PACK EXPO Connects, produced by PMMI Media Group, debuted the most comprehensive virtual packaging event of 2020 today, providing solutions to the industry’s most critical challenges. Amazon keynoted PACK EXPO Connects at 8:30 a.m. CT with a Sunrise Breakfast Kickoff with Dr. Kim Houchens, director, customer packaging experience. Her message focuses on “Engineering your packaging to meet the challenges of eCommerce fulfillment” and includes a behind the scenes video tour of Amazon’s packaging operations.

The presentation comes on the heels of the release of PMMI Business Intelligence’s 2020 State of the Packaging Industry Report, which shows the industry as a whole on a steady path of nearly four percent growth. Further, at a recent media event PMMI Vice President of Market Development, Jorge Izquierdo, highlighted an explosive 27 percent growth of e-commerce since COVID-19 altered the retail landscape in March.

To meet these evolving needs, PACK EXPO Connects offers nearly 2,700 live product demos from more than 700 solutions-providers on an intuitive, interactive platform built for live engagement, including demos during international time zones over the course of the week.

As with all PACK EXPO events, a first-rate educational program features sessions from leading suppliers and industry experts covering key packaging trends. All content will be available both as scheduled live and on demand. Innovation Stage sessions will run noon through 2:30 p.m. CT each day through Thursday, Nov. 12. Warm up each morning at 9 a.m. CT with PACK EXPO Connects Jumpstart covering topics such as sustainability, workforce development and robotics, in English and Spanish. Presenters include Bumble Bee Foods, General Mills, L’Oréal and many more.

The show wraps with The Solution Room, only available on Friday, Nov. 13, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate with industry thought leaders from the OpX Leadership Network, Organization for Machine Automation and Control (OMAC), the Institute of Packaging Professionals and the Contract Packaging Association.

Additional learning opportunities include:

• PACK EXPO Connects Trend Chats begin at 2:30 p.m. CT, Monday – Thursday. The first will feature Healthcare Packaging Editor Keren Sookne and PMMI Media Group’s VP of Content Jim Chrzan chatting with Greg Flickinger of Green Thumb International (GTI) about the industry’s response to cannabis packaging. Other chats will cover Food Processing, Track and Trace for Pharma and Food and Digital Printing.
• PMMI Media Group editors will share their daily highlights and most noteworthy products and innovations Monday – Thursday at 3 p.m. CT and Friday at 2 p.m. CT via the Daily Download. 

Six highlights among PACK EXPO Connects many features:

1. The Showcase of Packaging Innovations, sponsored by Klöckner Pentaplast and association sponsor Institute of Packaging Professionals, features winning entries from worldwide packaging competitions.
2. PACK EXPO Green highlights exhibitors with sustainable solutions and education sessions that promote a sustainable future.
3. PMMI’s Packaging & Processing Hall of Fame Class of 2020, celebrates professionals who have advanced packaging and processing, and dedicated themselves to the industry through expanding knowledge and volunteer leadership.
4. PMMI Showroom showcases all of the ways PMMI serves as a resource for the industry.
5. PACK gives BACK Miles to McCormick Walk/Run Challenge gets attendees moving and competing for prizes. Donations to the PMMI Foundation provide financial support for packaging and processing education throughout the U.S and Canada.
6. PubTrivia at 4 p.m. CT, supported by the Emerging Leaders Network and sponsored by Duravant, provides time for free fun, games and networking.  

For more information on how to make the most of your PACK EXPO Connects experience, visit the Attendee Resource Center. This is one week to engage directly with leading packaging suppliers, see live demos in action and find the latest packaging solutions. To register visit packexpoconnects.com.