CPG packaging trends are affected by many things, including a global pandemic that continues to wreak havoc. While the pandemic may still be here, that doesn't mean CPG brands won't be networking in 2021. Here are some of the top packaging-related conferences for the first half of the year (many still virtual).
2021 CPG Packaging Conferences
February
- The Packaging Conference is a live event this year on February 8-10. This is “the event” for packaging industry professionals—and has been since 2008. This year the show is at Omni Amelia Island, Florida. The event will feature talks from some of the leaders in CPG, suppliers, big tech, equipment vendors, label manufacturers, and a whole lot more. Their website boasts that they were “one of the last live conferences held in 2020.” Event organizers say it’s time to get back to the real world, so this isn’t a virtual, but an on-site event.
- Pharma Packaging and Labeling USA are scheduled for February 17-18 in Philadelphia. The event brings together a lively group of biotech, medical device, big pharma, and more, along with CPG packaging teams looking to spot the latest trends and learn from industry bests. Look for big names like Johnson & Johnson, Merck, Bayer, and GSK, along with many others from the field of consumer health.
March
- The Specialty Packaging Films conference is virtual this year, to be held on March 23-25. This global summit will focus on flexible barrier packaging for retail and industrial applications. There is a special emphasis on the growing Asia market, making this event a must for CPG packaging experts.
May
- For CPG packaging designers, the idea of “green” is hot right now. The Natural Products Expo West moved their live event to May 24-27 in Anaheim, California. Whether the event eventually will go virtual remains to be seen. However, it’s an important event for CPG packaging experts to learn about the latest products and packaging trends in the eco-friendly space.
August
- WestPack will go live again this year in Anaheim, California. It’s California’s largest packaging event, bringing together more than 2,000 exhibitors and 20,000 attendees in the convention center. This is a real-time event this year, not virtual, and it features more than 100 thought leaders in the packaging industry, demos from 2,000 suppliers and designers, and a whole lot more.
September
- Then there is the NWPCA Annual Leadership Conference scheduled for September 15-17 in Orlando. The event specifically tackles some of the issues surrounding the wood pallet and wood packaging industry.
- Las Vegas will be the home of the Pack Expo September 27-29 this year. This event is currently billed as a live show, packed with industry experts in CPG packaging. Currently, 47 of the top 50 CPG brands will be represented, along with 37 of the top 50 pharma companies and 19 of the top household and personal product companies in the U.S.
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