Post-show Recap: After 6-Year Hiatus, The Plastics Show Draws 51,000+ Attendees
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After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships.
Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024 When The Plastics Show Returns After 6 Years
Who, When & Where: NPE2024: The Plastics Show, May 6-10, 2024, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Fla.
Show Size: 50,000+ attendees—63% of which were newcomers—and 2,100+ exhibitors spanning 1.1 million net square feet. This year, the show made history with one of the youngest audiences ever recorded – 30% of attendees were under the age of 40. More than 15,000 international registrants also marked the most international show in NPE’s history, with representatives from 133 countries registered – a 9.9% increase compared to NPE2018.
Best new features: The all-new Sustainability Hub served as an interactive showcase that highlighted leaders in sustainability and demonstrated the environmental journey of plastic. Also new this year were the Sparks Stages on the expo floor that presented more than 75 educational sessions, and a host of plastics industry products and innovations making their NPE debut. Check them out here.
Beyond the show floor: Along with an Opening Night Party on May 6 to kick off and celebrate the return of the show, NPE presented sold-out events like the FLiP & Sip Reception, which drew more than 1,000 attendees, and the first-ever Women in Plastics Breakfast that attracted nearly 600 attendees. On May 8, NPE held its Circular Plastics Challenge, which showcases solutions to help the plastics value chain to become more circular, after which five finalists presented their concepts during a virtual final showcase that was broadcast at the show.
What they’re saying: “Witnessing the entire plastics industry reunite at NPE2024 was truly inspiring,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “We were thrilled to welcome familiar attendees, visitors from all over the globe and the next generation of plastics professionals. We cannot wait to see the incredible innovations and collaborations that will emerge from everyone who attended and are proud to say that we produced a historic, can’t-miss event in the plastics industry.”
Looking ahead: NPE will return May 3-7, 2027 to the OCCC.
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