Must-Attend Packaging Expos in the USA and Canada in 2026

As 2026 begins, packaging professionals in the United States and Canada are starting to plan their trade show schedules, budgets, and supplier visits for the year. 

Packaging expos help businesses stay updated on new machines, materials, sustainability practices, printing methods, and changing packaging regulations. In a fast-changing industry, these events are still one of the best ways to learn, compare solutions, and make smart decisions for packaging businesses’ future. 

This list features the must-attend packaging expos in the USA and Canada in 2026. The events are chosen based on confirmed dates, official announcements, and their importance to the packaging industry. 

Packaging Expos to Attend in the USA 2026

Below is a curated list of packaging expos taking place across the United States in 2026.  

The events span a wide range of focus areas, including packaging machinery, materials, sustainability printing, pharmaceutical packaging, and consumer packaged goods. 

1. WestPack (Part of MD&M West) 

📍 Anaheim, California, USA | 📅 February 3–5, 2026

WestPack is a West Coast packaging expo focused on packaging materials, machinery, and automation. The event highlights practical packaging solutions across medical, consumer, and industrial sectors.  

Exhibitors primarily showcase production-ready technologies rather than concept-stage innovations. It serves as a regional sourcing hub for packaging and manufacturing professionals. 

Why Attend 

• Access packaging suppliers, automation vendors, and manufacturers under one roof 

• Evaluate packaging machinery, materials, and automation through live demonstrations 

• Benefit from co-located MD&M West expos covering design, manufacturing, and engineering 

• Compare automation solutions designed for regulated and high-volume industries 

• Discover solutions tailored to pharmaceutical, consumer, and industrial packaging needs 

• Network with West Coast manufacturers, suppliers, and decision-makers

Who Should Attend 

• Packaging engineers and technologists evaluating new machinery or materials 

• Medical device and healthcare packaging professionals 

• Automation and robotics buyers seeking integrated packaging solutions 

• Manufacturing and operations managers involved in packaging decisions 

• Packaging suppliers targeting West Coast manufacturers 

2. PACK EXPO East 

📍 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA | 📅 February 17–19, 2026 

PACK EXPO East is a regional packaging and processing trade show serving manufacturers across the Eastern United States. The expo focuses on packaging machinery, materials, automation, and processing solutions across food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods industries.  

It offers a condensed version of the PACK EXPO experience with an emphasis on practical, mid-scale eCommerce packaging solutions. The show is designed for efficient technology discovery without the scale of a national mega-event. 

Why Attend 

• Discover packaging machinery and materials suited for small to mid-sized operations 

• Evaluate automation solutions addressing efficiency, throughput, and labor challenges 

• Meet suppliers serving food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods packaging 

• Access PACK EXPO–level exhibitors in a more focused, time-efficient environment 

• Conduct meaningful supplier discussions without navigating a massive show floor

Who Should Attend 

• Packaging engineers sourcing equipment and materials for regional facilities 

• Operations managers improving packaging line performance and reliability 

• Food, beverage, and pharmaceutical packaging professionals 

• Automation specialists evaluating scalable packaging technologies 

• Procurement teams comparing multiple packaging vendors efficiently 

3. Sustainability in Packaging US 

📍 Chicago, Illinois, USA | 📅 March 10–12, 2026 

Sustainability in Packaging US is a conference focused on sustainable packaging strategy, materials, and regulation organized by Smithers. It centers on real-world implementation of circular packaging principles rather than product showcases alone.  

Sessions cover recycled content, recyclability, policy developments, and brand case studies. The event blends strategic discussions with practical insights from across the packaging value chain. 

Why Attend 

• Gain practical insights into sustainable packaging design and material selection 

• Learn how brands are implementing PCR and circular packaging strategies 

• Understand evolving regulations affecting packaging in North America 

• Participate in focused discussions rather than large-scale expo floor noise 

• Network with sustainability leaders, material suppliers, and brand owners 

Who Should Attend 

• Sustainability and ESG leaders within packaging and consumer brands 

• Packaging R&D and materials innovation teams 

• Compliance and regulatory affairs professionals 

• Brand owners transitioning toward circular packaging models 

• Packaging professionals responsible for sustainability roadmaps 

4. Pharma Packaging & Labelling Innovation Forum 

📍 Boston, Massachusetts, USA | 📅 March 25–26, 2026 

The Pharma Packaging & Labelling Innovation Forum is a niche conference focused on pharmaceutical packaging, labeling, and compliance challenges. It brings together industry experts to discuss serialization, patient safety, and regulatory updates.  

