WHERE
you want to be

november 3-6, 2024
chicago, illinois, usa

HOW TO SUPPORT THE FUTURE OF PACKAGING

Getting Students Excited About Careers in Packaging and Processing

Student programs and activities at PACK EXPO International aim to activate young people’s enthusiasm for careers in packaging and connect them with mentors in the industry.

PACK Challenge

Watch students participate in a real-world, end-to-end competition that requires collaboration, creativity, conception, process, design, build, programming, debugging, marketing and field installation knowledge – all put to the test in a competition at the show!

Located in the West Hall, Booth W-16005

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(New) Girl Scout Event

Local Chicago Girl Scout Troops will receive credit for their Sustainable Packaging Patch during this new event in 2024. Scouts will meet in the Student Lounge on Sunday, November 3 for a hands-on project focusing on sustainability followed by a panel and show floor tour from industry professionals.

Future Innovators Robotics Showcase

High school robotics teams from across the country will share their design, engineering and troubleshooting skills in this special showcase.

Located in the West Hall, Booth W-21052

The Amazing Packaging Race

In this fun and educational event, teams from colleges and universities in North America race around the PACK EXPO International show floor to complete a series of tasks at the booths of participating exhibitors.

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(New) Silent Auction: Foundation Fundraiser

Join the excitement of the PACK EXPO International Silent Auction.  Support the PMMI Foundation and help shape the future workforce. Previous contributions have already impacted over 12,000 students through scholarships, trade show travel assistance, and program donations. Auctions will occur Sunday – Wednesday of the show.  All bidding will take place virtually and items will be displayed on level 2.5.

Proceeds will benefit the PMMI Foundation.

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The Workforce Development Pavilion

Visit the PMMI U/Workforce Development Pavilion to meet students from PMMI education partner colleges and universities with programs specific to the packaging industry including: mechatronics, automation robotics, packaging design and packaging engineering. Students will be on-site to answer questions about their programs and network with industry leaders. Connect with fresh, emerging talent to take your company’s workforce to the next level.

And stop by the PMMI U booth to learn about PMMI’s popular training workshops!

Located in the West Hall, Booth W-20022

Students PACK the EXPO

Chicago area students will have the opportunity to walk the show floor and compete in a virtual scavenger hunt. The students will view a video highlighting careers in the industry and meet with Terry Iverson, author of Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing as he walks them through his miniature manufacturing line.

Student Tours

PMMI staff will conduct tours of the show floor daily at10am and 2pm. Tours start at the PMMI U/PMMI Foundation Booth in West Hall, Booth W-20022.

PPWLN Breakfast & Tour with Executive Council

Students attending PACK EXPO are invited to attend the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network breakfast on Tuesday, November 5 followed by a tour given by members of the PPWLN Executive Council.

Student Lounge

The student lounge will be open for students to come and meet with HR professionals to discuss career opportunities, receive resume writing tips and attend interview workshops. The student lounge will be open Sunday 9am – 11am, Monday 12pm – 3pm, Tuesday 9am –5pm, and Wednesday 10am – 3pm.

Interview Workshops will be conducted Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 1pm and Tuesday and Wednesday at 10am.

Located in the West Building, Room W-470b