PACK EXPO International 2026 Chicago — Complete Exhibit Booth Builder Guide for Exhibitors
If your company is preparing to exhibit at PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, you already know you are stepping into the largest, most comprehensive packaging and processing trade show in the entire Western Hemisphere. With 2,600 exhibitors, 48,000 industry professionals, and 40+ vertical industries converging under one roof at McCormick Place, this is not a show where you can afford to show up underprepared with a banner stand and a folding table.
Interior Today LLC is a full-service custom exhibit booth builder and trade show display company. We design, fabricate, install, and dismantle professional exhibit stands for companies of every size at PACK EXPO International and major packaging, processing, food & beverage, and life sciences trade shows across the United States.
This is the most complete guide available for PACK EXPO International 2026 exhibitors — every key fact, official schedule, booth cost, height regulation, payment deadline, audience breakdown, venue detail, and FAQ answer — plus exactly how Interior Today LLC helps you build an exhibit stand that stands out in the most competitive packaging trade show on the continent.
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Event Overview at a Glance
| Event Detail | Information |
| Event Name | PACK EXPO International 2026 |
| Organized By | PMMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies |
| Event Dates | October 18 – 21, 2026 |
| Venue | McCormick Place, Chicago, Illinois |
| Venue Address | 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616, USA |
| Venue Website | mccormickplace.com |
| Event Website | packexpointernational.com |
| Total Exhibitors | 2,600+ |
| Total Attendees Expected | 48,000+ packaging and processing professionals |
| Industries Represented | 40+ vertical industries |
| Exhibitor Directory Views | 1,000,000+ online views |
| Tagline | The Largest, Most Comprehensive Packaging and Processing Event in the Americas |
What Is PACK EXPO International? Why It Matters More Than Any Other Packaging Show
PACK EXPO International, organized by PMMI — The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is the undisputed number one trade show for packaging machinery, packaging materials, processing equipment, automation, and related technologies in the Americas. It runs every two years in Chicago at McCormick Place and draws the global packaging ecosystem to one place for four intense days of innovation, live machine demonstrations, education, and deal-making.
No other event in packaging and processing gives you what PACK EXPO International gives you:
- 2,600 exhibitors covering every corner of the packaging and processing supply chain
- 48,000 professionals from plant managers and procurement directors to CEOs and R&D teams
- Live machinery in operation — buyers evaluating equipment right on the show floor
- 150+ free educational sessions covering automation, AI, sustainability, workforce development, and more
- 40+ vertical industries represented, from food & beverage and pharma to cannabis, e-commerce, and automotive
The online exhibitor directory alone receives over one million views. For exhibitors, this means your presence at PACK EXPO International extends far beyond four days in Chicago — it keeps working for you digitally before, during, and after the show.
If your company sells packaging machinery, processing equipment, automation solutions, packaging materials, containers, services, or any related technology — PACK EXPO International 2026 is the most important four-day business window of your year.
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Official Show Dates & Exhibit Hours
| Day | Date | Exhibit Hall Hours |
| Sunday | October 18, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Monday | October 19, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Tuesday | October 20, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. |
| Wednesday | October 21, 2026 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. |
Total exhibit floor time: approximately 30 hours of live attendee access across four days.
Wednesday closes two hours earlier than other days — make sure your exhibit is fully manned and demo-ready from 9:00 a.m. sharp on Wednesday, as foot traffic concentrates in the morning session.
