PACK EXPO Southeast, Atlanta, USA: Your East Coast Connection to Packaging & Processing Innovation

In the dynamic world of consumer goods, pharmaceuticals, food and beverage, and countless other sectors, the art and science of packaging and processing are constantly evolving. From safeguarding products and extending shelf life to enhancing consumer appeal and enabling efficient logistics, innovative solutions in packaging and processing are crucial for success. For businesses across the thriving Southeast of North America and beyond, PACK EXPO Southeast stands as the region’s premier event, offering a concentrated and impactful experience in this vital industry.

PACK EXPO Southeast is more than just a trade show; it’s a strategically focused exhibition designed to bring the latest advancements in packaging and processing directly to a highly engaged regional audience. Produced by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, it’s part of the renowned PACK EXPO family of shows, known globally for connecting industry buyers with cutting-edge solutions. This event is a critical hub where professionals can witness machinery in action, discover new materials, explore automation technologies, and gain invaluable insights from industry experts. If your business involves any aspect of packaging or processing – whether you’re a production manager, packaging engineer, R&D specialist, or supply chain professional – PACK EXPO Southeast offers an unparalleled opportunity to find solutions, build connections, and drive your operations forward.

The Southern Hub’s Modern Showcase: The Venue and Its Time

Atlanta, Georgia, a vibrant city known for its robust economy, strong manufacturing base, and status as a major transportation hub, provides the ideal backdrop for PACK EXPO Southeast. Its exceptional connectivity, with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving as a gateway to the entire Southeast and beyond, makes it an incredibly convenient destination for regional businesses seeking the latest in packaging and processing innovation. PACK EXPO Southeast consistently takes place at the Georgia World Congress Center (GWCC), located at 285 Andrew Young International Blvd NW, Atlanta, GA 30313, USA.

The GWCC is one of the largest and most versatile convention centers in the world, boasting millions of square feet of exhibit space. For PACK EXPO Southeast, it typically utilizes Hall C, providing an excellent environment for showcasing a diverse range of packaging and processing equipment, materials, and services. Its strategic downtown location offers exceptional convenience for attendees, being nestled amidst a vibrant urban core with easy access to major highways, public transportation (including direct access to MARTA, Atlanta’s rapid transit system), and a plethora of hotels, dining establishments, and popular attractions like Centennial Olympic Park, the Georgia Aquarium, and the World of Coca-Cola. This central setting ensures that attendees can seamlessly transition between the show floor, their accommodations, and leisure activities.

PACK EXPO Southeast is a biennial event, strategically held every two years to coincide with the rapid pace of innovation in the industry and meet regional demand. The inaugural edition was held in March 2025. Therefore, while the next confirmed dates are yet to be announced by PMMI, you can expect the show to return in Spring 2027. The show typically runs for three intensive days, with exhibit hall hours generally from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM on the first two days, and a slightly earlier close on the final day. This focused timeframe is designed to provide a highly efficient and productive experience for attendees, allowing them to maximize their time on the show floor, attend targeted educational sessions, and engage in valuable networking within a concentrated period.

The Innovations Unwrapped: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition halls at PACK EXPO Southeast are a comprehensive showcase of the entire packaging and processing lifecycle. Visitors can explore a wide array of solutions organized to highlight various facets of the industry, serving over 40 vertical markets, including food and beverage, pharmaceutical/medical device, cosmetics and personal care, pet food, chemicals, and more. Key product and solution categories you can expect to find include:

• Packaging Equipment/Machinery:
  • Bagging, Pouch Fill and Seal machines (for pre-made and form/fill/seal applications)
  • Case and Tray Packing equipment, Cartoning machines
  • Labeling, Coding, and Marking Systems (including digital printing solutions)
  • Material Handling solutions (conveyors, feeders, vibrators, accumulation tables)
  • Palletizing and Depalletizing systems
  • Robotics for packaging, pick-and-place, and palletizing applications
  • Wrapping, Bundling, and Shrink-Wrapping Machines
  • Inspection and Detection Systems (vision systems, metal detectors, checkweighers, X-ray inspection)
  • Filling and Capping Machines for various product types (liquids, powders, solids)
  • Sealing Technologies
• Packaging Materials and Containers:
  • Cartons and Boxes (corrugated, folding, rigid, specialty)
  • Containers (bottles, jars, tubs, cans, flexible containers)
  • Flexible Packaging (films, laminates, pouches, bags, stand-up pouches)
  • Labels, Tags, and Sleeves (including pressure-sensitive, shrink, and stretch labels)
  • Sustainable Packaging Solutions (recycled content, recyclable, compostable, biodegradable materials, light-weighting)
  • Protective Packaging (cushioning, void fill, cushioning materials)
  • Closures (caps, pumps, dispensers, spouts)
• Automation Technology, Controls, and Related Components:
  • Industrial Robots & Collaborative Robots (Cobots) for enhanced efficiency and safety on packaging lines
  • Sensors and Advanced Vision Systems for quality control and process monitoring
  • Motion Control Systems and drives
  • PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) and HMIs (Human-Machine Interfaces) for machine control
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) applications for data collection, analytics, and line optimization
  • Line Integration and Optimization Software, MES (Manufacturing Execution Systems)
• Food and Beverage Processing Equipment/Machinery:
  • Mixing, Blending, and Forming Equipment
  • Baking and Confectionery Equipment
  • Dairy Processing solutions
  • Liquid Processing and Handling systems
  • Dry Processing and Ingredient Handling solutions
  • Sanitation and Cleaning Equipment (CIP/SIP systems)
  • Thermal Processing (cooking, chilling, freezing, sterilization)
• Life Sciences Processing Equipment/Machinery (Pharmaceutical/Medical Device):
  • Tablet and Capsule Filling Equipment
  • Sterilization and Aseptic Processing technologies
  • Cleanroom Equipment and environmental controls
  • Serialization and Track & Trace Solutions for regulatory compliance
  • Biopharmaceutical Processing systems
• Packaging Services and Supplies:
  • Contract Packaging and Manufacturing (co-packing services)
  • Package Design and Engineering Services
  • Consulting and Training programs for workforce development
  • Testing and Validation Services for new packaging solutions
  • Warehousing and Logistics Solutions tailored for packaged goods
  • Cleaning and Sanitation Supplies for food-grade and pharmaceutical environments

