- Where will PACK EXPO International 2026 take place?
McCormick Place
2301 S. King Drive
Chicago, Illinois 60616 USA
mccormickplace.com
- What are the 2026 show dates and exhibit hours?
Sunday, October 18
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Monday, October 19
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Tuesday, October 20
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Wednesday, October 21
9:00 am – 3:00 pm
- How do I book a hotel in the show’s official hotel block?
Visit the Travel & Hotel page of this website, where you can book your room(s) online with the official PACK EXPO International Hotel Reservation Office, Expovision. Please beware of third-party hotel brokers that may demand pre-payment and then oversell rooms. Many such scams have been reported. Note that Expovision requires a credit card to guarantee the reservation, but no deposits are charged at the time of booking.
- Will there be shuttle bus service from the hotels to McCormick Place?
Yes. Complimentary shuttle bus service will run from hotels to McCormick Place during morning hours and return to hotels in the afternoon. A detailed route map and schedule will be posted in the Travel & Hotel section of this website a few months before the show. You will also have the option to ride the Metra commuter train from Millenium Park Station to McCormick Place for free.
- Is there a nursing station/mother’s room?
Yes, there are three nursing stations:- Lakeside Center, Level 2, by the Gift Shop
- North/South Level 2.5, across from Starbucks
- West Level 1, near the Main Information Desk
- What is the photography policy at PACK EXPO International?
Unauthorized photography and videotaping are prohibited. You must obtain permission from the exhibitor prior to videotaping or taking pictures. No cameras or recording devices are permitted in the educational sessions.
- Is there free Wi-Fi at McCormick Place?
Yes, free Wi-Fi will be available during the show on the “PACK EXPO” network.
- Is there a business center at McCormick Place?
Yes, McCormick Place offers FedEx Office services. The FedEx Office is located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse in the South Building. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am until 5:00 pm. Satellite stores are also located on Level 2 in the West Building and Level 2 in Lakeside Center.
- Is there an International Business Center?
Yes, all international attendees are welcome in the International Business Center (IBC) in the North Building, Room N-427. The IBC offers a lounge area with refreshments, private meeting rooms and assistance from PMMI’s International staff.
- Is there a coat check at McCormick Place?
- Yes, there are three coat check rooms:
- West Building, W-183a near the shuttle drop-off
- North Mezzanine level near Connie’s Pizza
- Lakeside Center, Lower-Level Lobby, one floor below Registration
- Where are the First Aid stations?
- Lakeside Center – Level 1 near the Arie Crown Theater Dressing Room Entrance
South and North Buildings – Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse near the FedEx Office
West Building – Level 1 near the Transportation Center
- How do I rent a wheelchair or electric scooter for the show?
- For information and reservations, call Scootaround Mobility Solutions at 844.745.0541 or visit their website at scootaround.com/chicago.
- What kind of accessibility services are available at the show?
- Wheelchairs, scooters, information booths, designated parking, TDD telephones and other services are available for visitors with disabilities. To rent a wheelchair or electric scooter, contact our service partner, Scootaround, Inc. at 844.745.0541 or visit their website to reserve.
- How much does registration cost?
Early-bird registration is $30, through September 25, 2026. Standard registration is $130. Registration includes access to PACK EXPO International and free educational sessions taking place on the show floor.
- Will my attendee badge be mailed to me?
No, attendee show badges will be available for on-site pick-up. Attendees will receive an email confirmation. Bring your printed or digital confirmation to McCormick Place and follow signs to the badge pickup area. Badge pick-up will also be available at some participating hotels - details available in the coming months.
- What are the key benefits of attending PACK International?
PACK EXPO International offers a rare opportunity see equipment in action and interact with materials, allowing you to fully evaluate the quality and fit for your needs. Other benefits of attending are:- Directly engaging with industry experts to identify the best solutions for your challenges
- Gaining broader perspective by exploring ideas and technologies from 40+ vertical industries
- Expanding your knowledge through 150+ free educational sessions packed with practical insights
- This is my first time attending, how should I plan ahead?
- To plan ahead, use the PACK EXPO International online planning tool, My Show Planner. Simply log in with the email address tied to your registration and set up a profile. On My Show Planner, you can:
- Search for products by keyword or category.
- Look up exhibitors and, in some cases, request an appointment.
- Browse education sessions by day and venue.
- Add exhibitors and sessions to your personal agenda, which you can access on site via the mobile app.
- Any tips for first-time attendees?
- Absolutely! If you’re attending PACK EXPO International for the first time, visit New to the Show in the Attending menu for planning tips, tools and resources to help you navigate the event with confidence.
- If your badge says First-Time Attendee, you have access to the First-Time Attendee Lounge (South Building, Room S-102). There, you can attend an orientation session each day, How to Navigate the Show Like a Pro, at 8:30 am, get guidance from show staff, recharge and enjoy complimentary refreshments.
- A few tips for first-timers
- Reserve your hotel early.
- Come with a plan. Use My Show Planner to research exhibitors, products and education.