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago — What Exhibitors Need to Know
McCormick Place is the largest convention center in North America. It is a multi-building campus on the shore of Lake Michigan in Chicago, connected by indoor walkways. Understanding the layout is essential for planning your exhibit build, freight delivery, and staff logistics.
| Venue Feature | Detail |
| Venue Name | McCormick Place |
| Location | 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616 |
| Buildings | North Building, South Building, West Building, Lakeside Center |
| FedEx Office / Business Center | Level 2.5, Grand Concourse, South Building (Mon–Fri, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.) |
| FedEx Satellite Locations | Level 2, West Building; Level 2, Lakeside Center |
| International Business Center (IBC) | North Building, Room N-427 |
| Attendee Solutions Center | North Building, N-4550 |
| First-Time Attendee Lounge | South Building, Room S-102 |
| Free Wi-Fi | Yes — network name: “PACK EXPO” |
| Wheelchair & Scooter Rental | Scootaround Mobility Solutions — 844.745.0541 — scootaround.com/chicago |
Nursing Stations at McCormick Place
| Location | Room/Area |
| Lakeside Center | Level 2, by the Gift Shop |
| North/South Building | Level 2.5, across from Starbucks |
| West Building | Level 1, near the Main Information Desk |
Coat Check Rooms at McCormick Place
| Location | Room/Area |
| West Building | W-183a, near shuttle drop-off |
| North Mezzanine | Near Connie’s Pizza |
| Lakeside Center | Lower-Level Lobby, one floor below Registration |
First Aid Stations at McCormick Place
| Location | Room/Area |
| Lakeside Center | Level 1, near Arie Crown Theater Dressing Room Entrance |
| South and North Buildings | Level 2.5, Grand Concourse, near FedEx Office |
| West Building | Level 1, near Transportation Center |
Getting to McCormick Place — Transportation Guide for PACK EXPO 2026
| Transportation Option | Details |
| Shuttle Bus Service | Complimentary shuttle from official show hotels to McCormick Place during morning hours and return to hotels in the afternoon. Full route map posted a few months before the show. |
| Metra Commuter Train | Free Metra ride from Millennium Park Station to McCormick Place — included with show access |
| Official Hotel Block | Book through Expovision (PACK EXPO’s official hotel reservation office) at the Travel & Hotel section of packexpointernational.com. No deposit charged at time of booking — credit card to guarantee only. |
| Caution — Hotel Scams | Beware of third-party hotel brokers demanding pre-payment. Only book through the official Expovision platform. |
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Attendee Registration Rates
| Registration Period | Rate |
| Priority Rate (through September 25, 2026) | $30 |
| Standard Rate (after September 25, 2026) | $130 |
Registration includes full access to PACK EXPO International and all free educational sessions on the show floor. Attendee badges are not mailed — they are available for on-site pickup at McCormick Place and at some participating hotels (details posted closer to the show). Attendees receive an email confirmation; bring printed or digital confirmation to badge pickup.
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Exhibit Booth Cost & Space Rates
Understanding booth pricing at PACK EXPO International is critical for budgeting your entire exhibit investment.
| Cost Item | Rate / Detail |
| Base Exhibit Space Rate | $34.25 per square foot (includes drayage/material handling) |
| PMMI Member Rate | Discounted — contact PMMI at 571.612.3200 or expo@pmmi.org |
| Drayage / Material Handling | Included in the space rate if shipment checks in by 2:00 p.m. on assigned target move-in date |
| Deposit | 25% non-refundable deposit due with Exhibit Space Application |
| Second Payment | Additional 50% of total booth price due by March 23, 2026 |
| Final Payment | Remaining 25% due by June 22, 2026 |
| Booths Booked After June 22, 2026 | Full 100% payment due with space application |
| Booking Contact | Gisella Zapata — gzapata@pmmi.org — 571.612.3200 |
One critical advantage at PACK EXPO International that you will not find at comparable shows: drayage and material handling is included in your space rate. At most major trade shows, drayage is billed separately at significant additional cost. At PACK EXPO International, if your freight arrives at McCormick Place by 2:00 p.m. on your assigned move-in date, drayage is covered. This is a meaningful cost advantage that makes PACK EXPO International’s all-in booth cost more competitive than it first appears.
