Pack Expo International is a premier event of the packaging and processing industry, taking place at McCormick Place in Chicago. It is one of the biggest trade shows in North America and one of the biggest packaging shows around the world. The organizer of the event is the PMMI, Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, and Pack Expo is a meeting point for machinery makers, material providers, packaging technologies, and food & consumer products producers.
Pack Expo 2026 booth rental Chicago planning starts with the scale of this year’s show: PACK EXPO International runs October 18–21, 2026, at McCormick Place, and PMMI has confirmed it will be the largest PACK EXPO International in history, spanning 1.3 million net square feet with 2,600+ exhibitors and roughly 45,000–48,000 attendees. Exhibits fill all four McCormick Place buildings: North, South, West, and Lakeside Center, making early booth planning and McCormick Place exhibit rental logistics more important than at almost any other PMMI trade show. Exhibiting at McCormick Place, our Chicago trade show exhibit rentals handle the full build.
This Pack Expo exhibitor guide covers what you need to know to exhibit at this particular event: McCormick Place’s hall structure, booth design strategies for a machinery and materials show, Chicago-specific logistics, planning timeline, and how to create a booth experience that drives real business outcomes.
Related: The Ultimate Guide to Trade Show Exhibiting at McCormick Place convention center in Chicago
Pack Expo 2026: Key Event Facts
Before planning any packaging trade show booth, here’s what’s confirmed about this year’s event:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Pack Expo International 2026 |
| Organizer | PMMI: The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies |
| Venue | McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois |
| Halls Used | North, South, West, Lakeside Center (Hall A/B/C/D) |
| Typical Dates | Late October / early November (confirm at packexpo.com) |
| Attendance | 40,000+ from 130+ countries |
| Exhibiting Companies | 2,500+ |
| Official Contractor | Freeman (primary general services contractor) |
Pack Expo 2026 Booth Rental Chicago & Nationwide Exhibit Design & Fabrication – Get a Quote at purexhibits.com
McCormick Place Hall Guide for Pack Expo Chicago
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America, comprising four interconnected buildings. Understanding the hall layout is essential for selecting Pack Expo space. Different halls attract different audiences and have distinct infrastructure characteristics for machinery exhibitors. Many exhibitors choose our 20×20 island booths for a professional footprint without the cost of buying.
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South Hall: One of the main Pack Expo halls. Features include a spacious layout, high ceiling heights for large machinery, good rigging spots for overhead signage, and high floor load capacity for heavy equipment.
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North Hall: Also a large Pack Expo hall, connected by a sky bridge to South Hall. Good for exhibitors with machinery and automation technology.
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West Hall: Found in larger Pack Expo layouts. Features high ceilings, direct truck docks for easy access, and is ideal for exhibiting equipment.
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Lakeside Center (East): Used for meeting rooms, seminars, and overflow exhibit space. Usually gets less foot traffic for exhibit halls compared to North/South/West halls. McCormick Place underground concourse connects all buildings. Useful for attendees but must be planned for exhibitors.
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Infrastructure information: The infrastructure at McCormick Place includes air, water, and drain connections in the halls that are important for running packaging machinery. Order early in the exhibitor services portal.
Booth Design Strategy for Pack Expo International
Pack Expo, from the very heart, is a display of machines as the visitors come to see the machines working. This will affect the way the booth will be designed because the booth must serve not only marketing but also a demonstration purpose as well. The companies that succeed at Pack Expo understand this perfectly.
Design Around Running Equipment
If you are offering machinery or automated devices, the demonstration in a live situation is mandatory at Pack Expo. Your customers will make the decision about buying your products based on their performance of running at its designed speed, dealing with the actual material, and generating the output. Make sure that your booth is large enough to demonstrate your running machine with sufficient area to observe, proper supply of power and compressed air, and line-of-sight from the aisle. For a fully branded build, our Pack Expo 2026 booth rental Chicago delivers a custom look tailored to your brand.
