Labor shortages, packaging regulation, reusable systems and food safety will be among the issues addressed at PACK EXPO International 2026, where more than 150 free education sessions will run directly on the exhibition floor.
PACK EXPO International will take place from October 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago, bringing packaging and processing companies together alongside a conference program built around operational challenges facing manufacturers.
Organizer PMMI says more than 150 educational sessions will be delivered across five areas: the Innovation Stage, Food & Beverage Processing Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks, Sustainability Central and the Reusable Packaging Learning Center.
Automation meets labor shortages
One of the recurring themes in the program is how manufacturers can maintain production as labor availability remains a challenge.
Sessions will examine end-of-line automation, industrial operations and robotics, including strategies for improving production stability when manufacturers struggle to fill certain roles.
The program also includes discussions on connected operations and the latest developments in robotics in the United States.
Packaging regulation moves higher up the agenda
Sustainability programming will go beyond general environmental targets.
One session is titled “2026: The Year EPR Stopped Being Optional,” reflecting the growing importance of extended producer responsibility rules for companies selling packaged goods.
Other sessions will examine how manufacturers can reduce packaging footprints while still protecting products, as well as how consumer goods companies and equipment suppliers can coordinate sustainability goals.
Reusable packaging will have its own learning center, with discussions covering automated supply chains, pharmaceutical packaging and how reusable systems can affect material handling and operating costs.
Food safety and processing get dedicated stage
Food and beverage manufacturers will have a separate program covering processing technologies and plant operations.
Scheduled topics include high-pressure pasteurization, facility drainage design, cleaning, robotic automation and protein production.
The program gives food manufacturers a dedicated space to look at both production technology and practical issues such as hygiene and facility design.
Supply chain volatility remains part of the conversation
Supply chain pressure is another recurring theme.
Sessions will address planning under tariff uncertainty, serialization, remote access and operational efficiency. Amazon and Conagra Brands are among the companies scheduled to participate in Industry Speaks sessions.
The education program will run alongside an exhibition expected to include more than 2,700 exhibitors, with live machinery demonstrations across packaging and processing applications. PMMI projects around 48,000 attendees from more than 40 industry sectors; those figures are organizer estimates.
PACK EXPO International 2026 will take place from October 18–21 at McCormick Place in Chicago.