Exhibit Booth Height Regulations — PACK EXPO International 2026
Height regulations at PACK EXPO International are non-negotiable. Every exhibitor and every exhibit builder must comply. Interior Today LLC designs all booths to full compliance with PACK EXPO rules from the start — no last-minute issues on the show floor.
| Booth Size | Maximum Height | Hanging Signs Permitted? |
| Under 599 sq. ft. | 12 feet for all display material (logos, graphics, structure) | No — hanging signs not permitted |
| 600 – 1,499 sq. ft. | 14 feet for all display material, logos, graphics, and hanging signs | Yes |
| 1,500 sq. ft. and over | 18 feet for all display material, logos, graphics, and hanging signs | Yes |
Additional rule: All display material and machinery must be set back at least 1 foot from all aisles. This applies to every booth regardless of size.
If your booth is in the 600–1,499 sq. ft. range, you can use hanging signs up to 14 feet — a valuable visibility tool in McCormick Place’s large exhibit halls. If you are 1,500 sq. ft. or above, the 18-foot maximum gives you serious structural options for towers, overhead branding, and suspended elements that can be seen from across the show floor.
Exhibit Booth Cancellation Policy — PACK EXPO International 2026
| Cancellation Timeline | Financial Consequence |
| Any time | 25% deposit is always non-refundable and non-transferable |
| After March 23, 2026, before June 22, 2026 | Forfeit all monies paid to date (up to 75% of total booth price) |
| After June 22, 2026 | Forfeit 100% of all monies paid — full loss of booth cost |
Plan your participation carefully and commit early. After June 22, 2026, there is no financial recovery from cancellation.
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Payment Schedule Summary
| Milestone | Deadline | Amount |
| Exhibit Space Application Deposit | At time of application | 25% of total booth cost |
| Second Payment | March 23, 2026 | 50% of total booth cost |
| Final Payment | June 22, 2026 | Remaining 25% of total booth cost |
| Late Booking (after June 22, 2026) | At time of application | 100% full payment |
Official Service Contractors — PACK EXPO International 2026
| Service Type | Contractor | Phone | |
| Move-In / Move-Out / Freight | PACK EXPO Services | 972.751.9400 | PES.Service@packexposervices.com |
| Booth Builder Services | Interior Today | 775-382-5513 | hello@interiortoday.us |
| Exhibitor Services Manual | Available May 2026 | — | expo@pmmi.org |
| Sponsorship & Advertising | Daniel Smith / Patrick Bradley | 312.205.7935 / 571.266.4413 | sales@pmmi.org |
| Speaking Opportunities | Kendall Schulte, Trade Show Operations Specialist | — | kschulte@pmmi.org |
| General Show Questions | PMMI Show Department | 571.612.3200 | expo@pmmi.org |
| Booth Payment Contact | Gisella Zapata | 571.612.3200 | gzapata@pmmi.org |
Online Exhibitor Directory — What Is Included and How to Improve Your Listing
Every exhibitor at PACK EXPO International 2026 receives a complimentary online directory listing. The directory receives over 1,000,000 views, making it one of the most valuable pre-show and post-show marketing assets available.
Standard Complimentary Listing Includes
| Listing Element | Included? |
| Company Description and Contact Information | ✅ Yes |
| Link to Company Website | ✅ Yes |
| Social Media Links | ✅ Yes |
| Product Categories | ✅ Yes |
| Sustainability Description | ✅ Yes |
| Vertical Markets Served | ✅ Yes |
| Press Releases | ✅ Yes |
To populate your listing, log into the Exhibitor Resource Center and complete all items in the “Complete Profile” section. The Show Contact for your company must create a new password on first login. Additional staff can be invited to create logins through the same portal.
Package upgrades are available to increase visibility and make a stronger impression on buyers. Contact your PMMI exhibit sales representative for upgrade package details.
Who Exhibits at PACK EXPO International 2026?
