In this special exhibitor edition of unPACKed, trade show expert and President of Competitive Edge, Jefferson Davis, joins the podcast to share what separates winning exhibitors from struggling ones at PACK EXPO, starting with a simple framework for identifying the right people to target. He also covers practical tactics for pre-show outreach and booth strategy, including why authentic conversations and hands-on experiences matter most to attendees. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

In this episode, Founder and Chief Trade Strategist of TradeMoves LLC, Shawn Jarosz, joins the podcast to share the newest tariff updates and what they mean for the packaging and processing industry. From evolving U.S. trade policy and USMCA negotiations to the latest developments with Canada and China, she explains what manufacturers should expect and how PMMI is helping the industry navigate a rapidly changing trade landscape. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO Int...

Nicole Malachowski flew F-15Es in combat, led the Thunderbirds, and advised the White House over a 21-year Air Force career, and her take on leadership isn't what you'd expect. She joins the pod and breaks down why vulnerability, not authority, builds high-performing teams, and how to lead people through constant change. Catch her full keynote at the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast at PACK EXPO International this October. packexpointernationa...

In our 200th episode, we talked with Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke about what authentic marketing looks like for manufacturers today. We covered how small teams can create consistent, meaningful content without overcomplicating it and why platforms like LinkedIn still matter. The episode also explores how digital engagement can lead to stronger real-world connections. Originally released March 2026. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than a...

In this episode, PMMI’s Director of Workforce Development, Kate Torrence, shares how our approach to workforce development has shifted from supporting today's workforce to cultivating tomorrow's. She discusses the programs, partnerships, and PACK EXPO initiatives that give students a firsthand look at careers in packaging and manufacturing while also providing companies with access to the next generation of talent. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

Consumer preferences, from high-protein foods to viral grocery trends, are reshaping the food and beverage processing industry in unexpected ways. In today's episode, we chat with Vanessa Lopez from Interact Analysis to explore the key findings from PMMI's first Food & Beverage Processing Industry Report. Learn more about the technologies, market forces, and investment trends driving the sector forward. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhe...

Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, is back in the feed — and this conversation is just as relevant as ever. Jake breaks down why outdated perceptions of manufacturing are holding the industry back, how robots are saving jobs rather than replacing them, and what companies can do to attract the next generation of talent. Originally released August 2025. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines whe...

In this episode, we break down economic trends shaping businesses with economist Lauren Saidel-Baker. From inflation and labor shortages to AI and productivity, she shares what companies should really be watching over the next few years and why growth alone doesn’t guarantee success. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go.&n...

In this special Exhibitor Edition episode, we sit down with Chief Editor of Packaging World, Matt Reynolds, and Director of Custom Research at PMMI, Rebecca Marquez, to explore why trade shows matter in an AI-driven world, and how businesses are balancing automation, workforce challenges, sustainability pressures, and ROI in a rapidly changing market. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

Losing great people isn’t just about pay. Ultimately, it’s about leadership, culture, and connection. We sit down with Jim Weber to see what REALLY drives employees to stay or go so, listen in and hear how leaders can build a workplace people don’t want to leave. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines where the industry is headed, with the solutions that define where your business can go. Discover s...