PMMI Foundation Showcases Career-Driven Programs for Next-Generation Packaging and Processing Talent

Strategic Insights -

As the next generation of packaging and processing professionals prepares to take center stage at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, the PMMI Foundation is highlighting its career-driven programs designed to foster STEM skills, workforce development, and industry engagement. With a strong focus on the future, the show offers high-energy programs that bring Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills to life and provide young innovators, engineers, and problem-solvers a front row seat to the industry's possibilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PMMI Foundation is hosting engaging student activities at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, including high school robotic demonstrations, a fast-paced PACK Quest educational competition, and a mentoring-based robotics showcase.
  • The Future Innovators Robotics Showcase features local high school robotics teams demonstrating their skills in automation design, engineering, and troubleshooting, with participating teams receiving a $500 grant from the PMMI Foundation.
  • The Amazing Packaging Race, sponsored by Emerson Discrete Automation Group, is a high-energy competition where student teams race across the show floor to complete challenges at exhibitor booths and gain real-world exposure to advanced technologies.
  • Participating exhibitors include Beckhoff Automation, Carleton Helical Technologies, CMCO Conveyance Solutions, and more, showcasing their products and technologies.
  • The 2024 PACK Challenge winners, Spruce Packaging, will be showcasing their award-winning design at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.
  • The PMMI Foundation also offers a Student Lounge, where students can meet with HR professionals, discuss career paths, and attend interview workshops, sponsored by Schneider Electric.
  • Guided Student Tours are available daily at 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., led by PMMI staff.
  • The Packaging and Processing Women's Leadership Network (PPWLN) Breakfast and Student Tour will provide a leading-edge experience for young women in the industry.

Statistics:

  • 500 grants will be awarded to participating high school teams in the Future Innovators Robotics Showcase.
  • The PMMI Foundation will provide $100,000 in funding for scholarships, student travel, and hands-on learning opportunities.
  • 20 participating schools from the Education and Workforce Development Pavilion, including Brigham Young University - Idaho and Michigan State University, will showcase their mechatronics and packaging and processing programs.
  • 25 companies will participate in the Silent Auction, featuring various entertainment, sports, and historical items up for bid, with proceeds benefiting student programming at PACK EXPO Las Vegas.

Sources:

  • PMMI Foundation Showcases Career-Driven Programs for Next-Generation Packaging and Processing Talent, Packaging Machinery Manufacturers Institute (Aug 19, 2025)
  • PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025, Las Vegas Convention Center (Sept 29-Oct 1, 2025)
  • Future Innovators Robotics Showcase, PMMI Foundation
  • Amazing Packaging Race, Emerson Discrete Automation Group
  • Education and Workforce Development Pavilion, PMMI Foundation
  • PMMI Foundation Golf Tournament, Bali Hai Golf Club (Sept 28, 2025)
  • Silent Auction, PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025