The Matrix team recently returned from PACK EXPO International 2026 in Chicago, where packaging, processing, manufacturing, and distribution professionals gathered to discuss the technologies, trends, and challenges shaping the future of their operations.
Another PACK EXPO is in the books.
With the Matrix team back from McCormick Place, one thing stood out from this year’s event: organizations are looking for practical ways to improve visibility into their operations while supporting both safety and productivity goals. Conversations covered automation, workforce challenges, material handling, and facility expansion. Across these topics, attendees focused on solutions that deliver meaningful results in the real world.
The Need for Visibility Continues to Grow
One of the most common themes throughout PACK EXPO was the importance of operational visibility. Attendees discussed automation initiatives, forklift safety, labor challenges, and process improvements. However, many conversations came back to the same question: how can organizations better understand what’s happening on their facility floor?
For warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing leaders, that means looking beyond reactive safety measures. Instead, the goal is to identify risk before incidents occur. Technologies that provide real-time awareness and actionable data can give organizations greater insight into everyday workplace interactions and support more proactive decision-making.
Conversations Beyond Technology
At the Matrix booth, discussions went far beyond equipment and software.
Attendees shared challenges surrounding pedestrian and vehicle interactions, near misses, fleet visibility, and maintaining strong safety cultures while continuing to meet production goals. Many were interested in how connected safety technologies could complement existing programs and provide a clearer picture of workplace activity.
What stood out most was the desire for practical solutions, not technology for technology’s sake. Attendees were looking for tools that could help create safer, more informed, and more productive operations.
What We Learned in Chicago
PACK EXPO reinforced how closely safety and operational performance are becoming connected. As facilities become more automated and interconnected, understanding the interactions between people, vehicles, and equipment becomes increasingly important.
The conversations in Chicago showed that manufacturers aren’t simply looking for more information. They’re looking for useful insight that can help teams recognize patterns, address potential risks, and support safer, more efficient operations.
Industry Perspectives
“One of the biggest takeaways from PACK EXPO was the industry’s focus on visibility. Organizations want a clearer understanding of what’s happening throughout their facilities so they can make more informed decisions about safety, operations, and workforce performance. Those conversations showed just how important actionable insights have become for today’s warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing environments.”
– Michael Hester, Regional Sales Manager, Matrix Design Group
Looking Ahead
If PACK EXPO 2026 made one thing clear, it’s that safety, productivity, and operational visibility are becoming increasingly connected.
As organizations continue investing in automation and digital transformation initiatives, the demand for technologies that provide real-time awareness and meaningful insights will continue to grow. Organizations are looking for practical ways to understand workplace activity, address potential risks, and support operational performance.
For Matrix, the conversations in Chicago reinforced the importance of helping customers gain greater visibility into their operations and turn that information into more informed decisions that protect people and support productivity.
Thank You, Chicago
Thank you to everyone who visited the Matrix booth, attended demonstrations, and shared their experiences and perspectives throughout the week.
The conversations at PACK EXPO 2026 provided valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing today’s packaging, manufacturing, and distribution industries. We appreciate everyone who took the time to connect with our team and look forward to continuing those discussions in the months ahead.
