IPACK-IMA 2028 has outlined an expanded international strategy, new industry partnerships, and a stronger focus on innovation ahead of its 2028 edition, scheduled to take place at Fiera Milano from 29 May to 1 June, 2028.
The exhibition organizer presented the roadmap during a press conference at Messe Düsseldorf, highlighting new exhibition formats, governance initiatives, and global market outreach designed to strengthen IPACK-IMA’s role in the international packaging and processing sectors.
Valerio Soli, president of IPACK-IMA, said the exhibition continues to evolve in response to changing market dynamics, with innovation, technical expertise, and industry collaboration at the center of the event’s long-term strategy.
A key pillar of the 2028 plan is the development of a broader exhibition ecosystem linking Milan with international markets through specialized events and strategic alliances.
Alongside IPACK-IMA, organizers confirmed the continued role of Pharmintech, developed in partnership with BolognaFiere, as a dedicated platform for the pharmaceutical and life sciences industries.
The company announced the launch of Bevertech, a new exhibition focused on liquid food and beverage technologies. The event, scheduled for 17–20 November, 2026, is being developed in partnership with the Italian Wine Union and SIMEI.
Internationally, IPACK-IMA said it will continue leveraging the ProPak exhibition network developed with Informa Markets to strengthen its presence across Southeast Asia, India, Africa, and South America.
The exhibition’s Business Communities initiative will continue focusing on high-growth vertical markets including grain-based foods, liquid food and beverage, food fresh and convenience, and pharma and life sciences.
Simone Castelli said early rebookings for the 2028 edition have increased 22% compared with the same stage of the previous exhibition cycle, reflecting strong exhibitor confidence despite ongoing global market uncertainty.
Among the major new initiatives planned for 2028 is the launch of a Technical and Scientific Committee, described by organizers as the exhibition’s first structured governance body dedicated to content strategy and industry direction.
The Smart Factory platform will also expand with fully operational production lines and live demonstrations, while IPACK-Mat will increase its emphasis on next-generation materials and sustainable packaging innovation.
At the same time, the Smart Talks conference format will move directly onto the exhibition floor, allowing visitors to access technical discussions and market insights within the exhibition environment itself.
IPACK-IMA also confirmed that the 2028 edition will once again run alongside INTRALOGISTICA ITALIA in collaboration with Deutsche Messe, creating a broader industrial technology platform integrating packaging, processing, and intralogistics solutions.
Organizers said the long-term objective is to position Milan as a global hub where packaging technologies, industrial innovation, and international business partnerships converge.