The sheer variety ensures that whether you’re looking for a single component, a complete integrated line, or strategic service, PACK EXPO Southeast has solutions tailored for diverse market sectors and their specific packaging and processing needs.

The Southeast Powerhouse: Visitor Count and Demographics

PACK EXPO Southeast has demonstrated exceptional performance from its very first edition, immediately establishing itself as a significant regional event. The inaugural PACK EXPO Southeast in March 2025 garnered impressive numbers, bringing together over 6,700 attendees and featuring 504 exhibiting companies across 115,000 net square feet of exhibit space. These figures highlight the immense demand for packaging and processing innovation in the Southeast corridor and the show’s effectiveness in serving this vibrant market.

The attendee profile at PACK EXPO Southeast is highly targeted and influential, primarily drawing professionals from companies throughout the Southeast United States, but also attracting interest from other regions due to its comprehensive offerings. The typical attendees include:

• Manufacturing and Operations Leaders: Plant Managers, Production Managers, Operations Directors, seeking efficiency, throughput improvements, and cost reduction strategies.
• Packaging and Process Engineers: Responsible for designing, implementing, and optimizing packaging lines, automation systems, and processing methodologies.
• Research & Development Specialists: Exploring new materials, innovative container designs, and advanced processing techniques.
• Purchasing and Procurement Managers: Sourcing cutting-edge equipment, sustainable materials, and essential services for their operations.
• Brand Managers & Marketing Professionals: Focused on packaging design, consumer appeal, and product differentiation.
• Quality Control & Compliance Experts: Ensuring product safety, integrity, and adherence to industry regulations and standards.
• Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals: Optimizing material flow, warehousing, and distribution networks.
• Maintenance & Technical Staff: Seeking new equipment, parts, troubleshooting solutions, and hands-on training.
• Company Owners & Executives: Looking for strategic insights, investment opportunities, and competitive advantages to grow their businesses.

The high concentration of decision-makers and purchasing influencers makes PACK EXPO Southeast an exceptionally valuable environment for lead generation, direct sales, and forming strategic business relationships within the region.

Elevate Your Operations: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending PACK EXPO Southeast offers a concentrated yet comprehensive array of benefits for any professional involved in the packaging and processing industries in the region and beyond:

• Witness Machinery in Action: Unlike Browse catalogs or online videos, you can see hundreds of packaging and processing machines operating live on the show floor. This allows for direct evaluation of performance, asking detailed questions of technical experts, and visualizing how solutions will integrate into your own facility.
• Efficient Regional Sourcing: Explore products and services from hundreds of exhibitors under one roof. Easily compare multiple solutions, find new suppliers, and discover cutting-edge technologies that can transform your operations within a convenient, regionally focused setting.
• Targeted Educational Opportunities: A significant perk of PACK EXPO Southeast is the availability of free educational sessions on the show floor at “Innovation Stages” or “Industry Speaks” presentations. These sessions cover crucial and timely topics such as sustainability, automation, workforce development, smart packaging, and emerging trends, providing valuable insights without requiring a separate conference pass.
• Valuable Networking: Connect with thousands of industry peers, experts, and suppliers. The show’s regional focus often fosters a more intimate and productive networking environment, allowing for deeper conversations, sharing of best practices, and building lasting relationships. Dedicated networking events, like “A Taste of Philly” at PACK EXPO East, can also be anticipated to celebrate the local culture.
• Discover Specific Solutions: Whether you’re grappling with a particular production bottleneck, looking to reduce material waste, aiming for higher line efficiency, or seeking to automate a specific task, PACK EXPO Southeast provides the environment to find tailored answers and innovative technologies.
• Stay Abreast of Trends: Get a direct pulse on the latest innovations in sustainable packaging design, smart packaging functionalities, the application of artificial intelligence in processing, advanced robotics on packaging lines, and optimized supply chain solutions. Understand how these trends are impacting your specific industry sector.
• Gain a Competitive Edge: By observing what your regional competitors are implementing and uncovering new technologies and materials, you can identify opportunities to optimize your processes, improve product quality, reduce costs, and ultimately differentiate your business in the marketplace.
• Workforce Development Insights: Explore solutions related to addressing labor shortages, implementing effective training programs, and leveraging automation technologies that can help bridge the skills gap in manufacturing and packaging.
• Explore Co-Located Opportunities: Often, PACK EXPO events feature special pavilions (such as the Reusable Packaging Pavilion or the Containers and Materials Pavilion), providing dedicated areas for specialized exploration and additional value.
• Convenience and Accessibility: For businesses located in the Southeast, the Atlanta location minimizes travel time and costs, making it easy for entire teams to attend and collectively benefit from the comprehensive offerings of the show.