PACK EXPO International is the definitive showcase for companies across the entire packaging and processing supply chain. If your company falls into any of these categories, this is your primary trade show.
| Exhibitor Category | Examples |
| Automation, Controls & Components | Robotics, PLCs, sensors, conveyors, vision systems |
| Packaging Equipment / Machinery | Fill & seal machines, labelers, palletizers, case packers |
| Packaging Materials & Containers | Flexible packaging, cartons, bottles, pouches, labels |
| Food & Beverage Processing Equipment | Liquid handling, dry processing, food processing machinery |
| Packaging Services & Supplies | Contract packaging, inks, adhesives, coatings |
| Life Sciences Processing Equipment | Pharma/biopharma filling, inspection, serialization |
| Chemicals | Cleaning agents, process chemicals |
Top Product Categories Attendees Search For Most
Based on PMMI research from previous PACK EXPO shows, here are the categories attendees actively seek when they walk the floor:
Packaging Machinery:
- Bag & Pouch Fill & Seal (pre-made)
- Case & Tray Packing
- Labeling
- Material Handling
- Palletizing & Depalletizing
- Robotics
Packaging Materials:
- Cartons & Boxes
- Containers
- Flexible Packaging
- Labels
Processing Equipment:
- Food Processing Equipment
- Liquid Processing & Handling Equipment
- Dry Processing & Ingredient Handling Equipment
- Capsules, Tablets & Soft Gelatin Equipment (Life Sciences)
Who Attends PACK EXPO International 2026? Know Your Buyer Before You Build Your Booth
48,000 packaging and processing professionals will walk the McCormick Place floor over four days. Understanding exactly who they are shapes every decision about your exhibit design — from the size of your demo stations to the height of your backwall graphics.
| Attendee Role | Why They Come to PACK EXPO |
| Plant Managers | Evaluate new equipment, automation solutions, and operational improvements |
| Packaging Engineers | Discover new materials, machinery specifications, and line optimization tools |
| Operations Directors | Compare solutions side by side to support major capex decisions |
| R&D and Innovation Teams | Explore cross-industry technology breakthroughs and emerging materials |
| Corporate Leadership & Procurement | Meet qualified suppliers and approve major purchasing decisions |
| Quality, Sustainability & Regulatory Teams | Assess compliance, eco-friendly packaging, and traceability solutions |
| Maintenance & Line Optimization Specialists | Source parts, service providers, and upgrade machinery components |
| Entrepreneurs, Startups & Emerging Brands | Discover contract packaging options and emerging technologies |
Industries Represented at PACK EXPO International 2026
More than half of all PACK EXPO International attendees come from food and beverage. Here is the full industry breakdown:
Food & Beverage Industries:
| Industry Sector | Industry Sector |
| Baking and Snack | Beverage |
| Cereals / Breakfast Foods | Confectionery / Candy |
| Dairy | Frozen / Refrigerated Foods |
| Grain, Seeds, Beans, Flour, Nuts, Ingredients | Meat / Poultry / Seafood |
| Plant-Based Foods | Prepared Foods |
| Soups / Condiments / Sauces / Spices / Dips / Dressings | Wine, Beer & Spirits |
Life Sciences & Personal Care Industries:
| Industry Sector | Industry Sector |
| Biological / Biopharmaceutical | Pharma / Biopharma |
| Contract Manufacturing | Cosmetics & Personal Care |
| Medical & Dental Instruments or Supplies | Medical Devices |
| Nutraceutical / Vitamin / Dietary Supplement | Over-the-Counter Products |
| Pharmaceutical | — |
Household & Other Industries:
| Industry Sector | Industry Sector |
| Automotive Products | Building / Construction / Home Improvement |
| Cannabis Products | Chemical |
| Consumer Electronics / Appliances | Detergents / Cleaners |
| Hardware / Tools | Paper / Printing |
| Pet Food / Pet Care | Textile / Apparel / Footwear |
| Tissues and Paper Towels | Tobacco / Smoking Products |
| Toys / Sports / Crafts | Warehouse Distribution / E-Commerce |
Priority Points System — How Booth Space Selection Works at PACK EXPO International
Understanding priority points is critical if you are a returning exhibitor — and motivating if you are planning future shows.
| Priority Point Fact | Detail |
| How it works | Each exhibitor is assigned a priority point score used for space selection |
| Separate standings | PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO Southeast, and PACK EXPO East each have separate priority standings |
| How to improve your ranking | Exhibit continuously — each show you participate in builds your points |
| Cross-show impact | Choosing not to exhibit at other PACK EXPO shows does NOT affect your PACK EXPO International priority |
| First-come after priority | Once priority selection is complete, remaining space is sold on a first-come, first-served basis |
For new exhibitors: Reserve your booth space as early as possible. Priority exhibitors select first, so the best locations fill quickly once the general sale opens.
