unPACKed with PMMI

PMMI

We share the latest packaging and processing industry insights, research and innovations to help you advance your business.

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S9 · E220
Wednesday · 13 min
The Biggest PACK EXPO International Yet: What's New for 2026
PACK EXPO International 2026 is shaping up to be the largest in the show's history, with more than 2,700+ exhibitors across 1.3 million net square feet. Get the inside scoop on what's new, from Discovery Tours and the AI-powered Solutions Finder to workforce programs, and PACK Gives BACK at the House of Blues. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E219
September 23 · 17 min
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Cybersecurity Isn't Just an IT Problem
In this episode, cybersecurity expert and PMMI’s Senior Director of IT, Andy Lomasky, joins unPACKed to explore key challenges and strategies in protecting industrial systems. We discuss network segmentation, remote-access risks, and essential steps that OEMs can take to embed cybersecurity into machine design from the outset. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E218
September 16 · 14 min
The State of Packaging Ahead of PACK EXPO 2026
In this episode, PMMI’s Vice President of Market Development, Jorge Izquierdo, breaks down the top challenges facing packaging and processing operations heading into PACK EXPO International 2026. He also explains what "operational resilience" means today and how to use new tools, such as PACK EXPO's AI search, to walk away with real solutions. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E217
September 2 · 22 min
PACK EXPO 2026: What to Know Before You Go (with The Manufacturing Millennial & Meaghan Ziemba)
In this episode, influencers Jake Hall and Meaghan Zeimba discuss what's new on the factory floor this year, including smarter robots, better-connected software, and the biggest workforce challenges in manufacturing. They also share helpful tips to get the most from the show and explain why meeting people in person is so valuable. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E216
August 19 · 17 min
Walking the Floor with Purpose: A Veteran Attendee's Guide to PACK EXPO
Ahead of PACK EXPO International, Charles Weinberg, CEO of MSI Express, shares his team's proven playbook for tackling the show floor. From pre-show homework and vendor meetings to sending mechanics to scout new technology firsthand. He also digs into the automation, robotics, and AI trends reshaping the packaging industry that attendees should watch for on the floor this year. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Looking for the right supplier for your next packaging or processing challenge? The search doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet PMMI ProSource, the online directory connecting you with trusted packaging and processing suppliers. Search by product, equipment, or service. Explore supplier capabilities. And quickly find companies with the solutions you need. Visit PMMIProSource.org. Your source for packaging and processing solutions. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E215
August 12 · 15 min
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Winning the Trade Show Game at PACK EXPO International
In this special exhibitor edition of unPACKed, trade show expert and President of Competitive Edge, Jefferson Davis, joins the podcast to share what separates winning exhibitors from the rest at PACK EXPO International, starting with a simple framework for identifying the right people to target. He also covers practical tactics for pre-show outreach and booth strategy, including why authentic conversations and hands-on experiences matter most to attendees. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E214
August 5 · 18 min
The State of Trade: Tariffs, USMCA, and Manufacturing's Path Forward
In this episode, Founder and Chief Trade Strategist of TradeMoves LLC, Shawn Jarosz, joins the podcast to share the newest tariff updates and what they mean for the packaging and processing industry. From evolving U.S. trade policy and USMCA negotiations to the latest developments with Canada and China, she explains what manufacturers should expect and how PMMI is helping the industry navigate a rapidly changing trade landscape. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Looking for the right supplier for your next packaging or processing challenge? The search doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet PMMI ProSource, the online directory connecting you with trusted packaging and processing suppliers. Search by product, equipment, or service. Explore supplier capabilities. And quickly find companies with the solutions you need. Visit PMMIProSource.org. Your source for packaging and processing solutions. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E213
July 22 · 14 min
People Over Process: Leadership Lessons from the Cockpit
Nicole Malachowski flew F-15Es in combat, led the Thunderbirds, and advised the White House over a 21-year Air Force career, and her take on leadership isn't what you'd expect. She joins the pod and breaks down why vulnerability, not authority, builds high-performing teams, and how to lead people through constant change. Catch her full keynote at the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast at PACK EXPO International this October. packexpointernational.com/pod See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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July 8 · 16 min
[Re-Release] Are Your Competitors Out-Marketing You?
In our 200th episode, we talked with Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke about what authentic marketing looks like for manufacturers today. We covered how small teams can create consistent, meaningful content without overcomplicating it and why platforms like LinkedIn still matter. The episode also explores how digital engagement can lead to stronger real-world connections. Originally released March 2026. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E211
July 1 · 11 min
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Connecting Students, Schools, and Industry Through PACK EXPO
