Students demonstrate their invention at the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2023.
This fall, the next generation of packaging and processing professionals will take center stage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025 (Sept. 29-Oct. 1; Las Vegas Convention Center) through engaging student activities hosted by the PMMI Foundation, the charitable arm of PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies. With a strong focus on workforce development and industry engagement, the show offers high-energy programs that bring Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) skills to life and give future leaders a front row seat to the industry’s possibilities.
From high school robotic demonstrations to a fast-paced PACK Quest educational competition, students will experience what makes the packaging and processing community so dynamic. Attending PACK EXPO Las Vegas is a smart career choice for young innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers alike.
Returning to PACK EXPO Las Vegas is the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, where local high school robotics teams demonstrate their skills in automation design, engineering, and troubleshooting. This mentor-based program fosters STEM learning while building life skills such as communication, confidence, and teamwork. Each participating team’s high school receives a $500 grant from the PMMI Foundation to support their involvement. Location: North Hall-NL-1 (Lobby). This year, the show welcomes FIRST Nevada teams to showcase their bot skills.
Students will take the spotlight on Wednesday, Oct. 1 during the Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson Discrete Automation Group. In this high-energy, hands-on competition, student teams race across the show floor to complete challenges at exhibitor booths, gaining real-world exposure to advanced technologies while making valuable industry connections. Participating exhibitors include:
- Beckhoff Automation
- Carleton Helical Technologies
- CMCO Conveyance Solutions
- Domino North America
- Econocorp
- Encoder Products Company
- Fallas Automation Inc.
- Formers International, Inc.
- FOX IV Technologies, Inc.
- HARPAK-ULMA Packaging, LLC
- Hoosier Feeder
- IoPP
- Lenze Americas
- LinMot USA
- Massman Companies
- Morrison Container Handling Solutions
- OMAC
- Pacteon Group
- Pepperl+Fuchs, Inc.
- Promach
- Rinco Ultrasonics USA
- Shurtape Technologies
- SICK, Inc.
- Siemens Digital Industries
- Starview Packaging Machinery
- Triangle Package Machinery Comp
The 2024 PACK Challenge winners, Spruce Packaging, will be showcasing their award-winning design, offering attendees a glimpse at the innovation coming out of today’s classrooms and into tomorrow’s plants.
Students are also encouraged to visit the Student Lounge, where they can meet with HR professionals to discuss career paths, polish their resumes, and attend interview workshops. Sponsored by PMMI Foundation Visionary Benefactor Schneider Electric, the lounge provides a supportive, career-focused space just for students.
To help students navigate the show and maximize their experience, PMMI staff will lead guided Student Tours daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Additionally, students are invited to attend the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast, followed by a special PPWLN Student Tour led by members of the Executive Council, highlighting key exhibitors and empowering young women in the industry.
“These programs are more than just exciting activities, they’re meaningful gateways to career discovery,” says Kate Torrence, director, workforce development, PMMI. “By engaging students early and immersing them in the show experience and demonstrating how they can help advance packaging and processing, we’re investing in the future of our industry.”
Something to benefit students and exhibiting companies is the Education and Workforce Development Pavilion – the ultimate resource hub for strengthening the existing workforce and nurturing the future workforce. Colleges and universities will showcase their mechatronics and packaging and processing programs, while companies will have the opportunity to engage with students interested in pursuing careers in the industry. Located in the North Hall Lobby. Participating Schools include:
- Brigham Young University - Idaho
- Cal Poly Packaging
- Clemson University
- Hennepin Technical College
- Michigan State University
- Purdue University Northwest
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Rutgers Packaging Engineering Program
- San Jose State University
- Toronto Metropolitan University
- Tuskegee University
- University of Florida
- University of Maine
- University of Wisconsin - Stout
- Virginia Tech
The PMMI Foundation supports these efforts year-round by funding scholarships, student travel, and hands-on learning opportunities. A key fundraising initiative is the PMMI Foundation Golf Tournament, taking place Sunday, Sept. 28 at Bali Hai Golf Club, where packaging and processing professionals tee off for a cause. In addition, a Silent Auction will be held during PACK EXPO Las Vegas featuring various entertainment, sports and historical items up for bid. Proceeds from the Golf Tournament and Silent Auction directly benefit initiatives like student programming at PACK EXPO Las Vegas. The PMMI Foundation also receives year-round support for these programs and more from Visionary Benefactor Schneider Electric.
PACK EXPO Las Vegas is more than a trade show, it’s a launchpad for talent and a celebration of the next generation.
To learn more about student activities or register to attend PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, visit https://www.packexpolasvegas.com