Create a Product Showcase for Materials and Components
If you manufacture packaging material, film, adhesive, labeling, or component materials – it’s another challenge entirely. Your competitors are fighting for attention in the hall where the machines are making their impressive demonstrations. Provide a hands-on display area where your materials can be touched and evaluated. Do comparative displays of the characteristics of your materials and performance data. If possible, have a mini-run of your materials on the machinery of a partner company.
Zone Your Booth for Multiple Conversations
Pack Expo brings together technical buyers (engineers, operations managers, line managers) and business buyers (procurement managers, VP of Operations, C-suite). Good booth design includes two areas for each type of buyer: a demonstration area for the technical buyers, and an executive meeting area for the business buyers.
Understanding the full trade show checklist for exhibitors helps Pack Expo exhibitors manage the complexity of a large machinery show, from advance contractor coordination to live demonstration logistics and post-show lead follow-up.
Plan Your Pack Expo 2026 Exhibit: Talk to National Exhibit Rental Specialists; Start at purexhibits.com
Pack Expo Chicago Logistics: What Exhibitors Need to Know
The exhibition with machinery and heavy equipment at McCormick Place requires considerable logistical preparations. Here’s how to prepare yourself:
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Advance Warehouse: Freight your shipment to the Freeman Advance Warehouse to minimize drayage expenses and have your materials delivered before your move-in period.
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Air Compressor: Available in McCormick Place South, North, and West Halls; order from the show’s utilities services page. Necessary for most machinery packaging.
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Water/Drain: Available in most halls for machinery that requires water cooling, washing, or liquid processing. Order from utilities with enough time in advance.
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Electricity: High amperage three-phase electricity is available for large machinery. Order from Freeman electrical services, providing detailed machinery requirements.
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Rigging: Rigging at McCormick Place is quite strict – hanging signage needs union riggers to be scheduled through Freeman. Be sure to book early as rigging windows are limited.
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Drayage: All floor freight at McCormick Place will be managed by Freeman’s material handling department. Budget 30% to 50% of your exhibit’s fabrication cost for drayage of machinery.
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Move-In: Machinery exhibitors at Pack Expo will usually be afforded an early move-in window because of their equipment. Check your move-in schedule in the exhibitor manual.
Booth Investment Ranges for Pack Expo 2026
| Booth Type | Size | Best For | Estimated All-In Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Inline | 10×10–10×20 | Materials/components suppliers, software, accessories | $8,000–$22,000 |
| Standard Inline | 20×20 | Small machinery, materials with demo | $20,000–$45,000 |
| Corner/Peninsula | 20×20–20×30 | Mid-size machinery, good aisle exposure | $30,000–$65,000 |
| Island, Small | 20×20–20×30 | Single machine demo, meeting space | $35,000–$80,000 |
| Island, Medium | 30×30–40×40 | Multiple machines, executive lounge | $75,000–$200,000 |
| Island, Large | 40×40–60×60+ | Full packaging line demo, multiple products | $150,000–$600,000+ |
Managing Pack Expo costs requires understanding the hidden trade show costs specific to machinery shows. Drayage, compressed air, electrical, rigging, and plumbing connections can add 40–70% to your base exhibit cost at McCormick Place.
Booth Planning Considerations for a Record-Breaking Show
A few things specific to planning a Pack Expo 2026 booth rental Chicago presence, given the show’s unprecedented scale this year:
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Book early. With 2,600+ exhibitors competing for labor, freight, and hotel availability, this is not a show to plan on a short timeline; the record-breaking size means every logistics category will be in higher demand than a typical PACK EXPO cycle.
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Plan for heavy equipment. As a packaging and processing machinery show, many exhibitors display working equipment; confirm floor load ratings and any rigging requirements for your specific hall well before finalizing your booth design.
