PMMI Foundation Inspires Future Generation at SkillsUSA 2026
The future of manufacturing, automation, and packaging was on full display as the PMMI Foundation participated in the 2026 SkillsUSA National Leadership & Skills Conference (NLSC) in Atlanta, Georgia. Bringing together nearly 20,000 students, educators, industry leaders, and workforce development advocates, the conference serves as one of the nation's largest celebrations of career and technical education and skilled trades.
As part of the SkillsUSA TECHSPO exhibition, the PMMI Foundation welcomed thousands of attendees to its interactive booth, where students had the opportunity to explore the exciting world of packaging technologies. The booth highlighted how packaging impacts all products consumers use each day—from food and beverages to pharmaceuticals and personal care products—while demonstrating the innovative technologies that make modern manufacturing possible.
This year's exhibit was a collaborative effort made possible through partnerships with the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF), ROOTS Education, and PMMI member companies FANUC, Benchmark Automation, and WIPOTEC. Together, these organizations created an engaging experience that showcased the complete packaging process and introduced students to the diverse career opportunities available throughout the packaging and processing industry.
Visitors were drawn to Benchmark's packaging line simulation, which demonstrated the movement of products through a packaging line. FANUC showcased collaborative robotics technology, giving students a firsthand look at the growing role automation plays in modern manufacturing. WIPOTEC's inspection technology demonstrated how vision and quality-control systems help ensure product safety and accuracy throughout the production process. These interactive displays helped attendees connect classroom learning with real-world manufacturing applications.
The SkillsUSA NLSC, the centerpiece of the conference, featured more than 6,500 state champions competing in over 100 skilled and leadership competitions, highlighting the talent and potential of America's future workforce. Industry partners throughout TECHSPO played a critical role in helping students explore career pathways and connect with employers seeking the next generation of skilled professionals.
For the PMMI Foundation, the event provided a valuable platform to raise awareness of the packaging and processing industry and the critical role it plays in everyday life. Through conversations with students, educators, parents, and advisors, the Foundation emphasized the industry's demand for skilled talent and the wide range of careers available in engineering, robotics, automation, maintenance, quality assurance, and packaging design.
"SkillsUSA continues to be one of the most impactful opportunities to connect with students who are considering careers in skilled trades, manufacturing, and emerging technologies. The strong interest and engagement we experienced throughout the event reinforces the need for ongoing investment in workforce development initiatives that expose students to meaningful, high-demand career opportunities and help build the talent pipeline for our industry." — Kate Torrence, director, Workforce Development, PMMI Foundation
As the manufacturing workforce continues to evolve, events like SkillsUSA remain vital in connecting students with industries that offer rewarding, high-demand careers. The PMMI Foundation is proud to support these efforts and looks forward to continuing its mission of building awareness, developing talent, and inspiring future leaders within the packaging and processing industry.