- Make time for free educational sessions.
- Download the mobile app. It syncs with My Show Planner and makes navigating the show floor much easier.
- I need help finding the right solution. Will someone on-site be able to help guide me?
- Yes, for help locating solutions on-site, look for PMMI’s Attendee Solutions Center, in the North Building at N-4550, and Ask the Experts stations throughout the show. These are staffed by experienced industry executives who can provide you with advice and guidance on specific projects or packaging and processing needs.
- I’m an international attendee. What resources are available?
- If you require a visa invitation letter to support your travel visa application, you can request one during the PACK EXPO International registration process by selecting the Letter of Invitation option. If you have already registered and did not request the letter, simply log back into your registration account to add the request. Find more information on the International Attendee page.
- International attendees will also find support on site at the International Business Center, located in North Building, Room N-427. The center offers a comfortable, convenient place to recharge, get assistance and meet with colleagues.
- At the International Business Center, you’ll find:
- Personalized assistance from staff who can help you identify suppliers and locate products that match your needs.
- Comfortable amenities including lounge seating and meeting tables.
- Complimentary refreshments available throughout the day.
- Device charging stations to keep your phone, tablet or laptop powered.
- Interpreters to help you communicate with exhibitors.
- What are the age restrictions at PACK EXPO International?
- No person under the age of 14 is allowed on the show floor, before, during or after the show. Neither strollers nor carried infants are allowed on the show floor.
- Can I solicit my companies’ products or services to other attendees or exhibitors at PACK EXPO International?
- Solicitation or “suitcasing” of any kind by non-exhibitors is strictly prohibited. Attendees observed soliciting business in the aisles or other public spaces, or in another company’s booth will be ejected from the Show and may be banned from future events at PMMI’s sole discretion.
“Suitcasing” refers to the practice of attending a trade show and soliciting business from other attendees and exhibitors in the aisles or public space. For the good of the Show and the exhibitors supporting the Show, the only legitimate place to conduct business during Show hours is within a contracted exhibit space on the Show floor. Exhibiting companies are encouraged to protect their investment and report any violations to Show Management.
If you sell a product or service and are interested in promotion, please contract for a booth space. For information on exhibiting please visit packexpointernational.com/exhibiting. - What industries are represented at PACK EXPO International?
- Over 40 vertical industries are represented at PACK EXPO International, including nearly all types of consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and life sciences companies.
More than half of attendees come from food and beverage sectors such as: Baking and Snack, Beverage, Cereals, Breakfast Foods, Confectionery/Candy, Dairy, Frozen/Refrigerated Foods, Grain, Seeds, Beans, Flour, Nuts, Ingredients, Meat/Poultry/Seafood, Plant-Based Foods, Prepared Foods, Soups/Condiments/Sauces/Spices/Dips/Dressings, and Wine, Beer & Spirits.
Life sciences and personal care sectors at PACK EXPO include: Biological/Biopharmaceutical, Pharma/Biopharma, Contract Manufacturing, Cosmetics & Personal Care, Medical & Dental Instruments or Supplies, Medical Devices, Nutraceutical, Vitamin, Dietary Supplement, Over-the-Counter Products and Pharmaceutical.
- Household and other sectors include: Automotive Products, Building/Construction/Home Improvement Products, Cannabis Products, Chemical, Consumer Electronics/Appliances, Detergents/Cleaners, Hardware/Tools, Paper/Printing, Pet Food/Pet Care, Textile/Apparel/Footwear, Tissues and Paper Towels, Tobacco/Smoking Products, Toys/Sports/Crafts and Warehouse Distribution/E-Commerce.
- What kind of companies exhibit at PACK EXPO International?
- Exhibitors at PACK EXPO International include original equipment manufacturers and suppliers of packaging and processing solutions such as:
- Automation, Controls and Related Components
- Packaging Equipment/Machinery
- Packaging Materials & Containers
- Food & Beverage Processing Equipment/Machinery
- Packaging Services & Supplies
- Life Sciences Processing Equipment/Machinery
- Chemicals
- How can I become an exhibitor at PACK EXPO International 2026?
After reviewing the floor plans and Rules and Regulations, complete and submit your exhibit space application with your non-refundable/non-transferrable deposit. To apply, go to Reserve My Booth .
- What is the cost per square foot to exhibit?
The base rate is $34.25 per square foot including drayage/material handling. PMMI member space rates vary. If you are a PMMI Member and would like to know your space rate, please contact us at 571-612-3200 or email us at expo@pmmi.org.
Drayage/material handling is included in your space rate provided your shipment/truck checks in at McCormick Place by 2:00 pm on your assigned target move-in date. See the Rules & Regulations and the Exhibitor Services Manual (available by May 2026) for additional information and special assessment pricing.
- What is drayage?
Drayage is the moving of the exhibitor’s machinery, etc., off the exhibitor’s truck at the dock to the exhibitor’s booth and back to the dock to be loaded back onto the truck. This is included in the price of the exhibitor’s booth space—a benefit not seen for other packaging and processing trade shows.