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Union labor applies. Like most major convention centers, McCormick Place operates under union jurisdiction for booth construction, rigging, and installation; coordinate this through your general service contractor.
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Confirm your building assignment early. With exhibits split across North, South, West, and Lakeside Center, your booth’s exact location affects everything from shipping routing to how much walking distance separates you from key buyer traffic.
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Expect strong competition for attention. With 40+ vertical markets and 2,600+ exhibitors on the floor, clear, bold messaging near your aisle matters more here than at smaller regional packaging events.
Using a detailed trade show budget planning guide before submitting your Pack Expo space application ensures you account for all show services costs before committing to a booth size that exceeds your all-in budget.
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Rental Vs. Custom Packaging Trade Show Booth
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Rent if this is your first PACK EXPO International, or if your booth size needs vary between this show and PACK EXPO Las Vegas in alternating years.
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Buy custom if you’re committed to exhibiting at PACK EXPO International every cycle. Since it’s biennial, a well-built custom exhibit can be stored and reused across multiple show years rather than rebuilt from scratch each time.
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Modular rental works well for packaging equipment manufacturers who need to showcase different product lines or machinery configurations from cycle to cycle.
Conclusion
Planning a Pack Expo 2026 booth rental Chicago presence this year means planning for the largest PACK EXPO International PMMI has ever run: 1.3 million net square feet, 2,600+ exhibitors, and nearly 50,000 attendees spread across all four McCormick Place buildings. Booking early, confirming your building assignment, and designing a booth built to hold up in one of the most competitive packaging trade show floors in the world will matter more this cycle than any PACK EXPO before it.
Pure Exhibits designs and builds booths engineered for large-scale, equipment-heavy shows like PACK EXPO International, with McCormick Place logistics planned from the start. Get in touch with us about your Pack Expo 2026 booth in Chicago.
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Pack Expo Exhibitor Guide: Frequently Asked Questions
When is Pack Expo 2026?
Pack Expo International typically alternates between Las Vegas (odd years) and Chicago (even years). Pack Expo International 2026 in Chicago is expected in late October or early November 2026. Confirm exact dates and registration at packexpo.com or pmmi.org.
What is the difference between Pack Expo International and Pack Expo Las Vegas?
Pack Expo International (Chicago, even years) is the larger, global edition of Pack Expo held at McCormick Place, the largest convention center in North America. Pack Expo Las Vegas (odd years) is held at the Las Vegas Convention Center and is typically smaller but still a major North American packaging event. Both are produced by PMMI. Our 30×30 trade show exhibit rentals cover every footprint from inline to island.
Who attends Pack Expo International?
Pack Expo International attracts packaging engineers, operations and manufacturing managers, procurement managers, sustainability leaders, R&D teams, and senior executives from food and beverage companies, consumer goods manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies, contract packaging operations, and other industries that rely heavily on packaging and processing equipment.
How much does it cost to exhibit at Pack Expo International?
Raw exhibit space at Pack Expo typically ranges from $5,000–$12,000 per 10×10, depending on hall and location. For machinery exhibitors, all-in costs including exhibit rental, electrical, compressed air, drayage, travel, and hotel are significantly higher. A 20×20 machinery exhibit can cost $40,000–$120,000+ including all show services. Large island exhibits for full packaging line demonstrations can reach $300,000–$700,000+.
What makes Pack Expo different from other trade shows?
Pack Expo is a machinery and live demonstration show. Unlike trade shows where products can be illustrated with graphics and video, packaging equipment must be seen running, often at production speeds, processing real materials. This live demonstration expectation shapes everything about Pack Expo exhibitor strategy, from booth size to electrical and utilities planning to staffing with qualified machine operators.
How far in advance should I ship machinery to McCormick Place?
Most machinery exhibitors ship to the Freeman advance warehouse 3–5 weeks before their move-in window. Confirm the advance warehouse address and receiving dates in the Pack Expo exhibitor services manual. For oversized equipment, coordinate with Freeman’s specialized rigging team well in advance; heavy hauls and precision rigging require advance scheduling.
