unPACKed with PMMI

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 relea...

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 th...

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...

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 Jake breaks down why outdated perceptions of manufacturing are holding the industry back, how robots are saving jobs rather than replacing them, and what companies can do to attract the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...

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 d...

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 ind...

Mike Rowe, best known for Dirty Jobs , joins the podcast to talk about why so many skilled trade careers are still misunderstood. He shares why he thinks perception, not opportunity, is the real barrier and why telling better, more honest stories about these careers matters.  See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines w...

In this week's episode, Lisa Apolinski from PhatKat Consulting breaks down how suppliers can build trust and stand out by creating value-driven, story-based content that reduces risk, cost, and time. We also cover how AI is reshaping buyer decisions and why authentic expertise matters more than ever. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else...

In this episode, Jessica Lawshe from PMMI and Don Kline from Map Your Show explain how AI-powered tools are making it easier for buyers to find the right exhibitors and navigate trade shows. We also cover how exhibitors can use tools like Sales Accelerator and strong online listings to better connect with the right audience and drive results. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

Where do careers in manufacturing really begin for women? In this episode, Meaghan Ziemba shares why the path often starts long before college or a first job, shaped by early exposure, encouragement, and what young girls are (and aren’t) shown. She breaks down who plays a role in that journey and what needs to change to help more women see manufacturing as a path from the start. See more innovatio...

Festo joins us to talk about how they’re working with PMMI to tackle the manufacturing workforce challenge through training and certifications. We also break down why the skills gap might not be what it seems, and how it connects to the pace of new technology in the industry. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show that defines w...

In our 200th episode, we talk with Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke about what authentic marketing looks like for manufacturers today. We cover 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. See more innovation...

Recorded live from the show floor, Sean is joined by Liz Cuneo of Healthcare Packaging and Matt Reynolds of Packaging World to break down what stood out at PACK EXPO East 2026. They cover cold-chain growth, measurable sustainability, paperization and monomaterials, plus the shift to 2D codes and AI-driven insights. If you couldn’t attend, this is your quick recap of what mattered most. See more in...

Today we’re joined by Heather Davis from Blentech Corporation to talk about what it really takes to succeed at PACK EXPO as a small to mid-sized exhibitor. If you’ve ever wondered how to compete with the massive booths, generate quality leads, and make the most of the show floor, this episode is packed with practical, proven strategies you can use right away. Register for PACK EXPO International t...

In this episode, Founder and Chief Trade Strategist of TradeMoves LLC, Shawn Jarosz, pulls back the curtain on the new IEEPA tariffs—why they’ve become the “new normal,” and what a looming Supreme Court ruling could mean for importers, including the possibility of major refunds. You’ll also hear what’s coming next in 2026, from surprise tariff “backup plans” to robotics and USMCA shakeups that cou...

This episode of unPACKed with PMMI is a playback from a PPWLN Learning Circle focused on Connections. Alison Fragale and Lisa Hurtz share why meaningful professional relationships are built through empathy, curiosity, and being helpful, not transactional networking. Walk away with simple, practical ways to build connections that last in the packaging industry. See more innovation in packaging and...

PACK EXPO East celebrates 10 years in Philadelphia as the go-to regional show where the packaging and processing community comes together to kick off the year. From automation and AI to sustainability, new exhibitor programs, and hands-on innovation, PACK EXPO East 2026 is where teams connect, explore, and jumpstart what’s next. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO Internat...

A clear brand identity doesn’t just shape messaging—it drives real-world results. In this episode, Julie Parsons, Co-Founder and Managing Director of District Marketing Group, shares how thoughtful brand strategy and early trade show planning create more engaging, memorable experiences. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

In this episode, we chat with Charlotte Ashcraft of Just Born Inc. about how PACK EXPO East helps CPGs and brands solve real packaging challenges, from handling delicate products to navigating sustainability and EPR requirements, and why hands-on access to suppliers and technology matters. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show...

Trade shows can be a powerful marketing tool. Hear from Jay Menashe of Exhibitus, Inc. as he shares how to justify your trade show ROI to management and secure continued support for 2026 and beyond. Register for PACK EXPO International today!

In this episode, Alison Fragale breaks down the ideas behind Likeable Badass and why the mix of warmth and competence matters. She talks about power, status, the bias women still face in male-dominated fields, and shares simple tools—like her 10-10-10 challenge—to help you grow your influence and build real connections. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International tha...

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX to discuss how AI is shifting from a buzzword to delivering real, practical value on the manufacturing floor. Nick breaks down where it makes a difference, why good data and frontline involvement are essential, and how keeping people informed helps teams roll out AI safely and effectively. See more innovation in packaging and pr...

In this episode, we dig into the real challenges companies run into when they bring sustainable materials into the mix. From costs and unreliable supply to old machinery and confusing regulations, it’s not as simple as it sounds. We also talk about why chasing the “perfect” solution is slowing everyone down, and what it takes to make real progress. See more innovation in packaging and processing a...

In this episode, we explore how great leaders balance creating culture, building relationships, and executing work. The discussion highlights the importance of trust, psychological safety, and clear communication—showing how making clear requests empowers teams and prevents micromanagement. See more innovation in packaging and processing at PACK EXPO International than anywhere else! It’s the show...