Packing & Packaging Trade Shows in Chicago 2027: Complete Guide
Every year, Chicago hosts some of the biggest packing & packaging exhibitions. Machine builders, material suppliers, brand owners, and packaging engineers all show up. If you have a business in packaging, this is the place to be, and before you plan to book space, you must check the Chicago Convention Centre calendar of each show to move forward with your planning.
Today’s guide lists four must-attend packing & packaging trade shows in Chicago 2027. Let’s get into it.
Must-Attend Packing & Packaging Trade Shows in Chicago 2027
Many popular and new packing & packaging expos in Chicago 2027 land here. It’s also why exhibitors from Europe and Asia plan their year around these dates.
1. EATS 2027 (Equipment, Automation, and Technology Show)
Date: October 26–28, 2027
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
EATS is the new name for what used to be Process Expo. This trade show is about food and beverage processing packaging materials. EATS 2027 is about the machines and tech that turn raw ingredients into finished products, and packaging is a major part of that.
Exhibitors show food processing equipment, packaging lines, automation systems, and food safety tools. More than 80+ companies exhibit, and around 1,000+ visitors walk the floor. Attendees at EATS are R&D teams, plant managers, purchasing directors, and production engineers. They want equipment that runs faster, wastes less, and meets food safety rules. For packaging suppliers, it’s a great fit – every food product needs a package, and EATS puts you in front of the brands that buy them.
Many exhibitors bring large machines. A 10×20 or 20×20 leaves room for live demos. If you only show small parts or materials, a 10×10 can do the job.
2. Packaging World Forum 2027
Date: June 16–17, 2027
Venue: Old Post Office, Chicago, IL
This isn’t an actual packing & packaging trade show in Chicago with rows of booths – it’s more of a conference event. IoPP and PMMI, two major packaging industry groups, host this event.
The primary focus of Packaging World Forum 2027 is interactive sessions about the problems and trends in the packaging sector. Brand owners, retailers, converters, and regulators sit down together to work through packaging’s toughest problems. Topics include extended producer responsibility (EPR), material changes, supply chain pressure, and e-commerce demands.
If you sell packaging software, consulting, or sustainable materials, this is a smart place to be seen. Here, tabletop displays with simple, well-designed 10×10 presentations work well for networking and making connections.
3. ProMat 2027
Date: April 19–21, 2027
Venue: McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
ProMat is another packing and packaging trade fair in Chicago. Here, packaging and material handling are given space alongside logistics and supply chain products and services.
ProMat 2027 expects over 1,100 exhibitors across three halls at McCormick Place and more than 50,000 attendees. The footfall here comes to buy forklifts, conveyors, robotics, and, yes, packaging supplies and equipment. Many attendees hold VP or C-level titles, so the expo has great chances to get a deal closed. If you want to reach warehouse managers and supply chain directors, ProMat is the place to exhibit.
The floor is huge, and a small booth can disappear. That’s why many packaging exhibitors choose a 10×20 or 20×20 with clear signs and a demo area. You also get room for meeting tables, product displays, and seating.
4. Sustainability in Packaging US (SUSTPACK)
Date: March 9–11, 2027
Venue: Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL
Sustainability is no longer optional in packaging. SUSTPACK is the only US packing and packaging conference in Chicago built entirely around sustainable packaging.
The whole supply chain shows up: raw material suppliers, converters, brands, retailers, government agencies, and NGOs. Topics at SUSTPACK include eco-friendly materials, recycling systems, waste management, and how to get sustainability projects approved inside large companies. SUSTPACK is more of a conference than a trade show. Sponsors and exhibitors usually go with clean, simple displays that tell a sustainability story.
How to Book Booth Design for Packing & Packaging Trade Shows in Chicago 2027
First, remember to book your booth design early, as Chicago packing and packaging expos are popular. The best trade show booth builders also fill their calendars very quickly. If you want to never miss this chance, follow this trade show booth design checklist:
- Confirm the show dates and venue.
- Pick a booth size you want to exhibit in.
- Make sure to calculate the design, build, shipping, and setup costs. It’s important to know your range first.
- Find a local exhibition stand builder. Look for one who knows Chicago venues and their rules.
- Read the venue rules carefully and adhere to them. For example, McCormick Place has requirements for booth height, fire safety, and materials.
- Start designing early, as a good custom booth takes time.
Booth Design Rules: McCormick Place Convention Center Guide
McCormick Place is North America’s largest convention center, and it runs on strict rules. Here’s what to know from the McCormick Place Convention Center guide :
- Booth materials must be fire-retardant. Open flames, lasers, and smoke devices need approval from the Chicago Fire Department beforehand.
- Every exhibit space needs carpet or approved flooring.
- Show management must review any sign hung from the ceiling. Anything over 500 lbs needs a structural engineer’s stamp.
- Chairs, tables, and displays can’t block aisles or exits – keep it open. Fire safety gear must always be visible.
- Flammable gases, explosives, untreated greenery, and charcoal are out.
- You can keep only a one-day supply of product or literature in the booth. No storage behind the back wall.
Reminder: these rules exist to protect attendees and exhibitors. A professional booth builder knows them and designs a booth that passes inspection.
Your Trade Show Exhibitor Checklist for Packing & Packaging Expos in Chicago
Before any of these packing & packaging trade shows in Chicago, have a look at this trade show exhibitor checklist
- Book booth space early
- Choose the right booth size
- Hire a booth builder
- Review venue rules
- Plan your marketing and giveaways
- Train booth staff on your pitch
- Schedule meetings with key clients
- Arrange shipping and storage
- Confirm setup and teardown times
Book Your Booth Design for Packing & Packaging Trade Shows in Chicago
EATS, ProMat, the Packaging World Forum, and SUSTPACK will bring thousands of buyers and decision-makers to town. Exhibitors who plan early will get the most out of them.
Whimsical Exhibits is ready to help. Our team has more than 16 years of experience and has delivered over 2,500 booths across the USA. We’re a leading trade show booth builder in Chicago that offers:
- Custom booth design that fits your brand.
- Exhibit display rental options in Chicago to save money.
- Full project management from start to finish.
- Local know-how on union rules and venue deadlines.
- Setup and teardown handled by our team.
Contact us today to learn more about our packing and packaging trade fair offerings in Chicago for 2027.