Pack Expo: What Hiring Managers Should Pay Attention To

When most companies head to Pack Expo, their focus is clear: networking, lead generation, and exploring the latest packaging innovations. But as recruiters in the printing and packaging space, we also see another critical layer...workforce readiness. The equipment on display is exciting, but it’s only as powerful as the people who know how to run it, troubleshoot it, and keep production moving.

So, while you’re walking the show floor this year, here are a few workforce trends worth paying attention to.

1. Automation is Changing the Skills You’ll Need

Every year, Pack Expo showcases more advanced automation-robotics, AI-driven inspection systems, automated material handling, and presses that require less manual intervention. While these innovations improve efficiency, they also shift the skill sets required inside your plants.

Hiring managers should ask:

• Do I have people on my team who can adapt to these technologies?

• Are my operators being trained on both mechanical and digital troubleshooting?

• Do my job descriptions reflect the technical skills needed for tomorrow, not just today?

  
  

2. Labor Shortages Are Still a Reality

Even with better automation, the industry still faces gaps in skilled labor, from press operators to supervisors to finishing technicians. Pack Expo will be full of conversations about new equipment, but the real challenge for many companies is: who will run it?

A shiny new piece of equipment can quickly become an expensive bottleneck if you don’t have the right people trained and ready. Companies that prioritize workforce development alongside capital investment will come out ahead.

3. Retention Matters as Much as Recruitment

Many leaders focus on attracting talent, but Pack Expo is a reminder that retention can’t be overlooked. If you’re investing in cutting-edge machinery, you need a stable, motivated workforce to get the ROI. Creating a culture where employees feel valued (through training, clear career paths, and recognition) will keep your top talent from jumping ship.

4. Your Employer Brand Is on Display Too

Events like Pack Expo aren’t just about product demos, they’re also networking hubs. Word travels fast in this industry. The way you treat your employees, how you talk about your team, and even whether you highlight your company as a great place to work can all contribute to your employer brand.

Hiring managers should consider: Are we telling our story not just to customers, but to potential candidates as well?

Final Thought

As you explore Pack Expo, remember this: technology and talent go hand in hand. The presses, robots, and systems you invest in are only as strong as the people running them. Forward-thinking companies will leave the show not only with ideas for their next purchase, but also with a renewed commitment to attracting, developing, and retaining the people who will make those investments succeed.