The agenda aims to innovation within strict regulatory frameworks. Sessions are designed for in-depth discussion rather than large-scale product showcasing. 

Why Attend 

• Understand current and upcoming regulations impacting pharmaceutical packaging 

• Learn best practices for labeling, serialization, and traceability 

• Explore innovations improving patient safety and compliance 

• Engage in focused discussions with peers facing similar regulatory challenges 

• Gain insights from case studies shared by pharma manufacturers and suppliers 

Who Should Attend 

• Pharmaceutical packaging managers and engineers 

• Regulatory affairs and compliance professionals 

• Labeling and serialization specialists 

• Contract manufacturers serving pharmaceutical or cosmetic brands 

• Packaging professionals working in highly regulated environments 

5. American Packaging Summit 

📍 Lombard, Illinois, USA | 📅 May 14–15, 2026 

The American Packaging Summit is an executive-level conference focused on packaging strategy, innovation, and materials. It is designed around curated, invitation-style networking rather than a traditional expo floor.  

The summit emphasizes strategic discussions, case studies, and peer-to-peer learning. It is best suited for senior leaders shaping long-term packaging decisions. 

Why Attend 

• Participate in high-level discussions on packaging strategy and innovation 

• Engage in curated networking with senior packaging decision-makers 

• Learn from real-world case studies presented by leading brands 

• Explore materials, sustainability, and design trends at a strategic level 

• Build meaningful connections in a smaller, executive-focused setting

Who Should Attend 

• Directors and VPs of packaging and innovation 

• Brand owners and senior product leaders 

• Sustainability and materials strategy leaders 

• Packaging professionals involved in long-term planning 

• Decision-makers seeking peer-level industry insights 

6. PRINTING United Expo 

📍 Las Vegas, Nevada, USA | 📅 September 23–25, 2026 

PRINTING United Expo is the largest commercial printing trade show in the United States, with strong representation from packaging, labeling, and converting sectors.  

The event showcases digital and offset printing technologies, and flexographic applications. It brings together printers, converters, and equipment manufacturers from across the supply chain. Packaging printing and finishing are key areas of focus. 

Why Attend 

• Evaluate digital and flexographic printing technologies for packaging applications 

• Explore labeling, converting, and finishing equipment in live demonstrations 

• Connect with print business owners, converters, and equipment suppliers 

• Understand printing innovations impacting packaging design and production 

• Compare multiple printing solutions in a single, large-scale venue

Who Should Attend 

• Packaging printers and label converters 

• Packaging design and production teams 

• Commercial printers expanding into packaging 

• Finishing and converting specialists 

• Equipment suppliers serving packaging print markets 

7. PACK EXPO International 

📍 Chicago, Illinois, USA | 📅 October 18–21, 2026 

PACK EXPO International is the largest packaging and processing trade show in North America. It covers packaging machinery, materials, processing equipment, and automation across multiple industries.  

The expo features extensive live demonstrations, product launches, and educational sessions. It serves as the flagship event for packaging professionals at scale. 

Why Attend 

• Access the widest range of packaging and processing suppliers in one venue 

• Evaluate machinery, materials, and automation through live demonstrations 

• Discover new technologies launching at an industry-wide scale 

• Attend educational sessions across packaging, processing, and operations 

• Network with global manufacturers, suppliers, and industry leaders

Who Should Attend 

• Packaging and processing engineers 

• Operations and manufacturing leaders 

• Automation and systems integration teams 

• Brand owners and large-scale manufacturers 

• Suppliers serving global packaging markets 

Packaging Expos to Attend in Canada 2026 

After exploring the major packaging expos across the USA, let’s move to Canada.  

These 2026 packaging events highlight the country’s growing emphasis on sustainable packaging, advanced  manufacturing, and even print on demand service requirements. 

1. CPG EXPO 2026 

📍 Calgary, Alberta, Canada | 📅 April 17–18, 2026 

CPG EXPO is a trade show focused on the consumer-packaged goods ecosystem, bringing together brands, packaging suppliers, and retail partners. The event emphasizes practical solutions across packaging, product development, and commercialization.  

