Advertise on podcast: unPACKed with PMMI

This episode of unPACKed with PMMI is a playback from a PPWLN Learning Circle focused on Connections. Alison Fragale and Lisa Hurtz share why meaningful professional relationships are built through empathy, curiosity, and being helpful, not transactional networking. Walk away with simple, practical ways to build connections that last in the packaging industry. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

PACK EXPO East celebrates 10 years in Philadelphia as the go-to regional show where the packaging and processing community comes together to kick off the year. From automation and AI to sustainability, new exhibitor programs, and hands-on innovation, PACK EXPO East 2026 is where teams connect, explore, and jumpstart what’s next. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

A clear brand identity doesn’t just shape messaging—it drives real-world results. In this episode, Julie Parsons, Co-Founder and Managing Director of District Marketing Group, shares how thoughtful brand strategy and early trade show planning create more engaging, memorable experiences. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we chat with Charlotte Ashcraft of Just Born Inc. about how PACK EXPO East helps CPGs and brands solve real packaging challenges, from handling delicate products to navigating sustainability and EPR requirements, and why hands-on access to suppliers and technology matters. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

Trade shows can be a powerful marketing tool. Hear from Jay Menashe of Exhibitus, Inc. as he shares how to justify your trade show ROI to management and secure continued support for 2026 and beyond. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, Alison Fragale breaks down the ideas behind Likeable Badass and why the mix of warmth and competence matters. She talks about power, status, the bias women still face in male-dominated fields, and shares simple tools—like her 10-10-10 challenge—to help you grow your influence and build real connections. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we sit down with Nick Haase, Co-Founder of MaintainX to discuss how AI is shifting from a buzzword to delivering real, practical value on the manufacturing floor. Nick breaks down where it makes a difference, why good data and frontline involvement are essential, and how keeping people informed helps teams roll out AI safely and effectively. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we dig into the real challenges companies run into when they bring sustainable materials into the mix. From costs and unreliable supply to old machinery and confusing regulations, it’s not as simple as it sounds. We also talk about why chasing the “perfect” solution is slowing everyone down, and what it takes to make real progress. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we explore how great leaders balance creating culture, building relationships, and executing work. The discussion highlights the importance of trust, psychological safety, and clear communication—showing how making clear requests empowers teams and prevents micromanagement. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we sit down with Senior Vice President of Industrial Automation Business, Andre Marino from Schneider Electric, to discuss how manufacturers can embrace new technology, manage change, and empower both seasoned and emerging workers to drive long-term success. Schneider Electric is a PMMI Foundation Visionary Benefactor.  PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

Recorded at PMMI’s Young Professionals Conference, this episode dives into how today’s leaders can find balance between ambition, rest, and mental well-being. Motivational speaker Justin Jackola offers real-world ideas for managing stress, setting healthy boundaries, and building habits that help you recharge without losing momentum in your career. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, Greg Berguig, President, PAC Machinery, discusses the shift to sustainable packaging and what it means for legacy equipment, costs, and collaboration across the supply chain. He shares insights on the challenges, opportunities, and innovations shaping the future of sustainable materials in packaging. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, we’re joined by Laura Thompson, PMMI’s VP of Trade Show, to get the inside scoop on what’s ahead at PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2025. This year marks the show’s 30th anniversary and its first time passing one million net square feet. Laura walks us through what to expect, from bigger pavilions and guided tours to the newest breakthroughs in automation, robotics, and AI. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, Jake Hall, The Manufacturing Millennial, joins Sean to challenge outdated views of packaging and processing. He highlights how robotics, automation, and digital skills are reshaping the industry, why robots save jobs rather than replace them, and how manufacturers can use social media and community outreach to attract the next generation of talent. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!

In this episode, Rebecca Marquez returns to share strategies for tackling the workforce crisis in manufacturing. From smarter operator training and AI insights to intuitive machine design and OEM collaboration, learn how to prepare for the next five years—and how PACK EXPO Las Vegas can help turn these strategies into action. PACK EXPO East returns to Philly in February 2026. It’s your east coast connection for packaging and processing solutions.  Be there to catch up on the latest industry advances, connect with suppliers and land on the right solutions for your entire production line—from automation and sustainability to e-commerce and much more.  Register today at packexpoeast.com. Register for PACK EXPO East today!