Program aims to connect smaller businesses to resources
SMB FastTrack, a new program designed to help small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) find solutions and resources, will debut at PACK EXPO East 2026, to be held Feb. 17–19 in Philadelphia.
The program, launched by PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, aims to simplify show planning while improving access to SMB-friendly exhibitors and education, according to a news release. It uses intuitive planning tools and visual identifiers to help attendees connect with exhibitors, educational sessions and business resources.
Exhibitors participating in SMB FastTrack will be designated with SMB Friendly icons in the online exhibitor directory and on the show floor, signaling offerings such as flexible financing or discounts. Attendees searching for machinery can easily identify exhibitors with machinery on-site by looking for the gear icon.
Education at PACK EXPO East 2026 will include a dedicated SMB-focused learning track, with sessions covering topics such as workforce development, artificial intelligence, food safety, digital manufacturing, packaging solutions, startup supply chain strategies and scalable technologies.
“The SMB FastTrack Program removes barriers to innovation by connecting SMBs directly with the solutions, resources and partners they need most,” said Laura Thompson, PMMI vice president of trade shows.
The Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce will be on-site at PACK EXPO East, sharing regional business resources and services.
PACK EXPO East also introduces two AI-powered tools to make finding packaging and processing solutions faster and easier: AI category search, which lets users type in a solution or upload an image of their end product to receive recommended product categories; and AI search pilot, provides packaging and/or processing guidance based on an end product, with each step linking to matching exhibitor categories.
PACK EXPO East will feature approximately 500 exhibitors with solutions for more than 40 vertical markets.
