CPG NexGen Awards

Recognizing the Next Generation of Packaging & Processing Leaders

The 1st annual CPG NexGen Awards honors 10 exceptional young professionals from consumer packaged goods (CPG)/end-user companies who are making an impact in packaging and processing today and helping shape where the industry goes next.

These emerging leaders are innovators, problem solvers and forward thinkers whose work is driving progress across their organization and the broader industry. The CPG NexGen Awards celebrate their achievements, elevate their visibility and recognize the important role young talent plays in the future of packaging and processing.

Who should be nominated?

Young professionals who are...

35 or younger (as of July 17, 2026)

Engineers, Operations Leaders, Packaging Professionals and Technical Innovators working at a CPG/end-user company

CPG/end-users are defined as companies who use or buy packaging machinery, processing equipment, automation solutions and materials to produce and package their products.

Employed with their current company for at least 2 years

Passionate about innovation in packaging and processing

Why Nominate?

Recognize Emerging Talent

Recognize the engineers and innovators on your team (or your customer’s team if you are a supplier company) who are making a real impact, and position them as future leaders in the industry.

Elevate Your Company

Showcase your company as a place that supports emerging leaders and invests in the future of packaging and processing.

Create Career-Defining Opportunity

Give your nominee the chance to be recognized among the industry’s next generation of leaders at PACK EXPO International.

Award Winner Experience

Selected honorees will receive a fully hosted, VIP experience at PACK EXPO International, including:

• Complimentary registration to PACK EXPO International (Oct. 18-21, 2026)

• Roundtrip airfare to Chicago + 3-night hotel stay

• Access to the First-Time Attendee Lounge with daily sessions on how to maximize time at the show

• Invitation to the Young Professionals Networking Event (Sunday, October 18)

• Complimentary ticket and recognition at PACK gives BACK™ (Monday, October 19)

• Private show floor tour with fellow award winners

• On-site digital signage recognition throughout the show

• Recognition in a PMMI press release

How it works

1. Submit nomination by July 17, 2026.

2. PMMI’s Emerging Leader Committee reviews nominations.

3. Nominators will be contacted via email on August 28, 2026 with results of the voting process.

HELP SPOTLIGHT THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY!

The future of packaging and processing is being shaped right now by bold thinkers, problem-solvers, and innovators inside CPG/end-user companies.‍

Know someone who is making a difference? Nominate them for the CPG NexGen Awards and help recognize the next generation of industry leaders by July 17, 2026.

Nominate an Emerging Leader

Questions? Contact Krista Neighbors at [email protected]‍

CPG NexGen Awards

Recognizing the Next Generation of Packaging & Processing Leaders

Who should be nominated?

Young professionals who are...

Who can nominate?

Managers

Colleagues

Industry Partners or Suppliers