- What is the payment schedule for booth space?
A nonrefundable 25% deposit should accompany your Exhibit Space Application. An additional 50% of the total booth price will be due by March 23, 2026. The final 25% will be due by June 22, 2026. For any booths booked after June 22, 2026, full payment is due with the space application.
If you have any questions about payment for your booth space, you can contact Gisella Zapata at gzapata@pmmi.org or 571.612.3200.
- How can I improve my priority point standing?
Each exhibitor is assigned a priority point for space selection. PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO Southeast and PACK EXPO East hold separate priority standings. By exhibiting continuously, and by those ahead of you in priority not exhibiting, an exhibitor begins to move up the priority point system. Choosing not to exhibit at other PACK EXPO shows does not affect your PACK EXPO International priority. For more information, please review the Priority Point Process.
- What are the height regulations?
Booths under 599 sq. ft. are allowed a maximum height of 12’ for all display material, including logos and graphics. Hanging signs are NOT permitted. Booths 600 – 1,499 sq. ft. are allowed a maximum height of 14’ for all display material including logos, graphics and hanging signs, and booths 1,500 sq. ft. and over are allowed a maximum height of 18’ for all display material including logos, graphics and hanging signs. All display material and machinery must be set back at least 1’ from all aisles.
For more information, please consult the complete Rules & Regulations.
- How do I populate my company information for inclusion in the online directory?
Login to the Exhibitor Resource Center and complete all items in the “Complete Profile” section to populate your Online Listing. This includes a company description, product categories, vertical markets, any applicable upgrade items and more. The Show Contact for your company must create a new password the first time they log into the Exhibitor Resource Center for PACK EXPO International 2026. The Show Contact can then invite other company contacts to create logins if additional staff members need access.
If you have any questions about your Exhibitor Resource Center, contact the PMMI Show Department at expo@pmmi.org or 571.612.3200.
- What is included in the basic online exhibitor directory listing?
All exhibiting companies are provided a complimentary online directory listing that includes:- Company Description and Contact Information
- Link to Company Website
- Social Media Links
- Product Categories
- Sustainability Description
- Vertical Markets Served
- Press Releases
- How can I upgrade and improve my online directory listing?
Contact your exhibit sales representative about upgrading your complimentary online directory listing. Package upgrades help you increase visibility and make a stronger impression on buyers. You’ll find package details on the Package Upgrades page.
- What is the cancellation policy?
Your 25% deposit is nonrefundable and nontransferable. For cancellations received after March 23, 2026 and prior to June 22, 2026, the exhibitor will forfeit any monies paid to date, up to 75% of the total booth price. Any cancellations received after the final payment deadline (June 22, 2026) will forfeit 100% or all monies paid to date. For details, see the Rules & Regulations.
- Who is the official service contractor for PACK EXPO International?
The official move-in/move-out and freight services contractor for PACK EXPO International is PACK EXPO Services. More information can be found in the Exhibitor Service Manual, which will be available in May 2026. - Move In/Move out – Freight Services
PACK EXPO Services
Phone: 972.751.9400
Email: PES.Service@packexposervices.com - Booth Services
PACK EXPO Services
Phone: 972.751.9400
Email: pack.expo@packexposervices.com
- Move In/Move out – Freight Services
- Whom should I contact regarding speaking opportunities?
If you are interested in speaking at PACK EXPO International, please contact Kendall Schulte, Trade Show Operations Specialist, at kschulte@pmmi.org.
- Whom do I contact regarding sponsorships and advertising opportunities?
For PACK EXPO International sponsorships, Show Daily and packexpointernational.com opportunities, contact:
Daniel Smith
Phone: 312.205.7935
Email: sales@pmmi.org
Patrick Bradley
Phone: 571.266.4413
Email: sales@pmmi.org
For show-related advertising opportunities from PMMI Media Group, visit pmmimediagroup.com or call 800.355.5595.
- Can I rent or buy the PACK EXPO 2026 International attendee e-mail list?
PMMI does not sell or rent attendee email lists due to our strict adherence to data protection and privacy laws. Any solicitation claiming to have the email list of PACK EXPO International attendees, or attendee lists from any PACK EXPO show, is fraudulent. If you are contacted by third-party companies via email, phone, or fax, offering email lists, please be aware that the information they offer should be considered entirely suspect as we do not allow access to the contact information of show attendees. We encourage you to block the sender, delete the email, and report scams to the U.S.FTC fraud division. When reporting, select “An Impersonator”, followed by “Well-Known or Trusted Business”. If you receive a solicitation and are unsure of the vendor’s affiliation with PMMI or PACK EXPO International, please contact the PMMI Show Department at 571.612.3200 or expo@pmmi.org.
To learn more about reliable lead generation and show attendee targeting opportunities, including the option to purchase a one-time use of the Attendee Mailing List (through a third-party mail house) contact your PMMI Media Group sales consultant.
