The Economic Trends Every Business Should Watch
Guest: Lauren Saidel-Baker, Economist, ITR Economics
In this episode, we break down economic trends shaping businesses with economist Lauren Saidel-Baker. From inflation and labor shortages to AI and productivity, she shares what companies should really be watching over the next few years and why growth alone doesn’t guarantee success.
Shifting Perceptions of “Dirty Jobs”
Guest: Mike Rowe, CEO, mikeroweWORKS Foundation, and creator & host, Dirty Jobs
Mike Rowe, best known for Dirty Jobs, joins the podcast to talk about why so many skilled trade careers are still misunderstood. He shares why he thinks perception, not opportunity, is the real barrier and why telling better, more honest stories about these careers matters.
The Workforce Crisis You Can’t Ignore
Guest: Steve Lehr, Director, Business Development, Festo Didactic and Karolyn Ellingson, Head of Industrial Workforce Development, Festo Didactic
Festo joins us to talk about how they’re working with PMMI to tackle the manufacturing workforce challenge through training and certifications. We also break down why the skills gap might not be what it seems, and how it connects to the pace of new technology in the industry.
Are Tariffs the New Normal?
Guest: Shawn Jarosz, Founder and Chief Trade Strategist of TradeMoves LLC
In this episode, Shawn pulls back the curtain on the new IEEPA tariffs—why they’ve become the “new normal,” and what a looming Supreme Court ruling could mean for importers, including the possibility of major refunds. You’ll also hear what’s coming next in 2026, from surprise tariff “backup plans” to robotics and USMCA shakeups that could reshape the packaging and processing industry fast.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Connecting Students, Schools, and Industry Through PACK EXPO
In this episode, PMMI’s Director of Workforce Development, Kate Torrence, shares how our approach to workforce development has shifted from supporting today's workforce to cultivating tomorrow's. She discusses the programs, partnerships, and PACK EXPO initiatives that give students a firsthand look at careers in packaging and manufacturing while also providing companies with access to the next generation of talent.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] The Human Advantage: Why Trade Shows Still Matter
Guest: Matt Reynolds, Chief Editor, Packaging World and Rebecca Marquez, Director, Custom Research, PMMI
In this special Exhibitor Edition episode, we explore why trade shows still matter in an AI-driven world, and how businesses are balancing automation, workforce challenges, sustainability pressures, and ROI in a rapidly changing market.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] How AI is Transforming Trade Shows
Guest: Don Kline, CEO, Map Your Show, and Jessica Lawshe, Director, Digital Transformation, PMMI
In this episode, Jessica Lawshe from PMMI and Don Kline from Map Your Show explain how AI-powered tools are making it easier for buyers to find the right exhibitors and navigate trade shows. We also cover how exhibitors can use tools like Sales Accelerator and strong online listings to better connect with the right audience and drive results.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] How Small Exhibitors Win Big at PACK EXPO
Guest: Heather Davis, Business Development Representative, Blentech Corporation
In this episode, Heather talks about what it really takes to succeed at PACK EXPO as a small to mid-sized exhibitor. If you’ve ever wondered how to compete with the massive booths, generate quality leads, and make the most of the show floor, this episode is packed with practical, proven strategies you can use right away.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Mastering Brand Voice on the Trade Show Floor
Guest: Julie Parsons, Co-Founder and Managing Director, District Marketing Group
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.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Maximize Your Trade Show Investment
Guest: Jay Menashe, Senior Director, Strategy and Growth, Exhibitus, Inc.
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.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] The Attendee’s Playbook: How to Plan for PACK EXPO Like a Vet
Guest: Robby Martin, Founder, 3-Fold Consulting
In this episode, PACK EXPO Veteran Robby Martin shares practical advice on when and how to start show prep, how exhibitor outreach can make or break a connection, and why personalization beats mass email blasts. This episode is packed with actionable ways to stand out on a crowded show floor.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] PACK EXPO Las Vegas and the Push Toward Greener Machines
Guest: Rebecca Marquez, Director, PMMI Media Group Custom Research
In this episode, Rebecca Marquez joins the pod to discuss how sustainability is transforming packaging machinery—from adaptable equipment to consumer and regulatory pressures. She shares trends, OEM challenges, and tips for PACK EXPO Las Vegas exhibitors to spotlight their sustainable solutions.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] FREE Invites, Big-Time ROI: What You Need to Know
Guest: Mary Johnson, Senior Director, Business Group Marketing, Amcor
Mary Johnson, a veteran marketer at Amcor, discusses how her team leverages PACK EXPO’s Customer Invite Program (CIP) and a multi-channel strategy to drive booth traffic, track engagement, and energize sales teams. She emphasizes the importance of early outreach, fresh booth experiences, and PMMI’s exhibitor tools to connect with your audience.
[EXHIBITOR EDITION] Beyond the Booth: Pre-Show & Post-Show Strategies
Guest: Amber Miller, Director of Marketing, and Jen Krepelka, Director of Digital Media, PMMI Media Group
In this episode, Amber Miller and Jen Krepelka of PMMI Media Group share pre-show marketing strategies to boost booth traffic ahead of PACK EXPO Las Vegas. They offer tips on digital targeting, email campaigns, and post-show follow-up to help exhibitors maximize engagement before, during, and after the event.
