In this episode, Lauren unpacks today’s economic trends — from tariffs and inflation to labor challenges — and why ITR remains optimistic about future growth. Plus, what businesses should know about a potential 2030s downturn.

Mary Johnson, a veteran marketer at Amcor, discusses how her team leverages PACK EXPO’s Customer Invite Program (CIP) and a multi-channel strategy to drive booth traffic, track engagement, and energize sales teams. She emphasizes the importance...

In this episode, Joel Fischer from AMETEK MOCON discusses how consumer demand is driving sustainable packaging innovations like compostable papers and bio-fillers. He highlights industry collaborations and offers insights on balancing sustainab...

In this episode, Amber Miller and Jen Krepelka of PMMI Media Group share pre-show marketing strategies to boost booth traffic ahead of PACK EXPO Las Vegas. They offer tips on digital targeting, email campaigns, and post-show follow-up to help e...

In this episode, Business leader Richard Bryan shares his experience reviving a family business and offers practical advice on succession planning. He explains why many avoid it, how to start by defining future goals, and why job scorecards bea...

In this episode, Digital leadership expert Erik Qualman shares his STAMP framework-Simple, True, Act, Map, People-for thriving in a rapidly changing world. He urges leaders to embrace AI as “co-intelligence,” stay focused on what matters, and l...

In this episode, as part of our ongoing Learning Circle series, Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) leader Jan Tharp and organizational psychologist Dr. Cranla Warren join the pod to discuss emotional intelligence (EI) a...

In this episode, Lindsay Bridenbaker, PepsiCo’s Senior Director of Packaging R&D, discusses building the future packaging workforce through STEM education and programs like the PACK Challenge at PACK EXPO International. She highlights Pepsi...

In this episode, we chat with Andy Lomasky, PMMI’s Senior Director of IT, as he discusses the growing shift toward multi-cloud strategies to boost security, flexibility, and resilience. He shares firsthand insights on the challenges and benefit...

In this episode, Jorge Izquierdo, PMMI’s VP of Market Development, shares insights from the latest Contract Packaging report, highlighting the sector’s growth and support for CPGs. He discusses trends like automation, E-commerce, sustainability...

In this episode, Laura Thompson, PMMI’s VP of Trade Shows, discusses PACK EXPO’s expansion to Atlanta, chosen for its strategic location and industry reach. She previews hands-on demos, sustainability efforts, and networking, plus tools like My...

In this episode, Rebecca Marquez returns to share findings from the updated Packaging Compass report, highlighting trends like the durability of plastics, rising interest in compostables, and the machinery challenges of sustainable pac...

In this episode, we chat with Jessica Lawshe, a seasoned expert in leveraging chatbot technology for enhanced customer experiences and business efficiency. From defining chatbots to exploring their practical applications in industries like manu...

Lisa Sun, Founder and CEO, GRAVITAS, discusses how personal stories shape leadership journeys. She dives into the power of immigrant experiences, the role of self-confidence in achieving success, and her groundbreaking "superpower methodology."...

In this episode, AI expert Carol Reiley offers practical guidance for adopting generative AI, from selecting models to managing privacy and data prep. She stresses starting small, using cloud tools, and blending AI with employee expertise, espe...

In this episode, Kim Lear explores how generational differences shape the workplace, particularly around technology and shifting expectations. She emphasizes the importance of clear leadership, mutual respect, and using tech to enhance performa...

In this episode, Terry Iverson, founder of CHAMPION Now, discusses reshaping perceptions of American manufacturing by spotlighting tech-driven, high-skill careers. He emphasizes how automation creates better jobs and the need for strong technic...

In this episode, Laura Thompson, PMMI’s VP of Trade Shows, joins to preview PACK EXPO International—set to be the largest yet. She highlights new features like Sustainability Central and the Emerging Brands Stage, plus tips for navigating the s...

In this episode, Rebecca Marquez previews the upcoming 2024 Snack Food Trends Report, highlighting machinery innovations driven by sustainability, new packaging materials, outsourcing, and robotics. The report drops in October, just ahead of PA...

In this episode of unPACKed with PMMI, Jorge Izquierdo joins to discuss PMMI’s State of the Industry Report, highlighting key trends like labor shortages, automation, sustainability, and sanitation. He also previews what to expect at this year’...

In this episode, George Blunt of Interact Analysis joins to unpack PMMI’s white paper on AI’s impact in packaging and processing. We explore five key technologies, AI co-pilots, machine vision, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and connect...

In this episode, we explore the exciting world of warehouse automation. We discuss how labor shortages and the e-commerce boom are driving the push to automate, and we share insights from a recent industry report,

This episode dives into the current state of the industry, revealing that workforce challenges are worsening and now rank third among industry concerns. Jorge Izquierdo explains how the paradox of automation, while a solution to workforce short...

This episode explores strategies for successful vertical startups in manufacturing, focusing on transparency, pre-planning, and early OEM involvement. We share insights from recent top-to-top discussions and offer tips to boost production effic...

In this episode we discuss overcoming barriers to authentic communication including imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and people-pleasing, with strategies like grounding oneself and prioritizing important values. This episode also emphasizes se...