Can’t-miss events featuring Third Eye Blind, trailblazing Thunderbird Nicole Malachowski, and exclusive networking experiences connect packaging and processing professionals beyond the show floor.

Herndon, Virginia; Sep. 29, 2026 - Tens of thousands of industry professionals will converge at PACK EXPO International 2026 (Oct. 18-21, McCormick Place, Chicago), creating four days of opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas, and connect with the people shaping the industry's future.

Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, PACK EXPO International is the largest packaging and processing show in North America. Beyond the technologies and solutions on the show floor, a full lineup of special events brings the industry together for networking, thought leadership, and meaningful conversations.

The Young Professionals Network will host an evening networking reception, sponsored by Beckhoff Automation LLC, on Sunday, Oct. 18. at the Chicago Athletic Association's Game Room. Designed for rising leaders in packaging and processing, this reception creates a space to build networks, exchange ideas, and form relationships with peers. The Young Professionals Networking Reception is free and open to registered attendees of PACK EXPO International, age 35 and under. Sign up in advance.

PACK gives BACK™, sponsored by Rockwell Automation, returns to Chicago on Monday, Oct. 19 at The House of Blues, for a sold-out performance by Third Eye Blind. Proceeds benefit the PMMI Foundation.

The Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network will host its annual networking breakfast, with special guest speaker, retired U.S. Air Force colonel, combat veteran, and the first woman pilot to fly with the Thunderbirds, Nicole Malachowski, on Tuesday, Oct. 20. She will discuss leadership and professional growth in traditionally male-dominated industries, share her inspiring story and practical tips, and motivate attendees to stand out in their careers. Gold sponsors include Morrison Container Handling Solutions and ProMach and their PowHER Women's Resource Group. Silver sponsors include BW Packaging, Dassault Systèmes, Duravant, Plexpack Corp., Ryson International Inc., and Septimatech Group Inc. Sign up in advance for this free event.

Vision 2030, designed for industry leaders and decision-makers, the forum creates a unique opportunity for CPGs and PMMI members to exchange perspectives, share expertise, and collaborate on strategies that can advance operations and business performance.

This year's discussions will focus on:
• 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

Vision 2030 is complimentary, but advanced registration is required and participation is limited to support focused, meaningful discussion.

PACK EXPO International also serves as a gathering place for the broader packaging and processing community, with partner associations hosting meetings and receptions that connect specialized industry groups under one roof through the Industry Meets at PACK EXPO program.
"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," says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI. "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."

Confectionery professionals can connect throughout the day at the Candy Bar Lounge, a dedicated networking destination in the Confectionery Pavilion, hosted by the National Confectioners Association and sponsored by Syntegon Packaging Technology. Attendees are also invited to a special Confectionery Industry Happy Hour Reception on Tuesday, Oct. 20 offering an informal opportunity to meet industry peers, exchange ideas, and make new connections. No RSVP is required.

With a full lineup of experiences on and off the show floor, attendees are encouraged to plan their networking schedule early.

Explore networking and special events and register for PACK EXPO International 2026 here.

About PMMI
PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 1,100 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media, and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, ProFood World, Healthcare Packaging, OEM, Contract Manufacturing and Packaging, and Mundo EXPO PACK. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market, and industry trends to support members' growth strategies, and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.