2026 brings pressing questions around paradigm shifts in packaging sustainability, the future of processing infrastructure and material markets, and where artificial intelligence and automation fit into it all. There are already ample opportunities on the calendar to advance conversations and build new connections.
Below is a list of packaging trade shows, conferences and other events across the United States that have announced dates for 2026. Packaging Dive will update this list as additional information becomes available. Scroll down for more details.
Which other events are on your radar for 2026? Let us know at [email protected].
Top packaging trade shows in 2026
MD&M West
Feb. 3-5
Anaheim, California
This West Coast show co-locates exhibitions and education for five complementary sectors: packaging, plastics, automation, medtech, and design and manufacturing. The packaging portion of the show will allow opportunities to explore automation, materials and labeling technologies. MD&M West, put on by Informa Markets, seeks to attract executives and engineers alike, plus other professionals in areas such as purchasing.
The Packaging Conference
Feb. 9-11
Austin, Texas
While the conference broadly examines technology, design and sustainability, organizers MXI Conferences say the focus in 2026 will be to “bring clarity to the chaos of a returning economy, trade imbalances, tariffs, growth potential, consumer sentiment, de-emphasis of recycling, and industry restructuring.”
Pack Expo East
Feb. 17-19
Philadelphia
The East Coast edition of this trade show offers a Q1 opportunity to meet with vendors and evaluate emerging technologies and new equipment. New in 2026 is a containers and materials-focused pavilion, which will highlight a variety of sustainable material options and e-commerce solutions.
Plastics Recycling Conference
Feb. 23-25
San Diego
For the first time, the Plastics Recycling Conference is happening under the same roof as the Resource Recycling Conference and the Textiles Recovery Summit, according to organizer Resource Recycling. The event promises to explore minimum PCR mandates and compliance, long-term supply contracts, the evolution of U.S. EPR policies, plastics recovery in niche sectors and chemical recycling in transition. Topics at the 2025 event included recycled content markets and curbside recycling issues.
Luxe Pack LA
March 4-5
Los Angeles
Luxe Pack LA aims to be “the West Coast’s premier platform for creative indie, emerging, and legacy brands to discover, customize, and source cutting-edge and sustainable primary and secondary packaging solutions.” The Infopro Digital event will be co-located with beauty show MakeUP in LosAngeles.
Sustainability in Packaging US
March 10-12
Chicago
Packaging sustainability is as timely as ever going into 2026, given ESG backlash, shifting regulatory landscapes, and intensified climate-related risks and geopolitical instability, says organizer Smithers. This event gathers professionals from across the packaging value chain to discuss circular economy challenges and solutions. Attendees include material suppliers, packaging converters, brands, retailers, government, nonprofit and research representatives.
SPC Impact
April 21-23
Nashville, Tennessee
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s spring event is open to members and non-members alike. SPC pitches this as “a great opportunity to jumpstart partnerships and projects with the common goal of advancing sustainability in packaging to make a positive impact on climate change.”
Luxe Pack New York
May 6-7
New York
2026 marks the 24th East Coast edition of Luxe Pack. “From shelf impact to sustainability ROI, the event empowers brands across beauty, fragrance, wellness, spirits, fashion, and fine food to discover packaging that drives conversion, builds equity, and meets the demands of the next generation of consumers,” organizers say.
the[PACK]out
May 12-14
Oxon Hill, Maryland
Healthcare packaging is the sole niche covered at this technical conference, which will provide “actionable takeaways” on topics including packaging regulation, testing and design.
American Packaging Summit
May 14-15
Lombard, Illinois
The summit centers on networking and knowledge sharing between packaging companies and other industries including food and beverage, cosmetics, pharma, retail and toys. Organizer Generis touts subjects including smart packaging, digital printing, e-commerce, films and waste management.
Packaging Recycling Summit
June 15-17
Rosemont, Illinois
The event hosted by Packaging World focuses on the specifics of designing packaging for recyclability. In 2025, the event fostered discussions about understanding new EPR laws, consumers' role in developing recycling initiatives, and policy tension over on-pack labeling.
Flexible Packaging Innovation and Recycling
June 24-25
Milwaukee
For its 15th annual conference, organizer AMI (Applied Market Information) offers a revamped program exploring flexible packaging markets in the Americas. Themes to explore include next-generation materials, processing technology and end-of-life strategies.
SPC Advance
Sept. 28-29
San Diego
The Sustainable Packaging Coalition’s fall season members-focused event is heading to the West Coast in 2026.
Pack Expo International
Oct. 18-21
Chicago
PMMI expects more than 2,600 exhibitors representing more than 40 different vertical industries at the international edition of Pack Expo. The last time PMMI held Pack Expo International in Chicago, in 2024, it was the largest Pack Expo event to date, drawing nearly 78,000 total attendees and exhibitor personnel.
Editor’s note: MD&M West is run by Informa, which owns a controlling stake in Informa TechTarget, the publisher behind Packaging Dive. Informa has no influence over Packaging Dive’s coverage.