Does McCormick Place have compressed air available for machinery demos?
Yes, McCormick Place has compressed air available in the North, South, and West halls. Exhibitors must order compressed air through the show’s utilities services portal with specific volume and pressure requirements. Order as early as possible, as utility connections near your booth location are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
What unions are active at McCormick Place for Pack Expo?
McCormick Place is a union venue. Teamsters handle freight/drayage. IATSE covers electrical and rigging work. Carpenters cover exhibit installation. Chicago union rules are specific and enforced. Review the McCormick Place union labor rules in the Pack Expo exhibitor manual before planning your installation. Working with an experienced exhibit company familiar with Chicago labor rules can prevent costly on-site surprises.
What hotel should I stay at for Pack Expo in Chicago?
The Hyatt Regency McCormick Place is directly connected to the convention center via skybridge, the most convenient option. The Marriott Marquis Chicago is also connected to McCormick Place. Downtown Chicago hotels in the South Loop and Grant Park areas are a short taxi or rideshare ride away. Pack Expo fills Chicago hotel inventory quickly; book as soon as the room block opens.
Can I bring my own staff to set up my booth at McCormick Place?
Exhibitors can perform certain tasks, like setting up portable displays, arranging products, and connecting portable equipment, without union labor in many cases. However, hard-wall construction, electrical wiring, overhead rigging, and plumbing connections must be performed by the appropriate union. Chicago’s union rules are detailed and enforced. Review the labor jurisdiction document in the Pack Expo exhibitor manual before assuming any installation task can be handled by your own staff.
What sustainability expectations do Pack Expo attendees have?
Sustainability is increasingly central to Pack Expo’s audience priorities; food and consumer goods companies face significant pressure to reduce packaging waste, improve recyclability, and meet sustainability commitments. Exhibitors with sustainable packaging materials, recyclable film, compostable solutions, or reduced-material equipment demonstrate strong ROI for Pack Expo attendance. Prominently featuring sustainability credentials and certifications in your booth design is increasingly important.
How do I generate leads effectively at Pack Expo?
The most effective Pack Expo lead generation combines great demonstrations with efficient lead capture. Use the show’s official lead retrieval system (badge scanners) for every qualified conversation. Create a tiered lead categorization system at the show: A (ready to buy), B (evaluating), C (awareness), and route A-leads to immediate follow-up within 24–48 hours of capture. The demonstration experience is the primary lead driver; a compelling machine run attracts qualified buyers organically.
What’s the best way to get more foot traffic at my Pack Expo booth?
Running machinery at production speed, visible from the aisle, is the most effective traffic driver at Pack Expo. Live action beats static displays and digital graphics for packaging professionals. Pre-show marketing to your customer and prospect list (announcing your booth number, new products, and machine demonstrations) drives intentional visits from buyers already familiar with your brand. Contest and giveaway promotions can increase traffic but tend to attract less qualified visitors.
Can I rent exhibit components for Pack Expo rather than purchasing?
Yes, exhibit rental is an excellent option for many Pack Expo exhibitors, particularly companies that participate in multiple shows per year or whose exhibit configuration changes between shows. Rental structures, modular panels, overhead hanging signs, meeting room furniture, and display elements can all be rented through exhibit vendors. Note that machinery itself is typically owned by the exhibiting company, but the booth structure and graphics around it can be rented.
Who can help me design and build a booth for Pack Expo 2026?
Pure Exhibits provides nationwide exhibit rental and custom booth design services, with extensive experience supporting exhibitors at major shows including Pack Expo at McCormick Place. We provide custom exhibit design, professional graphics, modular and custom structures, and complete logistics coordination. Contact us 10–16 weeks before Pack Expo for a design consultation and a custom quote. On a tight timeline, our last-minute trade show booth rentals can turn a booth around fast.
