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

Experience the thrill as students dive into a high-stakes, real-world competition that pushes the boundaries of their skills and creativity! Watch as they collaborate to conceive, design, build, program, debug, and market their innovations, all culminating in a dynamic field installation challenge. Witness the entire process unfold, from conception to execution, as these talented competitors put their knowledge to the ultimate test live on the show floor!

Catch the action in the West Hall, Booth W-16005!

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(New) Girl Scout Event

Get ready for an exciting new event in 2024 where local Chicago Girl Scout Troops earn their Sustainable Packaging Patch! On Sunday, November 3, the Student Lounge will buzz with energy as Scouts roll up their sleeves for a hands-on sustainability project. Afterward, they’ll dive into an inspiring panel discussion and embark on an exclusive show floor tour, guided by industry pros who are passionate about shaping a greener future. Don’t miss this unique opportunity for Scouts to learn, engage, and lead the way in sustainability!

Future Innovators Robotics Showcase

Witness high school robotics teams from all over the country showcase their incredible design, engineering, and troubleshooting skills! Witness these talented young innovators in action as they demonstrate their cutting-edge robots and share their journey from concept to competition. This is your chance to see the future of robotics up close and personal!

Join us for this exciting showcase in the West Hall, Booth W-21054!

The Amazing Packaging Race

Get ready for an action-packed adventure as teams from colleges and universities across North America race around the PACK EXPO International show floor! Watch as they dash between booths of participating exhibitors, taking on a series of exciting challenges that test their skills, knowledge, and creativity. It's a thrilling blend of competition, learning, and fun, where every second counts and the energy is electric!

Don't miss the excitement as the next generation of talent takes center stage!

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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

Be prepared for an exhilarating experience at this year's PACK EXPO International! Local Chicago area high school students are invited to dive into the action and put their packaging and processing skills to the test by exploring the dynamic show floor and competing in an electrifying virtual PACK Quest.  Sponsored by the PMMI Foundation, the PACK Quest offers an incredible opportunity to explore the latest in packaging and processing technology, witness cutting-edge machinery from over 2,500 exhibitors, and uncover a world of exciting career possibilities. As a participant, you'll not only gain valuable insights but also have a shot at winning fantastic prizes!  But that’s not all! Students will also enjoy an engaging video spotlighting careers in the industry and get the chance to meet Terry Iverson, the inspiring author of Inspiring Champions in Advanced Manufacturing. Join him as he guides you through a miniature manufacturing line, bringing the world of advanced manufacturing to life!

Student Tours

Join the excitement with PMMI staff-led tours of the show floor, happening daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.! These dynamic tours kick off at the PMMI U/PMMI Foundation Booth in the West Hall, Booth W-20022, and are your ticket to discovering the must-see highlights, innovations, and groundbreaking technology on display. Don’t miss your chance to explore the show like never before—see you there!

PPWLN Breakfast & Tour with Executive Council

Students attending PACK EXPO, don't miss this incredible opportunity to connect, learn, and be inspired! Join us for the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast on Tuesday, November 5. Start your day with powerful insights and networking, then dive into an exclusive tour of the show floor led by the dynamic members of the PPWLN Executive Council. This is your chance to see innovation in action and meet the trailblazing leaders driving the industry forward!

Student Lounge

Step into the Student Lounge and kickstart your career! Meet one-on-one with HR professionals to explore exciting career opportunities, get expert resume writing tips, and attend engaging interview workshops designed to sharpen your skills. The Student Lounge is your hub for career growth, open on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Monday from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t miss our must-attend Interview Workshops on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday at 1 p.m., and Tuesday and Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Join us in the West Building, Room W-470b, and take the next step toward your future success!