PACK EXPO International 2026 is scheduled for 18 to 21 October 2026 at McCormick Place in Chicago, United States. Produced by PMMI, PACK EXPO International is one of the world’s largest packaging and processing events, covering packaging and processing machinery, materials, containers, automation and coding across food, beverage, pharma and consumer goods.
Indian professionals travelling to attend need a valid US visa. Business visitors apply for a B-1 (business visitor) visa: complete the DS-160, pay the fee and attend an interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Interview wait times vary, so start early.
The event
About PACK EXPO International 2026
PACK EXPO International brings together machinery and materials suppliers with brand owners, contract packagers, converters and engineering teams. Working machinery is demonstrated live, alongside pavilions for processing, automation, containers and materials, and a large education programme.
For Indian packaging and processing machinery makers and material suppliers, PACK EXPO is a route to North American brand owners, co-packers and distribution partners. For Indian manufacturers, it is a way to benchmark technology and automation against the US market.
Plan the visit
Date and venue
McCormick Place
Chicago, Illinois, USA
PACK EXPO alternates between Chicago (International) and Las Vegas in different years. Confirm the exact halls and daily opening hours on the official PACK EXPO International website before booking travel.
Across the show floor
What visitors can explore
Packaging machinery
Filling, sealing, cartoning, labelling and end-of-line systems.
Processing equipment
Food, beverage, pharma and personal-care processing lines.
Materials & containers
Flexible, rigid, paper-based and sustainable packaging materials.
Coding, inspection & automation
Marking, vision inspection, robotics and warehouse automation.
Product groups reflect the show’s published profile and can change between editions. Check the official website for the confirmed hall plan and exhibitor directory.
Business value
Why Indian businesses should attend
Meet North American brand owners, co-packers and distributors face-to-face, see machinery demonstrated live, and hold sourcing and distribution conversations that are hard to progress remotely.
PACK EXPO also gives Indian packaging businesses a first-hand read on the US market — sustainable materials, automation, e-commerce packaging and the technology used across the industry.
Before you fly
How to register
- 1
Register online
Register as a trade visitor on the official PACK EXPO International website with your professional and company details, and save your confirmation or e-badge.
- 2
Request a letter for your visa file
Where the organiser offers a visa-support or invitation-letter service for registered visitors, request it early and keep it with your application documents.
- 3
Carry business identification
Bring your passport, registration confirmation, an employer covering letter and business cards to the venue.
For Indian passport holders
US B-1 Business Visitor Visa for PACK EXPO International 2026
The United States requires Indian passport holders to hold a valid US visa. Business visitors attending a trade show apply for a B-1 (business visitor) visa: complete the DS-160 form, pay the fee, and book a visa interview at a US Embassy or Consulate in India. Interview wait times vary, so start the process well in advance.
Commonly required documents
- Passport valid at least 6 months beyond the intended stay
- DS-160 confirmation page
- Visa appointment confirmation and fee receipt
- Expo registration or invitation confirmation
- Indian employer’s covering letter stating the purpose of travel
- Company registration and financial documents
- Evidence of ties to India and funds for the trip
An invitation letter and expo registration support an application but do not guarantee approval, and processing times are not fixed. The final decision rests with the US authorities.
Quick answers
Frequently asked questions
Which visa do I need to attend PACK EXPO from India?+
Indian professionals attending for business apply for a US B-1 (business visitor) visa, unless they already hold a valid US visa that permits business activity.
Can the organiser provide a visa invitation letter?+
PMMI commonly provides an invitation or registration letter to confirmed international attendees and exhibitors. Check the current process on the official PACK EXPO International website.
Is PACK EXPO open to the general public?+
No. It is a trade-only event for packaging and processing industry professionals.
Does expo registration guarantee visa approval?+
No. Registration and an invitation letter support the application, but the US authorities make the final decision.
How early should I apply?+
As early as possible. B-1 visa interview wait times at US posts in India can be long, so begin the DS-160 process well ahead of the show.