Your Atlanta Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Atlanta offers an extensive selection of hotels conveniently located near the Georgia World Congress Center, catering to every budget and preference. Staying close to the GWCC provides the ultimate convenience for attendees, allowing for easy access to the show floor and reducing daily commuting time.

Some highly recommended and popular hotel options near the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta include:

• Omni Atlanta Hotel at Centennial Park: Directly connected to the GWCC, offering exceptional convenience and upscale amenities.
• Signia by Hilton Atlanta Georgia World Congress Center: A newer, high-end hotel directly connected to the GWCC, providing modern facilities and close proximity.
• Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta Downtown: A reliable choice offering comfortable rooms and good access to the GWCC and surrounding attractions.
• Atlanta Marriott Marquis: A major downtown hotel with extensive amenities, a short ride or walk from the convention center.
• Hyatt Regency Atlanta Downtown: Another large, well-known hotel in the heart of downtown, easily accessible to the GWCC.
• The American Hotel Atlanta Downtown, Tapestry Collection by Hilton: Offers a blend of historic charm and modern amenities, within walking distance.
• Reverb by Hard Rock Downtown Atlanta: A trendy, music-themed hotel near the GWCC, offering a unique stay.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Atlanta at Centennial Olympic Park: Provides spacious suites, complimentary breakfast, and is within walking distance of the GWCC and major attractions.
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Atlanta Downtown by IHG: A convenient and often more budget-friendly option, still offering good access.

Given Atlanta’s popularity as a convention and tourist destination, especially for an event of PACK EXPO Southeast’s scale, it is strongly advised to book your hotel accommodations well in advance. Utilizing official event housing blocks, if provided by PMMI, often secures discounted rates and ensures you’re part of the designated attendee network, which can sometimes include complimentary shuttle services to the convention center.

The Investment in Efficiency: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend PACK EXPO Southeast is structured to provide flexible access, with various pass options available to suit different needs and levels of engagement. While specific pricing for future editions will be officially released closer to the event, based on the inaugural 2025 show and other PACK EXPO events, you can anticipate the following general structure:

• Exhibit Hall Only Pass: This pass grants access to the entire exhibition floor, including all Innovation Stages and other free on-floor educational presentations. This pass is notably affordable, often available for just $30 USD if you register online by an early bird deadline. After the deadline or on-site, the regular rate is typically $130 USD.
• Free Educational Sessions: A significant perk of PACK EXPO Southeast is that the educational sessions offered directly on the show floor (like the Innovation Stages or Industry Speaks) are generally included with your exhibit hall registration, providing immense value without additional cost.
• Special Events: There may be separate fees for specific networking events, such as an opening reception or industry-specific forums, designed to enhance networking opportunities.
• Student Discounts: PACK EXPO events consistently demonstrate a commitment to workforce development by offering free or heavily discounted registration for students, encouraging the next generation of packaging and processing professionals.

The investment in attending PACK EXPO Southeast is widely considered a wise one, offering an excellent return in terms of solutions discovered, knowledge gained, and connections made within a convenient, strategically located regional setting.

Pack Your Bags for Progress at PACK EXPO Southeast!

PACK EXPO Southeast in Atlanta has quickly established itself as the definitive regional event for anyone in the packaging and processing industry in the burgeoning Southeast United States. It’s where innovative ideas are showcased, critical solutions are found, and invaluable connections are forged. If you’re ready to optimize your operations, embrace sustainable practices, and leverage cutting-edge technology to stay competitive, securing your place at PACK EXPO Southeast is an essential step. Don’t just watch the industry evolve – be an active force in its transformation.

To learn more and secure your attendance at the next PACK EXPO Southeast event, visit: www.packexposoutheast.com