The brand new PACK EXPO Southeast made a triumphant debut in Atlanta, bringing together over 6,700 attendees and 2,800 exhibitor personnel for 9,500 total packaging and processing professionals. The inaugural PACK EXPO Southeast (March 10-12, Georgia World Congress Center), produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, brought PACK EXPO to a brand new audience, delivering unmatched opportunities for industry leaders to connect, innovate, and drive the future of packaging and processing.
The three-day event showcased 504 exhibiting companies across 115,000 net square feet, offering PACK EXPO Southeast attendees the opportunity to connect with top packaging and processing suppliers. 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.
"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,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI.
The regional event provided attendees with convenient access to PACK EXPO, creating valuable opportunities to connect with exhibitors who offer solutions to their operational challenges. This setting allowed for meaningful discussions, enabling exhibitors to better understand attendees' needs and deliver tailored innovations. Attendees enjoyed seeing new technologies, innovations, materials and working machinery on the show floor. Exhibitors were pleased with the quality of leads they brought in during the show.
"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,” says Laura Thompson, vice president, Trade Shows, PMMI.
PACK EXPO Southeast drew decision-makers and industry professionals from diverse sectors who found great value in the event.
"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,” says Jin Sojng, sr. manager, engineering & simulation, The Coca-Cola Company.
“As we look to improve packaging for our nutraceutical products, attending PACK EXPO Southeast is an excellent way to get proper guidance from experts in the packaging industry,” says Parichit Choksi, business development director, Verde Nutra. “We have met with so many great exhibitors and have so many takeaways that will help us advance and grow our business in a sustainable way. I look forward to attending more PACK EXPO shows.”
“We came to see what’s available and where the market is at – especially as far as robotic solutions, conveyor types, and palletizing equipment. I didn’t know what to expect with it being a new show, but I was pleasantly surprised with the many live demos you get to see,” says Cole Shaffer, mechanical engineer, Kimberly-Clark.
“I went to Chicago in the fall, and it was amazing – but it was also a huge show for me to take on my own. I love that here at PACK EXPO Southeast it was such an easy trip. I came here looking for solutions and am leaving with three potential suppliers in mind,” says Zoi Wiley, CEO, Caribbean Hibiscus.
PACK EXPO Southeast welcomed both long-time PACK EXPO exhibitors and new suppliers, all eager to leverage the event’s regional audience and strategic location.
“Our experience at PACK EXPO Southeast has been extremely positive,” says Fletcher Sims, manufacturing capability leader, Ryca Solutions. "We have had a lot of engagement – more leads and interaction with potential customers in 3 days than we have had in the previous 6 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.”
“This is a new show and a great opportunity for us to get involved and be seen. We are a full-service company based in Sarasota, Florida, so it made a lot of sense for us to exhibit at a regional trade show. We are at all the major PACK EXPO shows,” says Robert Libera, sales director, PPi Technologies Group. “We have had a bunch of great prospects stop by our booth. In fact, we ended day one of PACK EXPO Southeast with approximately 50 leads."
“For years, we at Dixie Canner Co. have committed to being present at PMMI’s PACK EXPO Shows. The cross-pollination of attendees across industries gives us an unmatched opportunity to connect with customers from a variety of segments all under one roof. We were excited about the introduction of PACK EXPO Southeast since we are in Athens, Georgia. This is right in our backyard,” says Parrish Stapleton, co-owner, Dixie Canner Co.
“Multi-Conveyor is extremely pleased with PACK EXPO Southeast – day one traffic alone exceeded our expectations. We are reaching an untapped audience and providing Atlanta and surrounding areas an opportunity to find solutions that otherwise would be difficult for them to access due to restricted budgets for travel and airfare,” says Cheryl Miller, director of marketing, Multi-Conveyor.
“PACK EXPO Southeast has been a high traffic, high quality leads kind of show. The southeast has a huge chemical and food manufacturing presence, and that’s what we do. Georgia, Alabama, and South Carolina are very important markets for us, and we wanted to make sure we didn’t miss out on the opportunity to connect with these customers,” says Shaunacy McManus, regional sales manager, Admix.
Beyond seeing technology in action, attendees had the opportunity to expand their knowledge on the latest packaging and processing trends. The Innovation Stage and Industry Speaks stages provided free education on breakthrough technologies, innovative applications, and proven techniques from industry experts. The Reusable Packaging Pavilion, hosted by the Reusable Packaging Association (RPA), also served as a hub for learning about sustainable and reusable packaging systems.
"I like how intimate the show is – it offers you more time to speak to others. As the number one selling gourmet brownies in the nation, it’s so important for us to have these types of connections and benefit from the educational sessions that PACK EXPO Southeast is offering us,” says Watt Tye, director of manufacturing, The Killer Brownie Company.
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.
“I love that PACK EXPO is offering us a regional show where I can talk to several exhibitors, benefit from educational resources such as Industry Speaks, network at events such as the PPLWN reception, and go back to our wider team with so many great insights – and all it took was a short drive,” says Sara Benson, engineering manager, Clorox.
With PACK EXPO Southeast 2025 in the books, PMMI now shifts focus to PACK EXPO Las Vegas (Sept. 29 – Oct. 1; Las Vegas Convention Center), where attendees can continue to engage with the future of packaging and processing.
For more information and to register, visit www.packexpolasvegas.com.