There are a lot of changes afoot in the packaging industry, which makes opportunities to connect and collaborate across the value chain all the more important. Numerous conferences and events scheduled for next year seek to attract packaging leaders or sustainability professionals.
While certain gatherings are yet to be announced, here are some of the most notable U.S. events on the calendar so far for packaging industry professionals in 2024. We’ve also rounded up notable events for the remainder of 2023.
Which other events are on your radar? Let us know at [email protected].
WestPack (Feb. 6-8 in Anaheim, California)
This Informa Markets event aims to connect the manufacturing community across packaging, plastics, automation, medtech and more, with multiple trade shows and one shared expo floor. It also includes the co-located CannPack event, focused on cannabis packaging.
The Packaging Conference (Feb. 12-14 in Austin, Texas)
The event seeks to bring together CPGs, resin suppliers, technology providers, equipment manufacturers and other players from across the packaging supply chain to share innovations in technology, design and sustainability.
GreenBiz (Feb. 12-14 in Phoenix)
The event is targeted at sustainable business leaders broadly. Discussion tracks in 2024 will include finance, ESG, transforming value chains and mastering scope 3 emissions.
CPA Engage (Feb. 20-22 in Orlando, Florida)
The Association for Contract Packagers and Manufacturers (CPA) says the event “provides attendees with deep insight into how relationships, regulatory compliance, technology marketing, and education can all come together to positively impact your bottom line.”
Sustainability in Packaging (March 6-8 in Chicago)
Sustainability is a hot topic for packaging manufacturers. This Smithers event aims to bring together raw material suppliers, packaging converters, brand owners, recyclers and more to “deliver timely updates and firsthand industry insights into the emerging developments, notable market trends, and cutting-edge packaging solutions that are steering the supply chain towards an increasingly circular economy and more sustainable future.”
See Sustainability in Packaging 2023 coverage here.
Pack Expo East (March 18-20 in Philadelphia)
Once every two years, PMMI (The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies) hosts the East Coast edition of this show, showcasing machinery, processing equipment, materials and containers, digital printing and labeling and automation and robotics.
See Pack Expo 2023 coverage here.
Plastics Recycling Conference (March 25-27 in Grapevine, Texas)
The conference, put on by Resource Recycling and the Association of Plastic Recyclers, aims to connect plastic processors, recycled resin buyers and sellers, and other key stakeholders. One of the main focus areas is recycled plastic markets and trends.
See Plastics Recycling Conference 2023 coverage here.
SPC Impact (April 2-4 in New Orleans)
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition describes this as its flagship spring event, which is open to all regardless of membership. In general, SPC events seek to convene “thought leaders, value chain stakeholders and companies interested in learning, collaborating and taking action in sustainable packaging.”
thePACKout (May 14-16 in Coronado, California)
This event specifically caters to professionals in the healthcare packaging industry. Planned discussion topics include supply chain, regulations, packaging design and package testing and inspection.
Circularity (May 22-24 in Chicago)
The event, put on by GreenBiz, seeks to bring together “professionals building the circular economy.” Conference tracks include supply chain transformation, materials revolution and next-gen products and packaging.
SouthPack (June 4-6 in Charlotte, North Carolina)
This Informa Markets event aims to connect the regional manufacturing community across packaging, plastics, automation, medtech and more.
Pack Expo International (Nov. 3-6 in Chicago)
Later in the year, the every-other-year international edition of the industry’s main event is poised to be “the biggest packaging and processing show on the planet” in 2024. PMMI reports that more than half of show attendees come from food and beverage companies.
Disclosure: WestPack and SouthPack are run by Informa, the owner of Packaging Dive’s publisher, Industry Dive. Informa has no influence over Packaging Dive’s coverage.