PACK EXPO East 2026 Sees Strong Turnout

The event drew over 10,000 packaging and processing professionals for three days of innovation, education, and connections.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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PACK EXPO East, the regional packaging and processing event produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, returned to Philadelphia in 2026 for its 10th edition. The three-day event saw more than 7,300 attendees and 2,700 exhibitor personnel, showcasing the latest advancements in automation, smart manufacturing, sustainable materials, and AI-driven solutions transforming the industry.

Why it matters

PACK EXPO East is a key regional event that brings together packaging and processing professionals to discover the latest technologies and innovations shaping the industry's future. The strong turnout and high level of engagement underscores the industry's continued investment in automation, digitalization, and smarter manufacturing strategies to drive operational progress.

The details

The event featured cutting-edge machinery, breakthrough materials, advanced automation, and smart manufacturing technologies on the exhibit floor. Attendees came with active projects and sample parts, enabling exhibitors to develop solutions on-site. Several new features debuted, including the Containers and Materials Pavilion, the Incubator Hub showcasing Pennsylvania startups, and the SMB FastTrack Program supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers.

  • PACK EXPO East 2026 took place from February 17-19 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.
  • The event celebrated its 10th year in 2026.

The players

PMMI

The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, the organization that produces the PACK EXPO events.

Jim Pittas

President and CEO of PMMI.

Suzanne Bakiewicz

Senior business development representative at SourceAmerica, an exhibitor at PACK EXPO East 2026.

Stacy Johnson

Vice president of business development at Hoosier Feeder, an exhibitor at PACK EXPO East 2026.

Travis Nelson

Sales engineer at ParityFactory, an Advantive Company, an exhibitor at PACK EXPO East 2026.

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What they’re saying

“The energy throughout the show was exceptional. PACK EXPO East brings together advanced technologies and decision-makers ready to invest. The level of engagement this year underscores the strength of our industry and the demand for innovative, automation-driven solutions.”

— Jim Pittas, President and CEO, PMMI

“This is my second time at PACK EXPO East, and it's incredible to see how much the show has grown — from the number of exhibitors to the amount of equipment running live on the floor. As an exhibitor, the experience has been wonderful. We've connected with many high-value prospects who may not have known about us before, and we've generated strong leads.”

— Suzanne Bakiewicz, Senior Business Development Representative, SourceAmerica

“We've participated in PACK EXPO East since its launch, and this year has been especially strong for us. Traffic has been steady, and what's most exciting is that customers are arriving with active applications, even bringing sample parts, so we can start developing solutions right away. Beyond the exhibit floor, the education sessions, MaX Marketing Breakfast, and Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network Reception, add real value to the overall experience.”

— Stacy Johnson, Vice President of Business Development, Hoosier Feeder

“PACK EXPO East delivered exactly what we were hoping for. The foot traffic was strong throughout the show, and more importantly, the right buyers were here. We met our lead goals, which speaks to the quality of attendees. From move-in to booth services and overall exhibitor amenities, the entire experience was seamless.”

— Travis Nelson, Sales Engineer, ParityFactory, an Advantive Company

The takeaway

PACK EXPO East 2026 demonstrated the packaging and processing industry's continued investment in advanced technologies like automation, digitalization, and smart manufacturing. The strong turnout and high level of engagement at the regional event underscores the industry's commitment to driving operational progress and innovation.