PACK EXPO East 2026 Kicks Off Today, Delivering Live Machinery, Big Ideas and Easy Access for East Coast Professionals

(Philadelphia, PA; Feb. 17, 2026) The wait is over. PACK EXPO East 2026 opens today in Philadelphia, bringing packaging and processing innovation, education, and networking to the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Feb. 17–19. Celebrating its 10th year, the East Coast's premier packaging and processing event welcomes thousands of industry professionals ready to explore solutions, spark ideas, and move projects forward.

With 500 exhibitors covering 125,000 net square feet of exhibit space, PACK EXPO East delivers hands-on access to technologies and materials serving more than 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, life sciences, cosmetics and personal care, and industrial and household chemicals. Its regional location and convenient schedule make it easy to travel in for a day or stay longer to maximize value, offering a high-impact experience without the time or cost of a cross-country trip.

"PACK EXPO East is designed to deliver immediate, practical value the moment attendees step onto the show floor," says Laura Thompson, vice president, trade shows for show organizer PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. "From free education on the Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks Stage to new features like the Incubator Hub, attendees can explore ideas, technologies, and emerging solutions that are shaping the future of packaging and processing, all in one place."

New Features Make This a Can't-Miss Year

PACK EXPO East 2026 opens with exciting new show floor experiences. Making its debut at this show, the Containers and Materials Pavilion gives attendees a focused destination to explore packaging innovations in paperboard, glass, metal, flexible, and resealable materials, ideal for brand refreshes, functionality improvements, and sustainability initiatives.

Also launching today is the Incubator Hub, presented by PMMI in partnership with Ben Franklin Technology Partners. This new feature shines a spotlight on Pennsylvania-based startups and emerging technologies, providing a firsthand look at early-stage innovations and entrepreneurial ideas poised to influence the industry's next wave of growth.

In addition, supporting small and medium-sized manufacturers is a core focus of PACK EXPO East. The SMB FastTrack Program helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) navigate the show floor more efficiently by identifying exhibitors that offer flexible financing, discounts, and value-added services tailored to SMBs. Tailored education and curated planning tools empower smaller operations to adopt innovative technologies and scale with confidence.

Returning favorites add even more reasons to attend, including the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, Association Partner Pavilion, and Workforce Development Pavilion, each offering targeted resources to address sustainability, workforce challenges, and industry advancement.

Education and Networking All Starting Today

PACK EXPO East opens with a full slate of free educational programming, including Industry Speaks and Innovation Stage sessions, where experts and exhibitors share insights on workforce trends, emerging brands, cybersecurity, standards, remote services, and sustainability.

Some of the most anticipated sessions include:

Unlocking Sunrise 2027: How Tech Providers Can Lead the 2D Revolution

Presented by Steven Keddie, senior director, Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) and SME lead at GS1 Global Office and Andrew Morehead, director of global standards at GS1 US

Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.

Preparing for GS1 Sunrise 2027: A Perspective on the Retail Industry's Next Evolution

Presented by Clay Ryan, head of worldwide business development for Amazon Transparency

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2:30 p.m.

Sustainable Packaging in Practice: The Good, the Hard, and the Necessary

Presented by Jessica Adkins, vice president, corporate responsibility, safety & quality at Bonduelle Americas

Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1:30 p.m.

Building an AI Advantage in Processing and Packaging Operations

Presented by Jorge Izquierdo, vice president, market development at PMMI

Thursday, Feb. 19, 11:00 a.m.

Networking opportunities kick off today as well, including the Taste of Philly Opening Reception, where attendees can connect with peers in a relaxed setting and set the tone for three days of discovery. Throughout the show, attendees can also enjoy the Philly Snack Stop, daily on the show floor, along with additional receptions such as the Young Professionals Networking Reception on Tuesday, Feb. 17, starting at 7 p.m., and the Packaging & Processing Women's Leadership Network Reception on Wednesday, Feb. 18, beginning at 4 p.m.

"PACK EXPO East is an essential event for packaging and processing professionals on the East Coast," Thompson adds. "The 2026 show brings together new features, practical education, and unmatched access to suppliers and solutions, giving attendees a clear advantage as they plan for the year ahead."

From executives and engineers to brand managers, designers, and supply chain leaders, PACK EXPO East is where the industry comes together. With easy regional access, hundreds of solutions to explore, and education happening throughout the show, there's still time to be part of the conversations and connections everyone will be talking about.