The Biggest PACK EXPO International Yet: What's New for 2026
PACK EXPO International 2026 is shaping up to be the largest in the show's history, with more than 2,700+ exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet. Get the inside scoop on what's new, from Discovery Tours and the AI-powered Solutions Finder to workforce programs, and PACK Gives BACK at the House of Blues.
The State of Packaging Ahead of PACK EXPO 2026
In this episode, PMMI’s Vice President of Market Development, Jorge Izquierdo, breaks down the top challenges facing packaging and processing operations heading into PACK EXPO International 2026. He also explains what "operational resilience" means today and how to use new tools, such as PACK EXPO's AI search, to walk away with real solutions.
PACK EXPO 2026: What to Know Before You Go (with The Manufacturing Millennial & Meaghan Ziemba)
In this episode, influencers Jake Hall and Meaghan Zeimba discuss what's new on the factory floor this year, including smarter robots, better-connected software, and the biggest workforce challenges in manufacturing. They also share helpful tips to get the most from the show and explain why meeting people in person is so valuable.
Walking the Floor with Purpose: A Veteran Attendee's Guide to PACK EXPO
Ahead of PACK EXPO International, Charles Weinberg, CEO of MSI Express, shares his team's proven playbook for tackling the show floor. From pre-show homework and vendor meetings to sending mechanics to scout new technology firsthand. He also digs into the automation, robotics, and AI trends reshaping the packaging industry that attendees should watch for on the floor this year.
[Re-Release] Are Your Competitors Out-Marketing You?
In this re-release of our 200th episode, we talked with Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke about what authentic marketing looks like for manufacturers today. We covered how small teams can create consistent, meaningful content without overcomplicating it and why platforms like LinkedIn still matter. The episode also explores how digital engagement can lead to stronger real-world connections.
[Re-Release] Automation = Opportunity: How Robots Create More Careers
Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, is back in the feed — and this conversation is just as relevant as ever. Jake breaks down why outdated perceptions of manufacturing are holding the industry back, how robots are saving jobs rather than replacing them, and what companies can do to attract the next generation of talent.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Cybersecurity Isn't Just an IT Problem
In this episode, cybersecurity expert and PMMI’s Senior Director of IT, Andy Lomasky, joins unPACKed to explore key challenges and strategies in protecting industrial systems. We discuss network segmentation, remote-access risks, and essential steps that OEMs can take to embed cybersecurity into machine design from the outset.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Winning the Trade Show Game at PACK EXPO International
In this episode, trade expert and President of Competitive Edge, Jefferson Davis, shares what separates winning exhibitors from struggling ones at PACK EXPO, starting with a simple framework for identifying the right people to target. He also covers practical tactics for pre-show outreach and booth strategy, including why authentic conversations and hands-on experiences matter most to attendees.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Connecting Students, Schools, and Industry Through PACK EXPO
In this episode, PMMI’s Director of Workforce Development, Kate Torrence, shares how our approach to workforce development has shifted from supporting today's workforce to cultivating tomorrow's. She discusses the programs, partnerships, and PACK EXPO initiatives that give students a firsthand look at careers in packaging and manufacturing while also providing companies with access to the next generation of talent.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] The Human Advantage: Why Trade Shows Still Matter
Guest: Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World and Rebecca Marquez, Director, Custom Research, PMMI
In this special Exhibitor Edition episode, we explore why trade shows still matter in an AI-driven world, and how businesses are balancing automation, workforce challenges, sustainability pressures, and ROI in a rapidly changing market.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] How AI is Transforming Trade Shows
Guest: Don Kline, CEO, Map Your Show, and Jessica Lawshe, Director, Digital Transformation, PMMI
In this episode, Jessica Lawshe from PMMI and Don Kline from Map Your Show explain how AI-powered tools are making it easier for buyers to find the right exhibitors and navigate trade shows. We also cover how exhibitors can use tools like Sales Accelerator and strong online listings to better connect with the right audience and drive results.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] How Small Exhibitors Win Big at PACK EXPO
Guest: Heather Davis, Business Development Representative, Blentech Corporation
In this episode, Heather talks about what it really takes to succeed at PACK EXPO as a small to mid-sized exhibitor. If you’ve ever wondered how to compete with the massive booths, generate quality leads, and make the most of the show floor, this episode is packed with practical, proven strategies you can use right away.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Mastering Brand Voice on the Trade Show Floor
Guest: Julie Parsons, Co-Founder and Managing Director, District Marketing Group
A clear brand identity doesn’t just shape messaging—it drives real-world results. In this episode, Julie Parsons, Co-Founder and Managing Director of District Marketing Group, shares how thoughtful brand strategy and early trade show planning create more engaging, memorable experiences.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Maximize Your Trade Show Investment
Guest: Jay Menashe, Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, Exhibitus, Inc.
Trade shows can be a powerful marketing tool. Hear from Jay Menashe of Exhibitus, Inc. as he shares how to justify your trade show ROI to management and secure continued support for 2026 and beyond.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] The Attendee’s Playbook: How to Plan for PACK EXPO Like a Vet
Guest: Robby Martin, Founder, 3-Fold Consulting
In this episode, PACK EXPO Veteran Robby Martin shares practical advice on when and how to start show prep, how exhibitor outreach can make or break a connection, and why personalization beats mass email blasts. This episode is packed with actionable ways to stand out on a crowded show floor.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] PACK EXPO Las Vegas and the Push Toward Greener Machines
Guest: Rebecca Marquez, Director, PMMI Media Group Custom Research
In this episode, Rebecca Marquez joins the pod to discuss how sustainability is transforming packaging machinery—from adaptable equipment to consumer and regulatory pressures. She shares trends, OEM challenges, and tips for PACK EXPO Las Vegas exhibitors to spotlight their sustainable solutions.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] FREE Invites, Big-Time ROI: What You Need to Know
Guest: Mary Johnson, Senior Director, Business Group Marketing, Amcor
Mary Johnson, a veteran marketer at Amcor, discusses how her team leverages PACK EXPO’s Customer Invite Program (CIP) and a multi-channel strategy to drive booth traffic, track engagement, and energize sales teams. She emphasizes the importance of early outreach, fresh booth experiences, and PMMI’s exhibitor tools to connect with your audience.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Beyond the Booth: Pre-Show & Post-Show Strategies
Guest: Amber Miller, Director of Marketing, and Jen Krepelka, Director of Digital Media, PMMI Media Group
In this episode, Amber Miller and Jen Krepelka of PMMI Media Group share pre-show marketing strategies to boost booth traffic ahead of PACK EXPO Las Vegas. They offer tips on digital targeting, email campaigns, and post-show follow-up to help exhibitors maximize engagement before, during, and after the event.
