PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, has launched a new program designed to help small- and medium-sized manufacturers find solutions, resources, and connections to grow. The program will debut at PACK EXPO East, taking place at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia Feb. 17-19.

The program, SMB FastTrack, simplifies show planning while improving access to SMB-friendly exhibitors and education. The program uses planning tools and visual identifiers to help attendees connect with exhibitors, educational sessions, and business resources aligned with their scale and growth goals.

Exhibitors participating in the program will have designated SMB Friendly icons in the online exhibitor directory and on the show floor, signaling offerings like flexible financing, discounts, or additional services for SMBs. Exhibitors with machinery onsite will have a gear icon in their directory.

Education at PACK EXPO East will include a dedicated SMB-focused learning track, with sessions for teams covering topics like workforce development, artificial intelligence, food safety, digital manufacturing, lean operations, cost-effective packaging solutions, startup supply chain strategies, and scalable technologies. SMB-friendly icons will also appear in the online session directory to help attendees find relevant programming.

SMB FastTrack’s program has a single landing page, where participants can find a curated directory of suppliers, recommended educational sessions, and other planning tools such as the Sustainability Solutions Finder and Visual Category Search, while My Show Planner further supports it by allowing attendees to organize exhibitors, sessions, and events, schedule meetings in advance, and drive meaningful connections before, during, and after the show.

Other Show Highlights

For the first time, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will be on-site at PACK EXPO East to share regional business resources and services.

“We’re putting planning power into the hands of attendees by ensuring every minute at PACK EXPO East leads to meaningful business outcomes,” said Thompson. “PACK EXPO East isn’t just about technology, it’s about relationships. This SMB FastTrack Program makes those connections easier to establish and more impactful.”

The event will also introduce an AI-powered category search to receive recommended product categories that link directly to relevant exhibitors, and an AI-powered search pilot that provides AI-generated step-by-step packaging or processing guidance based on an end product.

PACK EXPO East will feature 500 exhibitors with solutions for over 40 vertical markets. Other new features will include a Containers and Materials Pavilion, showcasing recyclable, biodegradable, and e-commerce packaging solutions; and the Incubator Hub, spotlighting innovative Pennsylvania-based startups and entrepreneurs shaping the future of packaging and processing.

Returning pavilions include the Reusable Packaging Pavilion, the Association Partner Pavilion, and the Workforce Development Pavilion, where colleges, universities, and industry partners will share resources to build and strengthen the packaging and processing workforce, including through training with PMMI U.

PACK EXPO’s lineup of educational and networking opportunities includes the free Innovation Stage, Industry Speaks presentations, the Taste of Philly opening reception, the Young Professionals Networking Reception, the Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network Reception, and the new Philly Snack Stop. For even more, attendees can register separately for Vision 2030, a forum for leaders and decision-makers in the packaging and processing sectors.