PMMI Foundation Showcases the Power of Packaging at 2025 SkillsUSA National Skills & Leadership Conference
The 2025 SkillsUSA National Skills and Leadership Conference (NSLC) in Atlanta brought together more than 19,000 students, parents, educators, and industry professionals from across the country—and the PMMI Foundation was proud to be part of the action. The event provided an invaluable opportunity to connect with the next generation of skilled talent while showcasing the breadth of careers and innovations in the packaging and processing industry.
At the heart of PMMI’s booth was a collaborative showcase of industry-leading equipment, made possible by the generous support of Benchmark, Fanuc, and Wipotec.
Benchmark's conveyor loop proved to be a standout feature, drawing in attendees with its motion and interactivity.
Wipotec displayed a vision X-ray machine, which sparked curiosity and meaningful conversations once its capabilities were explained.
Fanuc’s collaborative robot (cobot) captivated passersby, underscoring the growing role of automation and robotics in modern manufacturing.
To give attendees a broader look into the industry, display cases featured products from multiple vertical markets, from food and beverage to life sciences. We also took the opportunity to spotlight the upcoming 2025–2026 PACK Challenge competition—an exciting way for high school students to experience packaging firsthand through team-based, hands-on problem solving.
“This event was an incredible opportunity to connect with students from across the country and ignite their curiosity about careers in the packaging and processing industry. It’s always inspiring to see the enthusiasm and talent these students bring, and we’re proud to highlight a field that offers so many pathways for innovation, impact, and long-term success.” Kate Torrence, Director of Workforce Development, PMMI
Throughout the week, PMMI staff engaged with students, educators, and administrators to discuss the wide array of career paths available in packaging and processing. We also shared information about PMMI’s educational resources and scholarship opportunities designed to support students and schools interested in deepening their industry involvement.
Given the tremendous success of this year’s event, PMMI is thrilled to announce that we will return for the 2026 SkillsUSA NSLC. We remain committed to inspiring students, building industry awareness, and connecting future talent with opportunities in packaging and processing.
