Beyond the Brands: Your Definitive Guide to the PLMA Trade Show, Rosemont, USA!

In the dynamic world of retail, a quiet revolution has been unfolding for decades, growing steadily in influence and scope: the rise of private label brands. Once considered mere generic alternatives, store brands have evolved into sophisticated, high-quality, and often innovative products that consistently outperform national brands in growth, consumer loyalty, and profitability. This booming sector finds its ultimate nexus point each year in the heart of the American Midwest at the Private Label Manufacturers Association (PLMA) Trade Show in Rosemont, Illinois, USA. This isn’t just an event; it’s the undisputed crossroads for retailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers seeking to tap into the unparalleled potential of private label. Imagine stepping onto a colossal exhibition floor, pulsating with the energy of thousands of innovative producers showcasing everything from gourmet food items and sustainable cleaning supplies to cutting-edge health & beauty products and stylish home goods, all bearing the promise of a retailer’s own brand. You’re surrounded by the sheer scale of the private label phenomenon, where quality meets value, and innovation is a constant. This is your unparalleled opportunity to discover groundbreaking products, forge strategic manufacturing partnerships, understand the latest consumer trends driving private label success, and cultivate invaluable connections that will significantly enhance your product offerings, boost your margins, and solidify your competitive edge in today’s fiercely competitive retail landscape. For retail buyers, category managers, sourcing professionals, product developers, and any manufacturer looking to expand their reach into the private label sector, the PLMA Trade Show is not merely an option—it’s an essential annual pilgrimage for staying ahead of the curve, finding profound inspiration, and cultivating unparalleled growth in the ever-expanding world of store brands.

The private label market is a testament to consumer trust and retailer savvy. In an era where shoppers prioritize both quality and value, store brands offer a compelling proposition. They allow retailers to control their brand narrative, build customer loyalty through exclusive offerings, and often achieve higher profit margins compared to carrying national brands. This growth is accelerating, with private label sales consistently outpacing national brand growth. From inflation-conscious shoppers to those seeking unique or healthier alternatives, the demand for private label is diverse and robust. The PLMA Trade Show serves as the critical bridge connecting retailers with the manufacturers who can bring their private label visions to life. It’s where a small grocery chain can find a supplier for organic snacks, a large mass merchandiser can source a new line of eco-friendly home cleaning products, and an e-commerce giant can identify innovative health and beauty formulations. If you’re looking to launch new private label lines, diversify your product portfolio, discover new manufacturing partners, stay abreast of regulatory changes, or simply immerse yourself in the vibrant community of private label professionals, attending the PLMA Trade Show offers an unmatched opportunity to learn, discover, and propel your business to unprecedented heights.

The Epicenter of Store Brands: Venue and Time

The PLMA Trade Show consistently chooses a highly accessible and expansive convention facility, ensuring an efficient and impactful experience for all attendees.

Rosemont’s Premier Exhibition Space: The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center The PLMA Trade Show is consistently held at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, Illinois, USA. The official address is 5555 N River Rd, Rosemont, IL 60018. This convention center is strategically located just minutes from Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), making it exceptionally convenient for both domestic and international attendees. Its direct access to major highways and its proximity to a wide range of hotels, dining, and entertainment options in Rosemont make it an ideal and highly practical venue for a large-scale trade event like PLMA. The center provides extensive exhibition space, ample meeting rooms, and all the necessary amenities to support a bustling industry gathering.

An Annual November Tradition: The Schedule The PLMA Trade Show is an annual event, consistently taking place in November of each year. This timing is strategic, allowing retailers and manufacturers to solidify their plans for the upcoming year, capitalize on emerging holiday season trends, and prepare for new product launches.

For 2025, the PLMA Trade Show is scheduled to run from Sunday, November 16 – Tuesday, November 18, 2025.

