PACK EXPO International 2026 opened its doors today, Sunday, October 18, and its program extends well beyond the exhibition floor. From today, October 18, through Wednesday, October 21, 2026, McCormick Place in Chicago is hosting North America’s largest packaging and processing trade show. In conjunction with the event, PMMI has organized networking receptions, a sold-out concert, a leadership breakfast, and a forum for decision-makers. This guide explains what each event entails, when it takes place, and who is eligible to attend.
PACK EXPO International 2026 at a glance
The show is produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, which represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers. It is the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America and draws tens of thousands of professionals. Show hours are:
- Sunday, October 18: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Monday, October 19: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 20: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 21: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Laura Thompsom Vice President, trade shows at PMMI.
Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows at PMMI, frames the purpose of these events this way: “PACK EXPO International is where the packaging and processing community comes together, not only to discover what’s next on the show floor, but to build the relationships that move our industry forward. With thousands of packaging and processing professionals gathering in Chicago, the conversations that happen at these events can be every bit as valuable as what attendees discover on the show floor.”
For the exhibitor and product side of the show, see our earlier coverage: PACK EXPO International 2026 set to showcase the future of packaging and processing.
Young Professionals Network reception: Sunday, October 18
The Young Professionals Network holds a networking reception on Sunday, October 18, in the Game Room of the Chicago Athletic Association. It is sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC. Admission is free for registered attendees aged 35 or younger, and advance registration is required.
PACK gives BACK with Third Eye Blind: Monday, October 19
PACK gives BACK™, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, takes place Monday, October 19, at The House of Blues. The headliner is Third Eye Blind, and tickets are sold out. Proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation.
Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast: Tuesday, October 20
The network’s annual networking breakfast is on Tuesday, October 20. The guest speaker is Nicole Malachowski, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, combat veteran and the first woman to fly with the Thunderbirds. She will speak about leadership and career growth in industries that have traditionally been male-dominated. The event is free, with advance registration.
Gold sponsors are Morrison Container Handling Solutions and ProMach, through its PowHER Women’s Resource Group. Silver sponsors are BW Packaging, Dassault Systèmes, Duravant, Plexpack Corp., Ryson International Inc. and Septimatech Group Inc.
Vision 2030 forum: leaders and decision-makers
Vision 2030 is a forum for leaders and decision-makers, built around an exchange between consumer packaged goods companies (CPGs) and PMMI members. This year’s topics are:
- Securing the Line: Managing Cybersecurity in Packaging and Processing Operations
- From Specs to Success: Aligning OEMs and CPGs
- From Stop to Strategy: Turning Downtime Data into Operational Improvement
Attendance is free but requires advance registration, and seating is limited.
More networking: industry meetings and the Candy Bar Lounge
Under Industry Meets at PACK EXPO, allied associations hold their own meetings and receptions during the show. In the Confectionery Pavilion, the Candy Bar Lounge is a networking spot organized by the National Confectioners Association and sponsored by Syntegon Packaging Technology. The Confectionery Industry Happy Hour Reception follows on Tuesday, October 20, with no RSVP needed.
If your visit is tied to talent, the student programs at PACK EXPO International 2026 are another career-focused stop. On the technology side, PMMI’s research on the U.S. packaging robotics market adds context to what you will see on the floor, and Hastamat and LoeschPack are among the exhibitors heading to Chicago.
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is PACK EXPO International 2026?
It runs October 18 to 21, 2026, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Who can attend the Young Professionals Network reception?
Registered attendees aged 35 or younger, free of charge, with advance registration.
Can I still get tickets to the Third Eye Blind concert?
The PACK gives BACK concert on October 19 at The House of Blues is sold out. Proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation.
Are the Women’s Leadership Network breakfast and Vision 2030 free?
Yes. Both are free, but both require advance registration, and Vision 2030 has limited seating.
Who organizes PACK EXPO International?
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
Source: PMMI press release, September 29, 2026, The Industry Comes Together at PACK EXPO International 2026. Press contact: Gatwiri Muthara, Sr. Manager, Public Relations, PMMI.