It serves as a networking-driven platform rather than a machinery-heavy exhibition. The expo is particularly relevant for packaging professionals working closely with CPG brands. 

Why Attend 

• Connect directly with CPG brands actively sourcing packaging solutions 

• Discover packaging suppliers aligned with consumer goods requirements for  

• Gain insight into packaging trends influencing retail-ready products 

• Build relationships with distributors, retailers, and brand decision-makers 

• Explore packaging considerations tied to product commercialization

Who Should Attend 

• Consumer packaged goods professionals and brand managers 

• Packaging suppliers serving food, beverage, and consumer brands 

• Product development and commercialization teams 

• Sales and business development leaders in packaging 

• Retail and distribution professionals involved in packaged goods 

2. SIAL Canada 2026 

📍 Montreal, Quebec, Canada | 📅 April 29 – May 1, 2026 

SIAL Canada is a major food and beverage trade show with a strong focus on packaged products and supply chain innovation. While not exclusively a packaging expo, it attracts a wide range of packaging material suppliers and solution providers.  

The event highlights packaging models, materials, and technologies aligned with food and beverage trends. It is especially relevant for packaging teams working in regulated food markets. 

Why Attend 

• Explore packaging solutions tailored to food and beverage applications 

• Discover packaging materials supporting shelf life, safety, and compliance 

• Connect with packaging suppliers serving food and beverage brands 

• Gain insight into consumer trends influencing packaged food products 

• Evaluate packaging considerations tied to product innovation and export

Who Should Attend 

• Food and beverage packaging professionals 

• Packaging material and equipment suppliers 

• Product innovation and R&D teams 

• Quality, safety, and compliance professionals 

• Brand managers in food and beverage industries

3. PACK EX / PACKEX Montreal 2026 

📍 Montreal, Quebec, Canada | 📅 November 11–12, 2026 

PACKEX Montreal is Canada’s dedicated packaging technology expo, focused on packaging machinery, materials, and automation. It is part of the Advanced Design & Manufacturing (ADM) series, connecting packaging with broader manufacturing technologies.  

It showcases practical packaging solutions for production environments. It is one of the few Canada-based events centered specifically on packaging engineering. 

Why Attend 

• Evaluate packaging machinery, materials, and automation solutions 

• Explore packaging technologies tailored to manufacturing environments 

• Connect with Canadian and international packaging suppliers 

• Discover solutions aligned with production efficiency and scalability 

• Network with packaging professionals across multiple manufacturing sectors

Who Should Attend 

• Packaging engineers and technologists 

• Automation and production specialists 

• Manufacturing and operations managers 

• Packaging machinery and material suppliers 

• Canadian manufacturers sourcing packaging solutions 

What’s Changing in Packaging Expos in 2026 

Packaging expos in 2026 are placing a noticeably stronger emphasis on sustainability and regulatory readiness across both the United States and Canada. Sustainability programming is expanding across most major shows, moving beyond standalone sessions into core agendas and dedicated tracks. 

There is an increased focus on recycled content (PCR), end-of-life design and recyclability, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations, reflecting growing regulatory pressure and brand commitments.  

Conferences and expo pavilions dedicated to materials of innovative packaging are becoming more prominent, offering deeper technical and strategic discussions. These events highlight this industry shift, signaling that sustainability is no longer a niche topic but a central theme shaping packaging decisions in 2026.

Looking Beyond and Preparing for Packaging Solutions 

Packaging expos across the United States and Canada in 2026 reflect an industry evolving around sustainability, automation, and greater operational efficiency. Attending the right mix of regional expos, large-scale trade shows, and niche conferences can help packaging professionals stay informed about new materials, technologies, and regulatory developments shaping the market. 

Beyond discovering machinery and materials, many of these events also highlight how packaging workflows are becoming increasingly digital. From design collaboration to faster production cycles, software-driven solutions are playing a growing role in how packaging challenges are solved. This is where platforms like DesignNBuy, which focus on providing web-to-pack software that naturally fits into the broader conversation around modernizing packaging processes. 

Rather than attending every available event, packaging professionals should prioritize expos that align with their strategic goals — whether that’s sourcing equipment, advancing sustainability initiatives, or improving packaging design and ordering workflows. With thoughtful planning and the right tools, 2026 packaging expos can deliver long-term value well beyond the show floor.