Recap: PACK EXPO Southeast Launch Draws Nearly 10,000 to Atlanta

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, recently launched PACK EXPO Southeast, bringing together more than 6,700 attendees and 2,800 exhibitor personnel for 9,500 total. The inaugural event, held March 10-12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, brought a new regional audience to connect and drive the future of packaging and processing.  

The three-day event, which will run biennially, featured 504 exhibiting companies across 115,000 net square feet. The event served more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, automotive, life sciences, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, cosmetics and personal care, pet food and pet care, chemicals, and more.  

Context: PMMI represents more than 1,000 manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components, and materials, as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. The PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows includes PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, PACK EXPO Southeast, EXPO PACK México, and EXPO PACK Guadalajara.  

Related: PACK EXPO International 2024 Sets Records at McCormick Place 

What they’re saying: “PACK EXPO Southeast’s successful debut in Atlanta reinforces the growing need for regional industry events that bring packaging and processing solutions directly to key markets. The show’s strong attendance and high engagement demonstrate the value of in-person connections and hands-on technology experiences,” said Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI.  

Related: PMMI Produces Largest PACK EXPO Las Vegas in History  

How it worked: The regional spinoff provided attendees with convenient access to PACK EXPO, creating opportunities to connect with exhibitors who offer solutions to their operational challenges. The event allowed for meaningful discussions, enabling exhibitors to better understand attendees’ needs and deliver tailored innovations. Attendees got a first-hand glimpse at new technologies, materials, and working machinery on the show floor. Exhibitors were pleased with the quality of leads they brought in during the show, according to a post-show release.  

Big picture: “The feedback we’ve received from both exhibitors and attendees has been fantastic. People weren’t just walking the show floor—they were having real conversations, seeing live demos, and making solid business connections. That’s exactly what we hoped for with the debut of PACK EXPO Southeast,” said Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows, PMMI.  

What attendees are saying: PACK EXPO Southeast drew buyers from companies like Verde Nutra, Kimberly-Clark, and Caribbean Hibiscus. “Several of us from the Coca-Cola team are attending PACK EXPO Southeast to see what’s out there. It’s so convenient to have something in our backyard – a great way to see what’s new in packaging, connect, and educate,” said Jin Song, senior manager, engineering and simulation, The Coca-Cola Co.   

What exhibitors are saying: PACK EXPO Southeast attracted both long-time PACK EXPO exhibitors and new suppliers, including companies like PPi Technologies Group, Dixie Canner Co, Multi-Conveyor, and Admix. “Our experience at PACK EXPO Southeast has been extremely positive,” said Fletcher Sims, manufacturing capability leader, Ryca Solutions. “We have had a lot of engagement – more leads and interaction with potential customers in three days than we have had in the previous six months with other advertising efforts. We are a new software company and will definitely have a presence at upcoming PACK EXPO shows, including the next show in Atlanta.”  

Need to know: Attendees had the opportunity to expand their knowledge of the latest industry trends. The Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks stages provided free education on technologies, applications, and techniques from industry experts, while the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, hosted by the Reusable Packaging Association, served as a hub for learning about sustainable and reusable packaging systems.  

How they connected: Networking was a key component of the event, with multiple opportunities to connect, including the opening reception, sponsored by Multi-Conveyor and Domino North America; the Young Professionals Networking Reception; and the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN), in partnership with Women in Manufacturing, held a reception sponsored by Morrison Container Handling Solutions. 

Looking ahead: Up next, PMMI will produce EXPO PACK Guadalajara, which will be held June 10-12 at Expo Guadalajara in Mexico, and PACK EXPO Las Vegas, taking place Sept. 29-Oct. 1 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. In 2026, PACK EXPO events include PACK EXPO East, February 17-19, 2026, in Philadelphia; PACK EXPO International, October 18-21, 2026, in Chicago; and EXPO PACK Mexico, June 2-5, 2026, in Mexico City. In 2027, PACK EXPO Southeast will return April 12-14 to Atlanta.