PACK EXPO International 2026 Education Program
One of the most underutilized competitive advantages at PACK EXPO International is the free education program. Over 150 educational sessions run on the show floor across all four days. These sessions drive foot traffic and create attendee dwell time in the exhibit hall — which means more potential prospects near your booth.
| Education Feature | Detail |
| Number of Sessions | 150+ |
| Cost | Free to all registered attendees |
| Location | On the show floor |
| Topics | Automation, AI, sustainability, workforce development, operations, packaging innovation |
| Photography / Recording | Not permitted in educational sessions |
| Who Leads Sessions | Industry experts shaping the future of packaging and processing |
| Speaking Opportunities | Contact Kendall Schulte at kschulte@pmmi.org |
What PACK EXPO International 2026 Exhibiting Gives You
PMMI summarizes the value of exhibiting at PACK EXPO International in five direct business outcomes. Here they are, exactly as an exhibitor should understand them:
| Business Outcome | How PACK EXPO Delivers It |
| Brand Reach | 2,600 exhibitors, 48,000 attendees, 40+ industries — and an online directory with 1M+ views |
| Face-to-Face Connections | Build trust with decision-makers who are actively looking to invest in new solutions |
| Qualified Lead Generation | Buyers arrive with active projects and purchasing mandates — not casual browsing |
| Market Intelligence | Gather competitive intelligence, customer feedback, and market trend data in real time |
| Compressed Business Cycle | Accomplish months of research, supplier outreach, and relationship-building in four days |
Accessibility Services at PACK EXPO International 2026
| Accessibility Service | Details |
| Wheelchair Rental | Available via Scootaround at 844.745.0541 or scootaround.com/chicago |
| Electric Scooter Rental | Same — Scootaround, reserve in advance |
| Designated Accessible Parking | Available at McCormick Place |
| TDD Telephones | Available throughout the venue |
| Nursing Stations | Three locations (see venue section above) |
| International Business Center | North Building, N-427 — lounge, interpreters, charging stations, complimentary refreshments |
| Visa Invitation Letter | Requested during registration — select “Letter of Invitation” option |
Age Policy & Show Floor Rules
| Rule | Detail |
| Minimum Age | No one under 14 years old permitted on the show floor — before, during, or after the show |
| Strollers / Infants | Not permitted on the show floor |
| Suitcasing / Solicitation | Strictly prohibited for non-exhibitors. Attendees soliciting in aisles or public spaces will be ejected and may be banned from future events |
| Photography / Videotaping | Unauthorized photography and videotaping prohibited. Must obtain exhibitor permission before taking photos or videos at their booth |
Why Interior Today LLC Is the Right Exhibit Booth Builder for PACK EXPO International 2026
PACK EXPO International is not a typical trade show. It is a working show — where live machinery runs, equipment demos operate continuously, and buyers evaluate products by watching them function in real time. Your exhibit booth is not just a backdrop. It is a functional operational environment where your equipment needs to run safely, your staff needs space to work, and your prospects need to feel comfortable enough to stop, engage, and spend time.
Interior Today LLC has extensive experience building exhibit booths for industrial, manufacturing, food & beverage, and life sciences trade shows at large convention centers including McCormick Place. We understand the specific requirements of PACK EXPO — the McCormick Place building configurations, the union labor environment, the importance of machinery clearances, the ceiling height opportunities at different booth sizes, and the drayage coordination that makes or breaks your move-in experience.
