arriving.
My Show Planner
This online tool allows attendees to save favorite exhibitors and sessions, schedule meetings, and organize priorities ahead of the event. It also offers personalized recommendations based on your interests.
Networking Events
Beyond the show floor, PACK EXPO International 2026 offers several formal networking opportunities.
One of the most exciting is the PACK GIVES BACK benefit concert. On Monday, October 19, 2026, Third Eye Blind will perform at House of Blues Chicago. The event is sponsored by Rockwell Automation, and proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation. Tickets should be purchased in advance, as they are expected to sell out quickly.
Other networking events include receptions for young professionals and the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network. These gatherings provide a relaxed environment to meet peers, share ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.
Visitor Tips and Planning Advice
Preparing ahead of time will help you get the most from your four days at the show. Here are some practical tips:
- Register before September 25, 2026, to save $100 on your badge.
- Download the official mobile app (available from September 15) and build your agenda early.
- Use My Show Planner to bookmark exhibitors and sessions before you arrive.
- Consider booking a Discovery Tour to navigate the floor efficiently with expert guidance.
- Book your hotel early. Chicago hotels near McCormick Place fill up quickly during large trade events.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The show spans 1.3 million square feet, and you will walk a great deal.
- Allow extra travel time on October 22 if you are departing that day, as traffic may be heavier due to a Chicago Bears home game.
Conclusion
PACK EXPO International 2026 is a must-attend event for anyone working in packaging, processing, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, or related industries. Held October 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago, the show offers an unmatched combination of live technology demonstrations, free education, and high-value networking. With more than 2,600 exhibitors, 150-plus free sessions, and exciting new features like the SMB FastTrack program and the AI-powered Solutions Finder, this edition promises to be one of the most impactful yet. Registering early at the $30 priority rate ensures you are ready to make the most of four extraordinary days in Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When and where is PACK EXPO International 2026? PACK EXPO International 2026 takes place October 18–21, 2026, at McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616.
- How much does it cost to attend PACK EXPO International 2026? Registration costs $30 if you sign up by September 25, 2026. After that date, the price increases to $130. Your badge gives you full access to all exhibits, educational sessions, and networking events.
- What industries does PACK EXPO International serve? The show serves more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care, and other packaged goods industries.
- Are there free educational sessions at PACK EXPO International 2026? Yes. More than 150 free educational sessions are available on five stages located directly on the show floor. These cover topics such as automation, AI, sustainability, food safety, and supply chain management.
- Is there a mobile app for navigating the show? Yes. The official mobile app, sponsored by ProMach, becomes available on September 15, 2026. It includes exhibitor searches, session schedules, personal agendas, and turn-by-turn navigation inside McCormick Place.
