High Expectations for PACK EXPO East's Philly Return

Over 6,000 packaging professionals will descend on the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia this week to attend PACK EXPO East (April 16-18), the biennial nearly 100,000 net-square-feet event produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. 

“The personal nature of this regional event gives attendees and exhibitors a chance to easily pinpoint solutions because they can spend time discussing each other’s operations and the challenges both sides of the table face,” says Jim Pittas, president & CEO, PMMI. “This also is a great opportunity to bring your whole team to see firsthand the latest packaging innovations and find real-world solutions to your challenges.”  

Attendees will witness cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions among 400 exhibiting companies with opportunities to participate in free educational sessions on the show floor. Some must-see highlights at this year’s show include: 

The PACK EXPO Drone Demo – “Packaging for the Last Mile” (Booth #550), produced in collaboration with Workhorse, will provide a glimpse at the future of package delivery. In the interactive display, mock housing will populate the virtual landscape of the 2,400 square-foot exhibit, complete with mailboxes and doorsteps to accept delivered packages. Drones will take off from the top of electric trucks and make deliveries, showcasing a system of automated package distribution that is faster and more efficient than traditional delivery methods. The daily demonstrations will take place on the hour from 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. 

In the center of the action, the Innovation Stage (Booth #1428) provides professional education on the show floor. PACK EXPO exhibitors present free, 30-minute seminars throughout the day, offering valuable opportunities to learn about breakthrough technologies, innovative applications and proven approaches from experts. 

Making its debut, The Forum at PACK EXPO (Booth #1629) will feature free 20-minute sessions covering the latest industry trends presented by the OpX Leadership Network, Institute of Packaging Professionals, Contract Packagers Association and PMMI Business Intelligence. Following each presentation, attendees can engage in 25-minute small group discussions. 

The Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) will hold their first regional meeting at PACK EXPO East on Tuesday, April 17 from 7:30 a.m.–11:00 a.m. This event is a part of the PPWLN’s ongoing efforts to fill the gender gap in the manufacturing workforce by attracting and advancing women in packaging and processing. To register visit packexpoeast.com/the-show/womens-leadership-network. Located in Room 119 AB.

High school robotics teams from the Philadelphia area will be showcasing their design, engineering and troubleshooting skills at the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase (Booth #419). Teams will demonstrate their robotics daily from 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

And the “Taste of Philly” welcome reception, Monday, April 16 from 4:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m., will provide an opportunity to gather with peers and experience a sampling of Philadelphia-inspired hors d'oeuvres and an open bar. (Location: Broad Street Atrium.) 

PACK EXPO East begins Monday, April 16 and ends Wednesday, April 18. Exhibit hall hours are 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 a.m. daily. Registration opens at 9:00 a.m. on days of the show or register online and pick up credentials onsite. For more information visit packexpoeast.com.