Here is exactly what we deliver for PACK EXPO International exhibitors:
Interior Today LLC — Full Services for PACK EXPO International 2026 Exhibitors
| Service | What Interior Today LLC Delivers |
| Custom Exhibit Design | Full 3D rendered concept design tailored to your booth size, machinery layout, brand identity, and PACK EXPO height regulations |
| Exhibit Fabrication | Professional-grade construction of all booth components — structures, counters, towers, hanging signs (where permitted), panels |
| Flooring Solutions | Carpet, hardwood-look flooring, raised platforms, and specialty industrial flooring |
| Large-Format Graphics | Backwall displays, hanging banners, side walls, product displays, floor decals |
| Custom Lighting | LED accent lighting, spotlights, atmospheric lighting — including lighting designed to showcase running machinery |
| AV & Technology Integration | Monitor mounting, video wall installation, demo screen placement, tablet kiosks |
| Custom Branded Furniture | Reception counters, consultation tables, lounge seating, product display pedestals |
| Machinery Clearance Planning | Booth layouts designed around your equipment footprint, safety clearances, and aisle setback rules |
| Hanging Sign Design & Installation | Available for booths 600 sq. ft. and above — maximizing vertical visibility under PACK EXPO height rules |
| Shipping & Freight Coordination | Full freight logistics to McCormick Place — coordinated to arrive before the 2:00 p.m. drayage inclusion deadline on your target move-in date |
| Installation (Move-In) | Professional crew manages your complete build from floor to ceiling |
| On-Site Support | Interior Today LLC support available throughout the four show days |
| Dismantling (Move-Out) | Complete teardown, packing, and return freight coordination |
| Rental Exhibit Systems | Modular rental exhibits with custom graphics — professional presence at a lower capital investment |
Our Exhibition Stand Design Portfolio In Chicago, Illinois.
At Interior Today we are offering flawless services for the exhibition and trade shows. We are working with brands and businesses of all sizes, designing and installing amazing stands. We believe in combining excellent design and superior project management to deliver high quality custom built exhibition stands. Just take a glance at some of our recent work given below.
PACK EXPO International 2026 — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When and where is PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: PACK EXPO International 2026 takes place October 18–21, 2026 at McCormick Place, 2301 S. King Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60616. Show hours are 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Sunday through Tuesday, and 9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
Q: How much does it cost to exhibit at PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: The base exhibit space rate is $34.25 per square foot, and this includes drayage/material handling if your freight checks in by 2:00 p.m. on your assigned move-in date. PMMI members qualify for discounted rates. Contact PMMI at 571.612.3200 or expo@pmmi.org to confirm your member rate.
Q: What is the payment schedule for exhibit space at PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: A 25% non-refundable deposit is due with your Exhibit Space Application. An additional 50% is due by March 23, 2026. The final 25% is due by June 22, 2026. Booths reserved after June 22, 2026 require 100% payment at time of application.
Q: Is drayage included at PACK EXPO International?
A: Yes — drayage and material handling are included in your booth space rate, provided your shipment or truck checks in at McCormick Place by 2:00 p.m. on your assigned target move-in date. This is a significant cost advantage compared to other major trade shows where drayage is billed separately.
Q: What are the height regulations for exhibit booths at PACK EXPO International?
A: Booths under 599 sq. ft. are allowed a maximum height of 12 feet — hanging signs are not permitted. Booths 600–1,499 sq. ft. are allowed up to 14 feet including hanging signs. Booths 1,500 sq. ft. and over are allowed up to 18 feet including hanging signs. All display material and machinery must be set back at least 1 foot from all aisles.
Q: Who is the official service contractor for PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: PACK EXPO Services is the official move-in/move-out and freight services contractor. Contact them at 972.751.9400 or PES.Service@packexposervices.com (freight) and pack.expo@packexposervices.com (booth services). The Exhibitor Services Manual will be available in May 2026.
Q: Can Interior Today LLC build an exhibit booth for PACK EXPO International at McCormick Place?