The event typically spans three intensive days, with a meticulously designed schedule to maximize discovery, education, and networking opportunities:

• Trade Show Floor Hours: The expansive exhibit halls will be open for business, allowing ample time for buyers and manufacturers to connect.
  • Monday, November 17: Typically 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST
  • Tuesday, November 18: Typically 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM CST
  • (Note: Sunday, November 16, often features pre-show seminars and workshops, with booth setup for exhibitors.)
• Pre-Show Seminars & Workshops: Held on the Sunday prior to the official show opening, these sessions offer valuable insights into current industry trends, best practices in private label development, and market analysis. Topics can include consumer behavior, supply chain management, packaging innovations, and regulatory updates.
• Keynote Breakfasts & Retail Trends Sessions: Each morning, attendees can typically benefit from insightful keynote addresses by prominent industry leaders and “Retail Trends” breakfasts that provide vital data and analysis on the private label market’s performance and future direction.
• PLMA’s Idea Supermarket®: A highly popular on-site exhibit that showcases the latest product and packaging innovations from around the globe, providing buyers with a snapshot of emerging trends and successful private label executions.
• Salute to Excellence Awards Display: An exhibit featuring the winners of PLMA’s prestigious “Salute to Excellence Awards,” highlighting outstanding private label product innovation in various categories.
• New Product Expo: A dedicated area for exhibitors to showcase their newest private label offerings, making it easy for buyers to spot fresh innovations.
• Matchmaker™ Program: PLMA’s unique Matchmaker program helps retailers and wholesalers pre-arrange appointments with exhibitors, ensuring efficient and targeted meetings during the show. Exhibitors receive access codes to participate, and buyers get a preliminary list to plan their visits.
• Networking Opportunities: The entire show is a massive networking event. From the bustling aisles to designated meeting areas, the focus is on fostering connections between buyers and manufacturers.

This comprehensive and strategically planned schedule ensures that every attendee, from an experienced buyer representing a major retailer to a manufacturer looking for new private label opportunities, finds immense value in terms of cutting-edge product discovery, market insights, and crucial connections to propel their business in the private label sector.

From Pantry to Personal Care: Key Product and Service Categories

The PLMA Trade Show is renowned for its comprehensive display of private label products across virtually every consumer category. The show floor is typically divided into distinct sections to facilitate efficient sourcing for buyers:

• Food & Beverages Section: This is one of the largest and most diverse sections, covering an immense range of grocery items.
  • Perishable & Frozen Foods: Dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, frozen meals, ice cream, baked goods, prepared foods.
  • Shelf-Stable Groceries: Canned goods, pasta, sauces, cereals, snacks, confectionery, spices, oils, condiments, baking mixes.
  • Beverages: Juices, bottled water, soft drinks, functional beverages, coffee, tea.
  • Organic & Natural Foods: A growing segment featuring organic produce, natural snacks, and clean-label alternatives.
• Home & Health Section (Non-Food): This extensive section covers non-edible consumer goods.
  • Health & Beauty Care (HBC): Skincare, haircare, cosmetics, oral care, feminine hygiene, men’s grooming, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, supplements.
  • Household Goods: Cleaning supplies, laundry detergents, paper products (tissue, paper towels), trash bags, kitchenware, food storage.
  • General Merchandise: Pet supplies, baby care products, stationery, seasonal items, automotive care.
  • Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products: Private label versions of pain relievers, cold and flu remedies, digestive aids, first aid.
• Supplier Services: Beyond finished products, the show also features companies offering essential services to the private label industry:
  • Ingredients & Components: Suppliers of raw materials for food, beverage, and non-food products.
  • Packaging Solutions: Manufacturers of bottles, jars, flexible packaging, cartons, labels, sustainable packaging.
  • Logistics & Supply Chain: Warehousing, distribution, transportation services.
  • Testing & Certification: Quality assurance, food safety testing, regulatory compliance, organic/non-GMO certification.
  • Product Development & Formulation: R&D services, private label consulting.
  • Market Research & Consumer Insights: Data analysis, trend forecasting.

The sheer breadth and depth of products and services ensure that any retailer, from a small independent grocer to a multinational mass merchandiser, can find the right manufacturing partners and innovative products to build and expand their successful private label programs.

The Store Brand Phenomenon: Visitor and Exhibitor Count

The PLMA Trade Show consistently attracts an impressive number of high-quality attendees and a vast array of exhibitors, solidifying its position as the premier event for the private label industry in North America.