In this episode, PMMI’s Director of Workforce Development, Kate Torrence, shares how our approach to workforce development has shifted from supporting today's workforce to cultivating tomorrow's. She discusses the programs, partnerships, and PACK EXPO initiatives that give students a firsthand look at careers in packaging and manufacturing while also providing companies with access to the next generation of talent. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E210
June 24 · 14 min
The Ingredients of Industry Growth: What the State of the Industry Report Reveals
Consumer preferences, from high-protein foods to viral grocery trends, are reshaping the food and beverage processing industry in unexpected ways. In today's episode, we chat with Vanessa Lopez from Interact Analysis to explore the key findings from PMMI's first Food & Beverage Processing Industry Report. Learn more about the technologies, market forces, and investment trends driving the sector forward. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Looking for the right supplier for your next packaging or processing challenge? The search doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet PMMI ProSource, the online directory connecting you with trusted packaging and processing suppliers. Search by product, equipment, or service. Explore supplier capabilities. And quickly find companies with the solutions you need. Visit PMMIProSource.org. Your source for packaging and processing solutions. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
- Transcript
S9 · E209
June 10 · 18 min
[Re-Release] Automation = Opportunity: How Robots Create More Careers
Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, is back in the feed — and this conversation is just as relevant as ever. Jake breaks down why outdated perceptions of manufacturing are holding the industry back, how robots are saving jobs rather than replacing them, and what companies can do to attract the next generation of talent. Originally released August 2025. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E208
May 27 · 14 min
The Economic Trends Every Business Should Watch
In this episode, we break down economic trends shaping businesses with economist Lauren Saidel-Baker. From inflation and labor shortages to AI and productivity, she shares what companies should really be watching over the next few years and why growth alone doesn’t guarantee success. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Looking for the right supplier for your next packaging or processing challenge? The search doesn’t have to be complicated. Meet PMMI ProSource, the online directory connecting you with trusted packaging and processing suppliers. Search by product, equipment, or service. Explore supplier capabilities. And quickly find companies with the solutions you need. Visit PMMIProSource.org. Your source for packaging and processing solutions. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
- Transcript
S9 · E207
May 20 · 16 min
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] The Human Advantage: Why Trade Shows Matter
In this special Exhibitor Edition episode, we sit down with Chief Editor of Packaging World, Matt Reynolds, and Director of Custom Research at PMMI, Rebecca Marquez, to explore why trade shows matter in an AI-driven world, and how businesses are balancing automation, workforce challenges, sustainability pressures, and ROI in a rapidly changing market. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E206
May 13 · 15 min
Your Employees Are Leaving—Here’s Why
Losing great people isn’t just about pay. Ultimately, it’s about leadership, culture, and connection. We sit down with Jim Weber to see what REALLY drives employees to stay or go so, listen in and hear how leaders can build a workplace people don’t want to leave. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E205
April 29 · 14 min
Shifting Perceptions of “Dirty Jobs” with Mike Rowe
Mike Rowe, best known for Dirty Jobs, joins the podcast to talk about why so many skilled trade careers are still misunderstood. He shares why he thinks perception, not opportunity, is the real barrier and why telling better, more honest stories about these careers matters. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E204
April 15 · 15 min
The Real Reason You Are Losing Customers
In this week's episode, Lisa Apolinski from PhatKat Consulting breaks down how suppliers can build trust and stand out by creating value-driven, story-based content that reduces risk, cost, and time. We also cover how AI is reshaping buyer decisions and why authentic expertise matters more than ever. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E203
April 8 · 16 min
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] How AI is Transforming Trade Shows
In this episode, Jessica Lawshe from PMMI and Don Kline from Map Your Show explain how AI-powered tools are making it easier for buyers to find the right exhibitors and navigate trade shows. We also cover how exhibitors can use tools like Sales Accelerator and strong online listings to better connect with the right audience and drive results. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E202
April 1 · 15 min
Where Manufacturing Careers Really Begin
Where do careers in manufacturing really begin for women? In this episode, Meaghan Ziemba shares why the path often starts long before college or a first job, shaped by early exposure, encouragement, and what young girls are (and aren’t) shown. She breaks down who plays a role in that journey and what needs to change to help more women see manufacturing as a path from the start. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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S9 · E201
March 18 · 14 min
The Workforce Crisis You Can’t Ignore
Festo joins us to talk about how they’re working with PMMI to tackle the manufacturing workforce challenge through training and certifications. We also break down why the skills gap might not be what it seems, and how it connects to the pace of new technology in the industry. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover state-of-the-art packaging technology, processing equipment, new materials, sustainable solutions, supply chain resources and more. You’ll walk away with innovative solutions to challenges, big and small. Register at packexpointernational.com. Register for PACK EXPO International today!
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