WHERE
you want to be

november 3-6, 2024
chicago, illinois, usa

eye-opening. inspiring. essential to experience.

While nothing can fully prepare you for all you will experience at PACK EXPO International, we’ve compiled tips to help you get the most out of the show.

#1 Tip: Come with a plan.

At a show this big, planning ahead and prioritizing what you want to see is a must and My Show Planner is a great resource! Use it to search for exhibitors, products and sessions, organize your time at the show and build an itinerary. On site, you can access your planner through the mobile app.  

go to planner

#2 Tip: Visit the First-Time Attendee Lounge

That’s right – a special lounge, just for you. If you are attending PACK EXPO International in search of products and solutions for your business, make sure to stop by the First-Time Attendee Lounge for:

  • Assistance from the show staff in locating products
  • Introductory education sessions presented by industry experts
  • Free refreshments and a place to charge your devices

Room S-104A, South Building
Open during show hours

#3 Tip: Don't Miss the First-Time Attendee Breakfast!

Monday, November 4, 8:30 am – 9:30 am
Take this opportunity to socialize and talk shop with fellow first-timers while enjoying a complimentary breakfast and lingering over coffee in the First-Time Attendee Lounge.

9 More Tips from Veteran Attendees

Book a room in the PACK EXPO hotel block, and reserve early.

By booking with the PACK EXPO International Hotel Reservation Office (Expovision), you’ll get the best rates, have easy access to free shuttle buses to McCormick Place and have more opportunities for networking. Book your room as soon as you register—hotels sell out.

Prioritize and strategize about what to see.

Make one list of your “must-see” exhibitors and another of those you’ll “try hard to see.” About 50 suppliers is a realistic number, depending on the conversations you have. Consider focusing on one hall per day.

Leave time open for educational sessions and browsing new solutions.

Don’t schedule your time so much that you miss out on two of the most valuable benefits of attending the show: discovering unexpected solutions and learning from people who share deep industry knowledge in educational sessions.

Use the mobile app—and bring a power bank.

The app gives you handy access to My Show Planner, interactive maps of McCormick Place, the shuttle schedule and other important information. You’ll be using your phone all day, so be sure to bring a portable charger.

APP GOES LIVE IN SEPTEMBER

Familiarize yourself with the shuttle bus schedule and drop-off points.

Be sure to check the shuttle bus routes and schedules ahead of time on the mobile app, or in the Show Directory, which you’ll get in Chicago. Your hotel should have signage pointing you toward the nearest shuttle stop. Be prepared for a crowd—if you show up last minute, you may have to wait for the next bus.

SHUTTLE INFO COMING SOON

You can also take Metra to McCormick Place.

If your hotel is near the Metra commuter train station, take advantage of this quick and convenient option. It only takes 7 minutes to go from the Millennium/Randolph Street station in downtown Chicago to McCormick Place. Your badge includes a free Metra pass!

Reserve a scooter if you’ll have trouble walking the show.

For information and reservations, contact:

Scootaround Mobility Solutions
888-441-7575 or visit their website at:
www.scootaround.com

Stay through the day on Wednesday.

The show floor quiets down on Wednesday afternoon, making it a great time to circle back and revisit exhibitors, further discuss your project and ask questions that you thought of later.

Do not forget to bring…

Comfortable shoes are a must; you’ll be on your feet all day. And if you receive your badge and lanyard in the mail, please make every effort to bring them. Skip the registration lines and head straight to the show floor!