Created as an exhibition “for the industry by the industry”, the first PPMA Show was held in 1988, with more than 3,000 visitors in attendance.
As word spread and the popularity built, we made the move to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre in 1994.
We’ve continued to build on the success, with the PPMA Show gaining recognition as a uniquely valuable event for the processing and packaging industry.
This was undeniably true of the 2025 show, which brought processing, packaging, machinery, industrial automation, and machine vision together under one roof.
We look back with pride and ahead with excitement to an even bigger and better show in 2026.
Key Innovations and Highlights from the 2025 Event
The 2025 PPMA Show was a strong showcase of the very best in processing and packaging.
From servo-driven machinery to laser printers, it provided the opportunity to explore the latest innovations.
More than 7,000 visitors from around the world had the chance to network and discover solutions to the biggest operational challenges.
Industry leaders such as Levi Roots, Mike Coupe, and Priya Lakhani shared powerful insights on everything from success to supermarkets and AI capabilities.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing were key show themes, with leading exhibitors taking to the demonstration theatre and promoting their latest products.
NMC Production Manager Josh Mann reflected on the event being “enjoyable, informative, and to the point.”
It’s “an excellent display of products and process development ideas that will change the market,” he commented.
Scott McKenna, Automate UK’s Chief Operating Officer, shared in the positivity, saying the organising team had been “absolutely delighted at the feedback received from exhibitors and visitors alike”.
“The calibre of stands created by our exhibitors was superb, resulting in an environment packed with innovation and inspiration”, he said.
What to Expect at the 2026 PPMA Show in Birmingham
Building on the success, we’re looking ahead to the greatest packaging and processing show in 2026.
Being held at the NEC, Birmingham, from the 22nd to the 24th of September, this promises to be a showcase of effective solutions to industry challenges.
Visitors can expect valuable insights on how to gain a competitive edge, with the presentation of state-of-the-art materials, containers, and packaging designs.
Again, there will be a great mix of product demonstrations, giving visitors the chance to see real-world capabilities and discover solutions to production needs.
And industry leaders will be giving value-packed talks on topics such as sustainability, smart manufacturing, and operational efficiency.
Whether looking to improve efficiency, reduce risk, or adapt to industry changes, the PPMA Show® 2026 will have everything you need.
Why Industry Professionals Should Attend in 2026
With 7,500 + visitors, 350 + exhibitors, and 1,500 + brands, the stage is set for the biggest and best event on the processing and packaging calendar.
Free to attend, this is an opportunity that decision makers and technical teams can’t afford to miss.
See what to expect at the PPMA Show® 2026:
- The latest technological solutions and approaches to overcome operational problems
- Confidence-inspiring innovation showcases, with opportunities to mix with the experts
- Insights on how to keep pace with new technologies, changing expectations, and sector developments.
There will be the chance to relax and mingle with refreshments available in the VIP Lounge.
And the conversations can be continued at the exclusive exhibitor and visitor networking reception.
Register today
Always looking to go bigger and better, we’re looking forward to welcoming the crowds and seeing the innovative possibilities take shape at the PPMA Show® 2026.
This is the place to be for the discovery of ideas and solutions for the processing and packaging sectors.
So, get ahead and book your free tickets today!