Post-show Recap: After 6-Year Hiatus, The Plastics Show Draws 51,000+ Attendees

June 19, 2024

After not gathering together for six years, NPE2024: The Plastics Show returned with more than 51,000 leaders from more than 130 countries representing every industry—from automotive and healthcare to consumer products to construction. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the triennial trade show showcased the newest and most innovative plastics products and solutions across more than 1 million net square feet of exhibit space, including six technology zones, keynotes, workshops, and opportunities to network and build partnerships. 

Related: 10 Things To Do at NPE2024 When The Plastics Show Returns After 6 Years

NPE 2024

Who, When & Where:  NPE2024: The Plastics Show, May 6-10, 2024, Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), Orlando, Fla.

Show Size: 50,000+ attendees—63% of which were newcomers—and 2,100+ exhibitors spanning 1.1 million net square feet. This year, the show made history with one of the youngest audiences ever recorded – 30% of attendees were under the age of 40. More than 15,000 international registrants also marked the most international show in NPE’s history, with representatives from 133 countries registered – a 9.9% increase compared to NPE2018. 

Best new features: The all-new Sustainability Hub served as an interactive showcase that highlighted leaders in sustainability and demonstrated the environmental journey of plastic. Also new this year were the Sparks Stages on the expo floor that presented more than 75 educational sessions, and a host of plastics industry products and innovations making their NPE debut. Check them out here.

 NPE 2024

Beyond the show floor: Along with an Opening Night Party on May 6 to kick off and celebrate the return of the show, NPE presented sold-out events like the FLiP & Sip Reception, which drew more than 1,000 attendees, and the first-ever Women in Plastics Breakfast that attracted nearly 600 attendees. On May 8, NPE held its Circular Plastics Challenge, which showcases solutions to help the plastics value chain to become more circular, after which five finalists presented their concepts during a virtual final showcase that was broadcast at the show. 

What they’re saying: “Witnessing the entire plastics industry reunite at NPE2024 was truly inspiring,” said PLASTICS President and CEO Matt Seaholm. “We were thrilled to welcome familiar attendees, visitors from all over the globe and the next generation of plastics professionals. We cannot wait to see the incredible innovations and collaborations that will emerge from everyone who attended and are proud to say that we produced a historic, can’t-miss event in the plastics industry.”  

Looking ahead: NPE will return May 3-7, 2027 to the OCCC.

 

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MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.    Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.    Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.   The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.    MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.     MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.