For the North American market, look to the PACK EXPO series. PACK EXPO Southeast will take place in Atlanta from April 12–14, 2027, focusing on packaging and processing solutions for sectors such as food and beverage and life sciences; PACK EXPO Las Vegas, scheduled for September 27–29, 2027, is a premier packaging technology event in North America; and the Guadalajara, Mexico event in June covers the Latin American market. The trade show schedule in North America is fast-paced, with two events a year being the norm.
Recommendations vary depending on the supplier’s stage of development. For first-time international exhibitors, regional shows are ideal for testing the waters due to lower costs and direct communication; those with an established customer base in Europe and the US should target Pack Expo or drupa to connect with major buyers; and for those looking to tap into emerging markets, exhibitions in the Middle East and Southeast Asia offer excellent value for money.
In the export packaging business, the trade show calendar is essentially an order calendar. The timing and location of major exhibitions directly influence where customers come from and how orders are negotiated. You can start planning your 2027 exhibition schedule right now.
Events in the Middle East and Asia also merit attention. Saudi Print & Pack, held in Riyadh from April 26–29, 2027, provides access to the Middle East’s largest economy; Pack Print International in Bangkok, scheduled for September 15–18, 2027, serves as a gateway to the Southeast Asian market. While regional shows may be smaller in scale, they often offer a better match between exhibitors and customers.
Exhibiting involves more than just the cost of the booth. Expenses for samples, translation, logistics, and travel must be planned in advance. A three-step process is essential: inviting existing clients before the show, gathering leads during the event, and following up to convert them afterward. The true value of a trade show lies not in the three days of the event itself, but in the three months that follow.
The major highlights for Europe are set for 2028. drupa 2028, the flagship global trade fair for printing technologies—featuring packaging printing and smart production as key segments—is scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf from May 9 to 17, 2028. The next edition of interpack is set for June 10 to 15, 2029, also in Düsseldorf. For suppliers in the printing and packaging sectors, drupa and interpack complement each other by alternating years, making them both well worth attending.
