Las Vegas was buzzing this October, but not for the usual reasons. Instead of slot machines, it was the sound of over 50,000 professionals and 2,300 exhibitors filling more than 1 million square feet of the Las Vegas Convention Center for PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025. Celebrating its 30th year, the event was bigger, louder, and more forward-thinking than ever. For anyone in manufacturing, packaging, or logistics, it offered a firsthand look at where the industry is heading and what kind of talent it will take to get there.
Automation, Robotics, and AI Take Center Stage
The biggest theme on the show floor? Automation and robotics. From palletizing systems to cobots (collaborative robot) and AI-enabled vision technologies, innovation was everywhere. Exhibitors showcased how automation and predictive maintenance software are solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges: the labor gap.
What stood out most was accessibility. Automation isn’t just for large enterprise operations anymore. Mid-sized manufacturers are rapidly adopting robotic systems to address efficiency and workforce shortages.
From a talent standpoint, this shift is creating a new class of hybrid roles like mechatronics engineers, controls specialists, and maintenance technicians who can bridge mechanical and digital systems. The future of manufacturing work is no longer one-dimensional; it’s technical, cross-functional, and collaborative.
Sustainability Moves from Buzzword to Benchmark
PACK EXPO’s Sustainability Central showcased how far the industry has evolved from talking about “green initiatives” to building circular systems into packaging, materials, and operations.
Exhibitors debuted refillable models, compostable packaging, and energy-efficient processing equipment, but the real insight was mindset. Sustainability has become a performance metric, not just a PR move.
Companies are hiring accordingly. Packaging engineers, ESG analysts, and sustainability specialists are becoming integral to production and operations teams. The modern plant is expected to be both efficient and environmentally intelligent.
Workforce and Leadership Transformation
Beyond the technology, this year’s event emphasized people. Sessions like the Packaging and Processing Women’s Leadership Network Breakfast and the Young Professionals Networking Reception spotlighted inclusion, mentorship, and leadership development as strategic priorities.
Many discussions centered around a critical reality: the manufacturing workforce is aging, and leadership pipelines must be built now. Companies that invest in developing their next generation of leaders will outlast those simply trying to hire replacements.
We’re seeing more organizations focus on succession planning, leadership visibility, and flexibility — areas that directly influence retention. Emotional intelligence, adaptability, and mentorship are emerging as the new differentiators for manufacturing leaders.
Cross-Industry Collaboration Fuels Innovation
One of the most interesting dynamics this year was how cross-sector learning is driving innovation. Sargento Foods’ plant manager, for example, shared how their team studies automation solutions in pharma for potential application in food production.
This kind of idea exchange between food, pharma, plastics, and personal care is reshaping what it means to stay competitive. The smartest companies are borrowing best practices from adjacent industries and applying them creatively.
In recruiting, we’re seeing the same shift. Hiring outside of traditional industry lines often brings fresh perspectives and operational breakthroughs. The line between packaging, logistics, and process engineering is blurring — and that’s a great thing for innovation.
Education, Networking and the Power of Connection
The PACK EXPO wasn’t just about machines; it was about connection. Over 100 educational sessions covered everything from automation and robotics to tariffs and workforce strategy. Networking events like the Confectionery Reception and PACK EXPO Patios created opportunities for real conversations.
As PMMI Vice President of Trade Shows, Laura Thompson, put it, “The power of PACK EXPO isn’t just on the show floor, it’s in the insights and conversations that professionals take back to their companies.” Even in an increasingly digital age, this remains true: human connection still drives innovation.
Key Takeaways for Industry Leaders
For manufacturers, packaging companies, and logistics organizations, PACK EXPO 2025 reinforced one message: the future belongs to those who adapt fast.
Here’s what leaders should be paying attention to:
- Automation adoption is accelerating faster than workforce readiness. Invest in training and hybrid skill development.
- Sustainability is now a competitive differentiator.
- Leadership development and inclusion are essential for long-term retention.
- Cross-industry collaboration breeds innovation and resilience.
- Human and machine collaboration is the new frontier. Technology is only as strong as the people behind it.
How Blue Signal Supports Industry Growth
As automation, sustainability, and digital transformation reshape the industrial world, companies can’t afford to take a reactive approach to hiring. That’s where strategic, consultative partnerships make all the difference.
At Blue Signal, we go beyond placements.
- Strategic Talent Alignment: We help leadership teams build hiring roadmaps aligned with technology and growth goals.
- Market Intelligence: Our recruiters track hiring trends across 40+ industrial verticals, giving clients data-backed insights on compensation, candidate movement, and labor market shifts.
- Advisory Partnerships: We collaborate on workforce planning, diversity initiatives, and leadership succession to help clients future-proof their teams.
If your organization is preparing for its next phase of growth, let’s talk strategy.
About Stephanie Viboch
Stephanie Viboch is a Sr Recruiting Manager at Blue Signal Search specializing in manufacturing, packaging, and industrial automation recruiting. She connects companies with top professionals across engineering, production, and operations roles — from packaging engineers and maintenance leaders to plant managers and controls specialists.
Stephanie is part of Blue Signal’s broader team of recruiters serving the packaging and plastics space nationwide. Together, they help clients build the teams driving innovation and sustainability across the industry.
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