• Visitor Count: The PLMA Trade Show is a magnet for serious buyers and decision-makers. For the 2024 edition, the event attracted a record-breaking 14,000 attendees. While the exact figure for 2025 will be confirmed closer to the event, similar or even higher numbers are anticipated, reflecting the ongoing growth of private label. Attendees typically include:
  • Buyers and category managers from major supermarkets, supercenters, drug chains, mass merchandisers.
  • Representatives from club stores, dollar stores, specialty chains, and convenience stores.
  • E-commerce retailers looking for private label opportunities.
  • Wholesalers, importers, and exporters.
  • Brand owners and national brand manufacturers looking to diversify into private label.
  • Brokers, consultants, and service providers. The high concentration of purchasing power makes the PLMA show an incredibly efficient environment for manufacturers to secure new business.
• Exhibitor Count: The exhibition floor is immense and packed with private label manufacturers from around the world. For the 2024 edition, there were 1,821 exhibitors from 60 countries, showcasing their products across more than 3,000 booths. This included approximately 700 first-time exhibitors, underscoring the show’s role in bringing new players to the market. For 2025, the numbers are expected to be similarly robust, with over 1,600 exhibitors from over 60 countries anticipated. Exhibitors range from large, established private label manufacturers with extensive capabilities to smaller, innovative companies offering niche or specialized products. Many countries also host dedicated pavilions, making it easy to explore international offerings.

The record-breaking attendance and the vast number of diverse exhibitors highlight the critical importance of the PLMA Trade Show as the central platform for connecting supply and demand in the flourishing private label market.

The Private Label Advantage: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending the PLMA Trade Show is not just a calendar appointment; it’s a strategic imperative that delivers invaluable returns for anyone serious about the private label sector.

• Direct Sourcing & Product Discovery: Gain unparalleled access to thousands of private label products across all major categories under one roof. It’s the most efficient way to discover new products, identify market trends, and source innovative items to enhance your store brand portfolio.
• Connect with Top Manufacturers: Meet face-to-face with private label manufacturers from around the globe. This direct interaction allows for in-depth discussions on product specifications, quality control, pricing, supply chain capabilities, and bespoke product development.
• Streamlined Buyer-Seller Connections: Leverage PLMA’s Matchmaker™ program to pre-arrange targeted meetings with exhibitors whose products align with your specific sourcing needs, maximizing your time on the show floor.
• Insightful Market Trends & Consumer Data: Attend keynotes, seminars, and special displays like the Idea Supermarket® to gain critical insights into the latest private label market trends, consumer purchasing behaviors, and successful product innovations. Understand what’s driving private label growth and how to capitalize on it.
• Competitive Edge & Margin Growth: Discover high-quality, high-value private label products that can offer better margins compared to national brands, helping you enhance your profitability and provide unique offerings that build customer loyalty.
• Explore Global Innovations: With exhibitors from over 60 countries and dedicated international pavilions, the show offers a global perspective on private label trends and product developments, allowing you to identify cutting-edge solutions from around the world.
• Networking with Industry Leaders: Connect with thousands of your peers, including top buyers from leading retailers, industry veterans, and innovative manufacturers. These connections are invaluable for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and forging strategic partnerships.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Witness firsthand how private label brands are evolving in areas like sustainability, clean label, functional ingredients, and specialized dietary needs, ensuring your brand stays relevant and competitive.
• Opportunity for New Business: For manufacturers, it’s the single most important event for meeting a concentrated audience of qualified retail and wholesale buyers actively seeking private label partners.
• Recognition of Excellence: See the award-winning products in the “Salute to Excellence Awards” display, providing inspiration and benchmarking for product development.

Your Rosemont Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Accommodation

Rosemont, Illinois, is highly developed around the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, offering a wealth of hotel options within very close proximity, many of which are connected or offer easy shuttle access. This makes attending the PLMA Trade Show exceptionally convenient.

