PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, IL
Manufacturing

PACK EXPO International 2026

October 18–21, 2026
Chicago, IL
2,600 Exhibitors

Event Date

October 18–21, 2026

Location

Chicago, IL

Expected Exhibitors

2,600

About This Show

AI-drafted summary

PACK EXPO International is the largest and most comprehensive packaging and processing trade show in the Western Hemisphere, held every two years at McCormick Place in Chicago. Organized by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the event brings the entire supply chain together under one roof. It is the premier biennial trade show for the packaging and processing industries in North America.

The show draws professionals from across the packaging ecosystem. Over the course of four days, the event showcases more than 2,600 exhibitors and attracts over 48,000 professionals representing 40+ different market sectors. Attendees include buyers, engineers, brand owners and decision-makers from food and beverage, pharmaceutical, life sciences, cosmetics, personal care and other packaged-goods industries.

It is worth attending because it concentrates a vast range of live technology, education and networking into one visit. From groundbreaking packaging machinery and state-of-the-art processing technologies to sustainable materials, automation, robotics and logistics solutions, PACK EXPO International is where innovation meets opportunity. Whether you're focused on improving efficiency right now or exploring long-term strategies, the show offers the fastest, most cost-effective way to explore solutions, compare options and make confident decisions—all in one place, in just four days.

Show Highlights

Key features of PACK EXPO International include:

  • Live machinery and product demos from more than 2,600 exhibitors, letting attendees see, compare and experience innovations up close.
  • Themed pavilions and zones for easy navigation. These include the Containers and Materials Pavilion, Food & Beverage Processing Zone, Logistics Pavilion and more.
  • Free education across multiple show-floor stages. Every moment at the show pays off in ideas, strategic insight and high-value connections, with a schedule of sessions, networking and show-floor experiences. Learning venues include the Innovation Stage, the Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, the Industry Speaks Stage, Sustainability Central and the Reusable Packaging Learning Center.
  • PACK gives BACK™ benefit concert. Third Eye Blind takes the stage at House of Blues Chicago on Monday, October 19, 2026, sponsored by Rockwell Automation with proceeds benefiting the PMMI Foundation.
  • Networking and special events that connect peers across 40+ industries.

Attendance

The show showcases more than 2,600 exhibitors and attracts over 48,000 professionals representing 40+ different market sectors. Attendees come from every sector of the packaging ecosystem. Core audiences include food and beverage, pharmaceutical, life sciences and healthcare, cosmetics and personal care, and other packaged-goods industries.

Registration

Registration is open online through the show's official registration portal. Rates are tiered by date:

  • Priority rate (through September 25, 2026): $30
  • Standard rate (after September 25, 2026): $130

A single badge provides complete access to the exhibits and educational sessions on the show floor, including 150+ free educational sessions, all pavilions and knowledge-sharing stages, and networking events. Registrants can also ride free shuttle buses or the Metra commuter train to McCormick Place for free. Please note: children under 14 are not permitted on the show floor. A downloadable justification letter is available to help attendees secure supervisor approval to attend.

History

PACK EXPO International is produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. It is the premier biennial trade show for the packaging and processing industries in North America, taking place every two years in Chicago and alternating with other PACK EXPO events across North America. The most recent prior edition, PACK EXPO International 2024, took place November 3–6 at McCormick Place in Chicago. Over time it has grown into the most comprehensive packaging and processing event in the Western Hemisphere, drawing tens of thousands of professionals from more than 40 vertical markets.

Visit Official Show Website

Exhibitors

Exhibitor Information

2,600Expected Exhibitors

Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.

Venue & Travel

Venue

McCormick Place

2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616

McCormick Place is a flagship convention center on Chicago's lakefront, purpose-built for large-scale conferences and exhibitions, offering expansive exhibit halls, versatile meeting spaces, advanced technical infrastructure, and on-site services, with convenient access to downtown hotels, airports, and public transportation. It is the largest convention center in North America. The Metra Electric line deposits riders directly on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse; internal walkways and shuttles help attendees move between the West Building and Lakeside Center; and food courts are available in each building. ENDO 2026 is held in the West Building.

See all shows at this venue

Parking

McCormick Place operates several cashless parking lots:

  • Lot A: $27 for up to 16 hours and $40 from 16 to 24 hours. Lot A is a six-level garage with 2,100 spaces adjacent to the West Building, and overnight parking is available in Lot A only.
  • Lot B: a flat fee of $18 per day, with no in-and-out privileges.
  • A limited number of prepaid guaranteed parking spaces are available at $40 per day via an Attendee & Exhibitor Parking Permit, which allows in-and-out privileges and guarantees a space even if lots fill.

Covered walkways from Lot A lead directly into McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, Marriott Marquis, and the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place.

Getting There

The nearest major hub is Midway International Airport (MDW), about 20 minutes southwest, while O'Hare (ORD) is the primary international gateway roughly 45 minutes away.

Public transit:

  • CTA Green Line (Cermak-McCormick Place station) exits onto a pedestrian bridge to the Grand Concourse, about a 5-minute walk to the West Building.
  • Metra Electric from Millennium Station arrives at McCormick's South Building in about 7 minutes for $4.25.

Rideshare: Rideshare pickup zones (Gate 4 for South, Gate 40 for West) become congested when the show floor closes, so walking to the nearby Hyatt or Marriott to call a car can save time.

Nearby Hotels

Several hotels are within walking distance of McCormick Place, many connected by climate-controlled skybridges:

  • Hyatt Regency McCormick Place — the closest hotel at about 0.1 miles, with a skybridge to the convention buildings.
  • Marriott Marquis Chicago (about 0.4 miles) and Hilton Garden Inn Chicago McCormick Place (about 0.5 miles).
  • The Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn, and Home2 Suites tri-plex are linked directly to the convention buildings via climate-controlled skybridges.

Additional downtown/South Loop options include the Hilton Chicago, Palmer House, and other hotels along Michigan Avenue. From Michigan Avenue hotels, riders can take the Green Line one stop south from Roosevelt to Cermak-McCormick Place or the Metra Electric directly to McCormick's South Building, each under 15 minutes. Official housing is arranged through Maritz.

Contact

Point of Contact

Lisa Sanders

Show Director

PMMI

info@pmmi.org(703) 243-8555

Show Management

PMMI

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is PACK EXPO International 2026?

PACK EXPO International 2026 takes place October 18-21, 2026, at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60616. Show hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Sunday through Tuesday and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Wednesday, with exhibits spread across the North, South, West and Lakeside Center buildings.

How much does it cost to register and how do I sign up?

You can register online through the show's official registration portal. The priority rate is $30 through September 25, 2026, and the standard rate is $130 after that date. A single badge includes access to all exhibits, 150+ free educational sessions and networking events.

Who should attend PACK EXPO International?

The show is designed for packaging and processing professionals from more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, life sciences, healthcare, cosmetics, personal care and other packaged goods. It draws over 48,000 attendees, from engineers and buyers to brand owners and decision-makers.

What makes PACK EXPO International worth attending?

The event is the most comprehensive packaging and processing show in the Western Hemisphere, featuring more than 2,600 exhibitors with live machinery in motion, product launches and solutions across the full supply chain. It also offers free education, themed pavilions and networking, letting attendees compare options and make decisions in just four days.

How do I get to McCormick Place and where can I stay?

McCormick Place is served by O'Hare (ORD) and Midway (MDW) airports, the Metra Electric Line that stops inside the venue, CTA trains and buses, rideshares and taxis, plus free show shuttle buses. Connected campus hotels include the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, Marriott Marquis Chicago and the Hiltons at McCormick Place, all linked by pedestrian sky bridges.

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