• Innovation Stage will offer seminars on new technologies, including AI, robotics, and sustainability.
    Innovation Stage will offer seminars on new technologies, including AI, robotics, and sustainability.
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Pack Expo International 2024, taking place from 3-6 November at McCormick Place, Chicago, will offer more than 150 free educational sessions designed to help attendees navigate the evolving trends and challenges in manufacturing. These sessions will focus on the latest strategies and innovations shaping the future of packaging and processing.

Two key new features of this year’s event, Emerging Brands Central and Sustainability Central, will provide targeted insights and practical knowledge.

Emerging Brands Central, located in the West Hall (Booth W-20049), will host 30-minute sessions tailored for up-and-coming brands seeking to expand their operations. Industry experts will offer advice on topics such as packaging machinery and scaling strategies, with additional opportunities for one-on-one consultations with advisors.

Sustainability Central (Booth W-21020) will focus on sustainable packaging innovation. It will cover key themes such as design, extended producer responsibility (EPR), and circularity. Attendees will hear from experts on how to improve their sustainability initiatives and make their brands more eco-friendly. Research from PMMI Business Intelligence, leading universities, and AMERIPEN will also be showcased.

"PACK EXPO International 2024 is not just an exhibition; it's a global hub for innovation and education," said Laura Thompson, vice president of trade shows at PMMI.

The event will also feature several additional stages and pavilions:

  • Innovation Stage in the North Hall (Booths N-4560, N-4580, N-4585) will offer seminars on new technologies, including AI, robotics, and sustainability.
  • Processing Innovation Stage at Lakeside Upper Hall (Booth LU-7147) will focus on food and beverage processing, covering areas such as food safety and sustainability.
  • Industry Speaks (Booth N-4544) will feature experts from various industry verticals addressing trends in AI, automation, and design.
  • Reusable Packaging Learning Center, sponsored by the Reusable Packaging Association (Booth LU-6737), will provide insights on the role of reusable packaging systems in enhancing supply chain efficiency.

PACK EXPO International 2024 is set to draw over 45,000 attendees and more than 2500 exhibitors, offering a comprehensive platform for learning, networking, and innovation.

For more information and to register, click here.

Food & Drink Business

The Victorian government has invested $160,000 to support the sustainability and profitability of the state’s wine industry, matched by $240,000 from Wine Australia. The funds will help Wine Victoria to provide the wine industry with the knowledge, tools and resources needed to improve practices and outcomes.

Australian spirits producers had an outstanding showing at the 2025 International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC) in London, with top scoring producers including 30 Knots Spirits, Australian Distilling Co., Ester Distilling, Mt. Uncle Distillery, Nine Circles Distillery, and Turner Stillhouse.

The recent innovation forum hosted by the Australian Marketing Institute and research company, T Garage, examined the reality for the rapidly evolving landscape of consumer goods that innovation is now table stakes. Experts from three of Australia's Top 100 food and drink companies shared their experiences and confirmed innovation is not just a corporate strategy, but a mindset permeating personal and professional life.