• Hotels Directly Connected or Short Walk to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center: These offer the ultimate convenience, often allowing direct indoor access or a very brief walk.
  • Hyatt Regency O’Hare Chicago: Often connected via a skywalk to the convention center, making it a prime choice.
  • Hilton Rosemont / Chicago O’Hare: Also directly adjacent or very close to the convention center.
  • Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel: A luxurious option located very close to the convention center.
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Rosemont: A popular choice for its suite accommodations and complimentary breakfast/evening reception.
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago O’Hare Airport-Rosemont: Another well-regarded option in the immediate vicinity.
  • Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare Hotel & Conference Center: Also very close, known for its conference facilities.
• Other Nearby Rosemont Hotels (Short Shuttle/Ride): Rosemont features many other excellent hotels within a very short distance, most offering complimentary shuttle service to and from O’Hare International Airport and often to the convention center or nearby entertainment.
  • Holiday Inn Chicago O’Hare – Rosemont.
  • Courtyard by Marriott Chicago O’Hare.
  • Hyatt Place Chicago O’Hare Airport.
  • Residence Inn by Marriott Chicago O’Hare.
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Chicago O’Hare.
  • Best Western At O’Hare.
• Official Housing Partner: While PLMA does not explicitly list a specific housing partner on their main public pages for the US show, it is highly likely they will have negotiated rates with local hotels. It is always recommended to check the official PLMA website for their preferred hotel block or official housing links closer to the event date. Booking through official channels ensures you receive discounted rates and secure your reservation reliably. Be cautious of unofficial housing solicitations.

Given the show’s popularity and the convenience of its location, booking your accommodation well in advance is highly advisable, especially for the hotels directly connected to the convention center, as they tend to fill up quickly.

The Cost of Connection: Understanding the Cost to Attend

Attending the PLMA Trade Show is a highly valuable investment for anyone involved in the private label industry, offering substantial returns through new business opportunities and market insights. Here’s a general understanding of the expected registration costs for the 2025 event:

• Attendee Registration (Retailer/Wholesaler/Buyer Pass):
  • For qualified retailers, wholesalers, and buyers, PLMA traditionally offers a highly favorable registration fee. In past years, pre-registration fees for these categories have been significantly discounted or even free for qualifying members or very low for non-members (e.g., in the range of $0 – $100+ USD). This strategy aims to maximize buyer attendance.
  • A “Retailer/Wholesaler” badge is typically yellow.
• Attendee Registration (Non-Exhibiting Manufacturer/Broker/Supplier/Importer/Exporter):
  • For industry professionals who are not exhibiting but wish to attend (e.g., non-exhibiting manufacturers, brokers, suppliers, importers, exporters), the fee is higher.
  • For PLMA members, pre-registration fees have historically been tiered (e.g., $375 for the first registrant, $325 for the second, $275 for the third).
  • For non-members, a pre-registration fee around $495+ USD (based on past years) would be expected.
  • There is typically no reduced fee for attending for only one day.
  • These attendees usually receive a blue badge.
• Exhibitor Booth Space:
  • For companies looking to exhibit, booth costs vary based on size and membership status. PLMA members typically receive significantly discounted rates.
  • A standard 10′ x 10′ booth for PLMA members has been around $3,000 USD (based on previous years).
  • Larger booth configurations (e.g., 20′ x 10′, 30′ x 10′, or island booths) increase proportionally. For example, a 4-unit island (20′ x 20′) could be around $8,000 for members.
  • Non-member exhibition rates would be higher.
  • Exhibitors are generally allocated a certain number of complimentary attendee badges based on their booth size.
  • Additional costs for booth setup, furnishings, shipping, and lead retrieval systems would be separate.

These fees primarily cover access to the show floor and designated seminars. Attendees should also factor in costs for travel, accommodation in Rosemont, and dining, which can add considerably to the overall expense. However, for the unparalleled opportunities to secure new business, discover innovative products, and gain critical market intelligence in the booming private label sector, the return on this investment is often exponential.

Build Your Brand’s Legacy: Your Journey to the PLMA Trade Show Begins Here!

The PLMA Trade Show in Rosemont is more than just an event; it’s the undisputed annual forum for the private label industry, a strategic crossroads where retailers and manufacturers converge to unlock unparalleled growth and innovation. It’s a powerful, market-driven convergence of high-quality products, strategic insights, and essential business connections that shape the future of store brands across every consumer category. It’s where the next best-selling private label product is discovered, where crucial manufacturing partnerships are forged, and where the strategies for increased market share are laid out. Whether you’re a retail buyer seeking to diversify your offerings, a product development expert looking for a reliable manufacturing partner, or a manufacturer aiming to expand your private label business, attending the PLMA Trade Show is an indispensable experience that will ignite your vision, broaden your market reach, and empower you to lead in this thriving segment of the retail world. Don’t just follow the trends; create them, innovate with confidence, and achieve unparalleled success!

To learn more about the PLMA Trade Show, explore the full schedule, and plan your attendance for this must-attend industry event, visit: plma.com