Innovate. Connect. Package. Your Ultimate Guide to WestPack in Anaheim, USA

In the intricate tapestry of modern manufacturing, packaging is far more than a final step; it’s a strategic imperative. From safeguarding product integrity and extending shelf life to enhancing consumer appeal and enabling efficient distribution, the art and science of packaging are constantly evolving. Breakthroughs in sustainable materials, advanced automation, smart packaging, and personalized design are reshaping how products reach consumers globally. For professionals across the West Coast’s vibrant industries—including medical devices, food and beverage, cosmetics, cannabis, and electronics—staying at the absolute forefront of these advancements is not just beneficial, it’s essential for market leadership. This is precisely why WestPack in Anaheim, USA, stands as the largest and most comprehensive packaging event in the Western United States, illuminating the path forward for innovation.

WestPack is an indispensable part of the larger IME West (Imagineworks West) event, a powerhouse co-location of five specialized expos: MD&M West (medical design and manufacturing), Automation Technology Expo (ATX West), Design & Manufacturing West (D&M West), Plastec West (plastics), and WestPack itself. This powerful synergy creates an unparalleled cross-industry platform, allowing attendees to explore solutions that span the entire product development and manufacturing lifecycle, from initial design and materials selection to advanced production processes and final packaging. Organized by Informa Markets, a global leader in B2B events, WestPack consistently delivers a high-value experience, connecting buyers with a vast array of suppliers and groundbreaking technologies. Whether you’re a packaging engineer seeking efficiency, a product developer exploring new materials, or an executive looking for integrated solutions, WestPack offers direct access to the insights and innovations that drive success in the dynamic Western industrial landscape.

The Golden State’s Gateway: The Venue and Its Time

Anaheim, California, is an exceptional host city for WestPack. Situated in Orange County, a hub of innovation and diverse industries, Anaheim offers superb accessibility and a vibrant environment. The city is globally recognized for its tourism, but it also boasts a significant presence in high-tech manufacturing, medical device production, food processing, and consumer goods, making it a highly relevant and dynamic backdrop for an event focused on packaging and processing solutions. Its proximity to major research institutions and a skilled workforce further enhances its appeal.

The expo is consistently held at the Anaheim Convention Center, located at 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim, CA 92802, USA. The Anaheim Convention Center is a sprawling, state-of-the-art facility, one of the largest on the West Coast. Its vast exhibition halls (often utilizing the North and South Halls for IME West) and modern amenities provide an ideal setting for showcasing large machinery and diverse technologies. Its prime location is incredibly convenient for attendees. It’s easily accessible from major Southern California airports like John Wayne Airport (SNA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and offers a wide array of nearby hotels, diverse dining options, and world-class entertainment, including Disneyland Park, all within walking distance or a short shuttle ride.

WestPack is held annually as part of the IME West event. For 2025, WestPack is scheduled for February 4–6, 2025.

The event spans three intensive days for both the exhibition and co-located educational offerings. A typical daily schedule looks like this:

• Tuesday, February 4, 2025: The exhibition hall typically opens in the morning (e.g., 9:30 AM) and runs through the late afternoon (e.g., 5:00 PM). The co-located nature means attendees can access all five show floors with one pass. Free-to-attend educational sessions often begin concurrently on various show floor stages.
• Wednesday, February 5, 2025: A full day of exhibition access, from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Continue exploring booths and attending valuable educational sessions. This day often includes a welcome party or networking reception in the evening, providing excellent informal connection opportunities.
• Thursday, February 6, 2025: The final day of the exhibition, usually running from 9:30 AM to 4:00 PM. This allows attendees a final opportunity to visit crucial booths, catch last-minute sessions, and consolidate their learnings before departure.

This efficient three-day format, combined with the co-location strategy, ensures that attendees can maximize their time, explore a vast range of integrated solutions, and engage with a broad spectrum of industry experts.

The West Coast’s Packaging Powerhouse: Key Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at WestPack is a dynamic and comprehensive showcase of the entire packaging ecosystem, from concept to consumer. Attendees can expect to explore an unparalleled array of products and solutions, reflecting the diverse and innovative nature of the West Coast’s industries. Key product and solution categories include:

• Packaging Machinery & Equipment:
  • Filling & Sealing: Liquid, powder, and granular fillers; form-fill-seal machines for flexible packaging; capping, sealing, and lidding equipment for rigid containers.
  • Case Packing & Palletizing: Automated case erectors, case packers, tray packers, robotic palletizing and depalletizing systems, stretch wrappers, and shrink wrappers.
  • Labeling & Coding: High-speed label applicators, inkjet, laser, and thermal transfer printing systems; vision inspection systems for labels and codes; serialization and track & trace solutions.
  • Material Handling: Conveyors, feeders, vibratory systems, robotic pick-and-place, automated guided vehicles (AGVs), and automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS).
  • Inspection & Quality Control: Checkweighers, metal detectors, X-ray inspection systems, vision inspection for defect detection, leak testing equipment, and package integrity testers.
  • Processing Equipment: For co-located needs, this might include mixers, blenders, extruders, and other specialized equipment relevant to the initial processing of products before packaging.
  • Automation & Robotics: Collaborative robots (cobots), industrial robots for assembly, welding, and material handling in packaging lines; robotic components and software.
• Packaging Materials & Containers:
  • Flexible Packaging: Films, pouches, bags, stand-up pouches, laminates, and high-barrier flexible materials.
  • Rigid Containers: Bottles, jars, tubs, closures (caps, pumps, dispensers), cans, and drums, including glass, plastic, and metal options.
  • Cartons & Boxes: Folding cartons, corrugated boxes, custom packaging solutions, and protective packaging materials (e.g., foam, airbags).
  • Labels & Tags: Pressure-sensitive labels, shrink sleeves, in-mold labels, and smart labels with RFID/NFC technology.
  • Sustainable Packaging: Biodegradable, compostable, recycled content, recyclable, and reusable packaging solutions; lightweighting materials.
  • Specialty Materials: Barrier materials for extended shelf life, anti-counterfeiting features, temperature-controlled packaging, and child-resistant packaging.
• Packaging Services & Supplies:
  • Contract packaging (co-packing), contract manufacturing, and private labeling services.
  • Packaging design and engineering services, prototyping, and testing.
  • Supply chain solutions, logistics, warehousing, and fulfillment services.
  • Adhesives, inks, coatings, tapes, and strapping.
• Digital Transformation & Smart Packaging:
  • Industrial IoT (IIoT) applications for packaging lines, data analytics, and predictive maintenance.
  • Digital twin technology and augmented reality (AR) for operational support.
  • Software for line management, production scheduling, and inventory control.
  • Smart packaging solutions with embedded sensors or connectivity features.

This incredibly diverse and comprehensive range ensures that attendees, whether searching for a specific component, a complete integrated system, or strategic consulting, can find tailored solutions to enhance their production efficiency, product quality, and market competitiveness. The co-location with other advanced manufacturing shows further broadens the scope of available technologies and expertise.

The Epicenter of Expertise: Visitor Count and Demographics

WestPack is a powerhouse event that consistently draws a massive and highly influential audience, not just from the Western U.S., but from across the nation and globally. As part of the larger IME West event, it benefits from the collective draw of all co-located shows. In recent editions, IME West, encompassing WestPack, has consistently attracted over 14,000 verified attendees and featured over 1,600 exhibitors across hundreds of thousands of square feet of exhibit space. These impressive figures underscore its status as the largest and most critical annual gathering for advanced manufacturing on the West Coast.

The attendee profile at WestPack (and IME West overall) is exceptionally high-level, technical, and diverse, representing key decision-makers and influencers from a vast array of roles and industries:

• Engineers: Packaging engineers, manufacturing engineers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, quality engineers, R&D engineers, and design engineers.
• Manufacturing & Operations Management: Plant managers, operations directors, production supervisors, continuous improvement managers, and quality control managers.
• Executives & Leadership: CEOs, VPs of Operations, VPs of Manufacturing, and other C-suite leaders making strategic investment decisions.
• Purchasing & Sourcing Managers: Buyers and procurement specialists responsible for acquiring machinery, materials, and services.
• Product Development & Brand Management: Professionals involved in bringing new products to market, enhancing consumer appeal, and optimizing packaging.
• System Integrators & Consultants: Companies and individuals who design, build, and implement packaging lines and automated solutions.
• Top Industries Represented:
  • Medical Devices/Equipment/Technology: A particularly strong focus given the co-location with MD&M West.
  • Food & Beverage / Pet Food: A significant segment seeking efficiency and safety.
  • Industrial Machinery & Equipment: Both as exhibitors and as end-users.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Including nutraceuticals and dietary supplements.
  • Beauty/Cosmetics/Personal Care: Driven by design, sustainability, and efficiency.
  • Aerospace & Defense: For precision packaging and logistics.
  • Chemicals: For safe and compliant packaging solutions.
  • Automotive/Transportation/Mobility: For parts packaging and logistics.

A significant percentage of attendees (often over 80%) have purchasing power, recommending, specifying, or making final buying decisions. A high proportion (often over 70%) also have an active project or one planned within the next 12 months, making WestPack an ideal environment for serious buyers and sellers to connect and move projects forward.

Unlocking Potential: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending WestPack in Anaheim offers an unparalleled array of strategic advantages and exclusive perks for any professional looking to drive innovation and efficiency in their packaging operations:

• Experience Live Demos and Cutting-Edge Technology: Witness state-of-the-art packaging machinery in operation, see new materials up close, and explore the latest advancements in automation, vision systems, and sustainable solutions. There’s no better way to evaluate technologies than seeing them work live.
• Comprehensive Solutions Under One Roof: As part of IME West, your single badge grants you access to five co-located expos. This means you can explore packaging solutions alongside complementary technologies in medical design, automation, plastics, and general manufacturing, providing a holistic view of the entire production process.
• Direct Access to Leading Suppliers: Engage in face-to-face conversations with hundreds of exhibitors, from global industry leaders to niche specialists. Discuss your specific challenges, get immediate answers, and build relationships with potential partners who can provide tailored solutions.
• Free, Expert-Led Education on the Show Floor: Benefit from numerous complimentary educational sessions held on various stages within the exhibition hall. These sessions cover critical topics such as sustainable packaging, medical device packaging, automation trends, regulatory updates, and supply chain optimization, providing valuable insights without extra cost.
• Unrivaled Networking Opportunities: Connect with thousands of highly influential peers, potential clients, suppliers, and industry leaders. From dedicated networking events and receptions to casual interactions, WestPack fosters invaluable connections that can lead to future collaborations and business growth.
• Targeted Insights for West Coast Industries: While comprehensive, WestPack often features specific content and exhibitors catering to the unique needs of the West Coast’s prominent industries, such as medical device packaging, cannabis packaging, and high-tech electronics packaging.
• Efficient Sourcing and Problem-Solving: Streamline your research and evaluation process. By comparing a vast array of solutions in one place, you can accelerate your purchasing decisions and find innovative approaches to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance product quality.
• Professional Development & Staying Ahead of Trends: Deepen your technical knowledge, gain foresight into future industry trends, and discover emerging technologies that can give your business a competitive edge. This show is a powerful tool for professional growth and innovation.

Your Anaheim Basecamp: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Anaheim, as a major convention and tourism destination, offers a vast selection of comfortable and convenient hotel options, particularly around the Anaheim Convention Center and Disneyland Resort area. Many hotels are within easy walking distance or offer convenient shuttle services, ensuring seamless access to WestPack. Given the popularity of IME West, booking your accommodations well in advance is highly recommended to secure the best rates and your preferred location.

The official IME West website typically partners with a housing bureau to offer discounted rates at a range of vetted hotels. Utilizing these official channels can provide significant savings and ensure you’re staying in a conveniently located property.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near the Anaheim Convention Center include:

• Anaheim Marriott: Directly across from the Convention Center, offering unparalleled convenience, multiple dining options, and a wide range of amenities.
• Hilton Anaheim: Also directly across from the Convention Center, a large hotel with numerous dining and meeting facilities.
• Hyatt Regency Orange County: A short distance from the Convention Center, offering spacious rooms and good amenities.
• JW Marriott Anaheim Resort: A luxurious option near the Convention Center and Disneyland, providing a high-end experience.
• The Westin Anaheim Resort: A modern and upscale hotel offering a contemporary stay, also very close to the Convention Center.
• Courtyard Anaheim Resort/Convention Center: A popular choice with a water park, great for combining business with family travel.
• Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort: Offers comfortable accommodations and good access to the Convention Center and nearby attractions.
• Residence Inn by Marriott at Anaheim Resort/Convention Center: Ideal for extended stays, offering suites with kitchens, a short walk from the center.

These hotels generally provide a range of amenities, from on-site dining and fitness centers to business services, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay. Beyond the expo, attendees can explore Disneyland Park, Downtown Disney, and a variety of dining and entertainment options in the surrounding Anaheim Resort area, making for a truly memorable visit to Southern California.

The Investment in Progress: Understanding the Cost to Attend

WestPack, as part of the larger IME West event, offers a highly accessible pricing structure, particularly for those who register early. This approach aims to maximize industry participation and knowledge exchange.

• Expo Only Pass: This pass provides free access to the expansive exhibition floor for all five co-located shows (WestPack, MD&M West, ATX West, D&M West, Plastec West). This includes access to hundreds of exhibitors, live demonstrations, and all free-to-attend educational sessions held on various show floor stages. This pass is typically free if registered well in advance (e.g., until early January). The price will increase closer to the show dates (e.g., $50 USD for registrations from early January to early February, and $199 USD for onsite registration).
• Conference Pass: For more in-depth technical education, IME West offers conference tracks that may require a separate pass. While the free show floor education is extensive, specialized workshops or deeper dive sessions might have an associated cost. Specific pricing for these specialized conference tracks is usually available on the official website.
• Keynotes and Show Floor Education: Crucially, your Expo Pass generally includes all keynotes and show floor education at no extra charge, providing significant value.

The strategy of offering a largely free “Expo Only” pass, especially with early registration, makes WestPack an incredibly high-value proposition. It encourages professionals from companies of all sizes to attend, explore the latest technologies, and make vital connections without a significant financial barrier.

West Coast Bound for Innovation: Secure Your Place at WestPack!

WestPack in Anaheim is more than just a regional packaging trade show; it’s the dynamic nexus where the entire advanced manufacturing ecosystem converges. It’s where innovative packaging solutions meet cutting-edge medical device design, advanced automation, and groundbreaking materials science. It’s where critical discussions around sustainability, supply chain resilience, and the future of manufacturing take place, and where the invaluable connections that fuel business growth are forged. If you’re a packaging engineer striving for efficiency, a product developer aiming to enhance market appeal, a quality control specialist ensuring product integrity, or a professional looking to stay ahead in the dynamic world of manufacturing on the West Coast, then securing your place at WestPack is not just an option—it’s an essential strategic move for your knowledge, your network, and your business’s future. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with the pioneers, learn from the experts, and contribute to shaping the future of product delivery!

To learn more and register for the upcoming WestPack 2025, visit: www.imengineeringwest.com/en/co-located-events/westpack.html