These zones allow exhibitors to align their technologies with the sectors where visitors are actively searching for solutions, making it easier for attendees to compare equipment, evaluate materials and identify partners across the supply chain.
Interest in recycling and sustainability technologies was particularly strong during Space Selection. The West Recycling & Sustainability Technology Zone sold out completely, reflecting growing investment in recycling infrastructure, material recovery and circular manufacturing technologies.
Exhibitors also secured space within Sustainability Park, NPE’s immersive destination highlighting real-world solutions shaping the future of plastics sustainability through interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and educational programming.
Planning begins years in advance
Unlike many trade events, NPE’s Space Selection takes place onsite at the venue — allowing companies to walk the halls, visualize booth placements and coordinate logistics early.
For companies displaying large-scale machinery, robotics and integrated manufacturing systems, this planning window is especially valuable as exhibitors begin preparing technologies and demonstrations for the show floor.
For many exhibitors, Space Selection also signals the beginning of the industry’s next innovation cycle. The strong participation this early in the process reflects a sense of optimism across the industry as manufacturers continue investing in efficiency, automation, materials innovation and sustainability solutions.
“The momentum we’re seeing reflects strong confidence in the future of our industry,” said Angela Mealy, executive director of NPE. “Space Selection is the kickoff to ‘what’s next’ for NPE2027. ‘Next is Now’ is our theme for the 2027 event, and it captures the pace of innovation shaping plastics today. With these exhibitors in place, NPE2027 is set to deliver what companies need most, including practical solutions, opportunities to do business and the latest insights and technologies to help them stay a step ahead.”
Looking ahead to 2027
When NPE2027 returns to Orlando May 3–7, 2027, organizers expect the event to welcome more than 51,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors from over 130 countries.
The show will feature technologies and services across key end markets including automotive, medical, building and construction, consumer products and packaging.
With strong early commitments and new exhibitors joining returning industry leaders, planning for NPE2027 is well underway. Over the next year, companies across the plastics supply chain will be preparing the technologies and solutions that will define the next chapter of plastics manufacturing. Learn more about NPE2027 by visiting https://npe.org/.
