After six years without meeting, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 executives from over 130 countries representing every industry from automotive and healthcare to consumer products and construction. Produced by Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), The triennial show showcased the latest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than one million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and networking and partnership-building opportunities.
Related: 10 Things to Do at NPE2024 When the Plastics Show Returns After 6 Years
Who, when and where: NPE2024: The Plastics Show, from May 6 to 10, 2024, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Florida
Show size: More than 50,000 attendees, 63% of whom were new, and more than 2,100 exhibitors spanning 1.1 million square feet. This year’s show made history with one of the youngest audiences ever – 30% of attendees were under 40. More than 15,000 international registrants also marked the most international show in NPE history, with representatives from 133 countries registered – a 9.9% increase over NPE 2018.
Best new features: The brand new Center for Sustainable Development served as an interactive showcase highlighting sustainability leaders and demonstrating the environmental journey of plastics. Also new this year were the Sparks stages on the show floor that featured more than 75 educational sessions and a host of plastics industry products and innovations making their NPE debut. Check them out here.
Beyond the living room: In addition to an opening night on May 6 to launch and celebrate the show’s return, NPE presented sold-out events like the FLiP & Sip reception, which attracted more than 1,000 participants, and the very first Plastic Women’s Breakfast which attracted nearly 600 participants. On May 8, NPE hosted its Circular Plastics Challenge, which showcases solutions to help the plastics value chain become more circular, after which five finalists presented their concepts in a virtual final presentation that was broadcast during the show.
What they say : “Seeing the entire plastics industry come together at NPE2024 was truly inspiring,” said Matt Seaholm, President and CEO of PLASTICS. “We were thrilled to welcome familiar attendees, visitors from around the world, and the next generation of plastics professionals. We look forward to seeing the incredible innovations and collaborations that will emerge from all participants and are proud to say that we have delivered a historic event that is not to be missed in the plastics industry.”
Looking forward: The NPE will return from May 3 to 7, 2027 to the OCCC.
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