A: Yes. Interior Today LLC designs, fabricates, and installs custom exhibit booths for PACK EXPO International. We manage the complete project from design concept through installation and dismantling, including freight logistics coordination to McCormick Place.
Q: How large of a booth can Interior Today LLC build at PACK EXPO International?
A: We build all sizes — from small inline booths under 600 sq. ft. through large custom island configurations at 1,500 sq. ft. and beyond. We also offer modular rental exhibit systems for companies seeking professional presence at a lower capital investment.
Q: Does Interior Today LLC handle hanging sign installation at McCormick Place?
A: Yes. For booths 600 sq. ft. and above (where PACK EXPO rules permit hanging signs), Interior Today LLC designs, fabricates, and coordinates installation of hanging signs within the permitted height allowances (14 feet for 600–1,499 sq. ft. booths and 18 feet for 1,500+ sq. ft. booths).
Q: How many people attend PACK EXPO International?
A: PACK EXPO International draws 48,000+ packaging and processing professionals. Attendees include plant managers, packaging engineers, operations directors, procurement professionals, R&D teams, corporate leadership, and entrepreneurs from over 40 vertical industries. More than half of all attendees come from food and beverage sectors.
Q: What is the cancellation policy for exhibit space at PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: The 25% deposit is non-refundable at any time. Cancellations after March 23 and before June 22, 2026 forfeit all monies paid up to 75% of the total booth cost. Cancellations after June 22, 2026 forfeit 100% of all monies paid.
Q: How do I register to attend PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: Priority registration is $30 through September 25, 2026. Standard registration is $130 after that date. Badges are not mailed — they are available for on-site pickup at McCormick Place. Bring your printed or digital email confirmation to badge pickup.
Q: Is there free Wi-Fi at McCormick Place during PACK EXPO International?
A: Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout McCormick Place during the show on the “PACK EXPO” network.
Q: What industries are represented at PACK EXPO International 2026?
A: 40+ vertical industries are represented, with the majority from food and beverage (baking, beverage, dairy, meat/poultry, frozen foods, snack, confectionery, plant-based, and more). Life sciences (pharma, biopharma, medical devices, cosmetics) and household/industrial sectors (cannabis, pet food, e-commerce, automotive, chemical) are also strongly represented.
Q: Does PACK EXPO International allow live machinery demonstrations?
A: Yes. PACK EXPO International is specifically designed for live machinery demos — it is one of the defining features of the show. Attendees come to see equipment operating in real time before making purchasing decisions. Interior Today LLC designs booth layouts around machinery footprints and demo requirements.
Q: Is there shuttle service from hotels to McCormick Place during PACK EXPO International?
A: Yes. Complimentary shuttle bus service runs from official show hotels to McCormick Place during morning hours and returns to hotels in the afternoon. A free Metra commuter train ride from Millennium Park Station to McCormick Place is also available. Full details are posted on the Travel & Hotel section of packexpointernational.com a few months before the show.
Q: Can I rent a wheelchair or mobility scooter at McCormick Place during PACK EXPO International?
A: Yes. Wheelchair and electric scooter rentals are available through Scootaround Mobility Solutions. Call 844.745.0541 or visit scootaround.com/chicago to reserve.
Q: Are there international resources available at PACK EXPO International?
A: Yes. The International Business Center (IBC) is located in North Building, Room N-427. It offers personalized assistance from PMMI’s international staff, lounge seating, private meeting rooms, complimentary refreshments, device charging stations, and on-site interpreters. International attendees can also request a Visa Invitation Letter during the registration process.
Q: How early should I start planning my PACK EXPO International 2026 exhibit booth?
A: For a custom exhibit build targeting October 2026 at McCormick Place, we strongly recommend starting the design process no later than June 2026. Large island booths (1,500+ sq. ft.) with hanging sign installations require additional lead time. Contact Interior Today LLC as early as possible to lock in your design and production schedule.
Q: Does PACK EXPO International sell or rent attendee email lists?
A: No. PMMI does not sell or rent attendee email lists. Any solicitation claiming to offer PACK EXPO attendee email lists is fraudulent. Report scams to the U.S. FTC fraud division. For legitimate lead generation options, contact your PMMI Media Group sales consultant.
Q: What is the minimum age to attend PACK EXPO International?
A: No person under the age of 14 is permitted on the show floor — before, during, or after the show. Strollers and carried infants are also not permitted on the show floor.
The Interior Today LLC Process — Building Your PACK EXPO International 2026 Exhibit
Step 1 — Discovery and Strategic Planning
We begin with a detailed consultation covering your booth size, reserved space location in McCormick Place, machinery or equipment footprint (if applicable), your business goals at PACK EXPO 2026, your audience within the show, and your brand identity guidelines. We review the official floor plan with you, identify your location’s traffic patterns, and develop a strategic brief that drives every design decision.
Step 2 — 3D Concept Design
Our design team produces a full 3D rendered visualization of your exhibit booth — showing exactly what your space will look like on the McCormick Place floor, at full scale, with accurate color, lighting, and material representation. We present two to three layout concepts and refine to your final approved design.
Step 3 — PACK EXPO Compliance Review
Before fabrication begins, we conduct a full compliance review against PACK EXPO International’s height regulations, aisle setback rules, machinery clearance requirements, and any additional McCormick Place venue specifications. Every measurement, every hanging sign height, every display element is verified against the official Rules & Regulations.
Step 4 — Fabrication
Your exhibit components are built in our fabrication facility — structural elements, backwalls, counters, towers, hanging sign frames, custom furniture, and display cases — using professional-grade materials built for repeated trade show use. Large-format graphics are produced on high-quality print systems for maximum visual impact on the show floor.
Step 5 — Freight Coordination to McCormick Place
We manage all freight logistics to McCormick Place, coordinated specifically to ensure your shipment arrives at the dock before 2:00 p.m. on your assigned target move-in date — the deadline for drayage/material handling to be included in your booth space cost. This coordination alone saves exhibitors meaningful money by avoiding special handling charges.
Step 6 — Installation at McCormick Place
Our professional installation crew builds your complete exhibit during your assigned move-in window. Flooring goes down first, then structure, then graphics, lighting, AV, and furniture — in a sequenced process that prevents errors and delays. For booths with hanging signs, our crew coordinates with McCormick Place rigging services to ensure signs are hung at compliant heights and structurally secure.
Step 7 — On-Site Support During the Show (October 18–21)
Interior Today LLC maintains a contact reachable throughout all four show days. If a graphic panel needs adjustment, a lighting element needs repositioning, or any issue arises during the show, we handle it immediately without interrupting your selling time.
Step 8 — Dismantling and Return Freight
When the show closes on Wednesday, October 21 at 3:00 p.m., our crew returns to dismantle your complete exhibit. All components are packed, labeled, and inventoried. Return freight is coordinated for departure from McCormick Place. Your property arrives back at your facility in the same condition it left — ready for the next show.
Start Building Your PACK EXPO International 2026 Exhibit Booth with Interior Today LLC
PACK EXPO International 2026 is the largest packaging and processing event in the Americas. With 2,600 exhibitors, 48,000 industry professionals, over 40 vertical industries, live machinery demonstrations running simultaneously across hundreds of booths, and a $34.25-per-square-foot exhibit cost that already includes drayage — the investment in being at this show is real, and so is the competitive pressure.
At McCormick Place in October, buyers arrive ready to evaluate and purchase. They have allocated time, budget authority, and genuine project needs. Your exhibit booth is your sales team’s headquarters, your brand’s physical statement, and your most powerful competitive asset for four days.
Interior Today LLC builds exhibit stands that are ready for that environment — custom designed, professionally fabricated, installed on time, compliant with every PACK EXPO regulation, and engineered to generate leads from the moment the doors open at 9:00 a.m. on October 18.
