PMMI Announces Laura Thompson as Vice President, Trade Shows

Laura Thompson has been promoted to Vice President, Trade Shows at PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, owner and producer of the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows. Thompson previously served as Senior Director, Expositions.

A true “rising through the ranks” success story, Thompson began as the PMMI receptionist 20 years ago, fresh out of Baylor University. She received her first taste of the Show Department as the International Expositions Coordinator before a brief stint in Global Marketing organizing international pavilions for PMMI members at both PMMI and non-PMMI events. When PMMI took over sole ownership of EXPO PACK Maxico, Thompson moved back into the Show Department managing the PMMI Pavilion and all show operations for the largest packaging and processing event in Latin America. Upon her promotion to Director of Trade Show Operations, all operations in the PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows became her responsibility. As Thompson’s role expanded to the overall management of the PACK EXPO portfolio of events as well as PMMI’s contracting business PACK EXPO Services (PES), she was promoted to Senior Director, Expositions.

“Laura has successfully executed her position at every level and earned her way up to the top job in the Show Department,” says Jim Pittas, president and CEO, PMMI. “She has been a big part of the incredible growth of PMMI’s trade show portfolio, and is respected by her co-workers, contractors and PMMI Members for her work ethic and commitment to doing the job right.”

All told, Thompson has had responsibility for the operations of all PACK EXPO events in the U.S. and Mexico, and helped lead the successful launch of three new shows: EXPO PACK Guadalajara, PACK EXPO East and ProFood Tech.

“I am so thankful for the many opportunities I have been given to grow in my career at PMMI. It’s very gratifying to see hard work pay off in opportunity after opportunity and I am truly excited for this next chapter as Vice President of Trade Shows,” says Thompson.

Thompson will lead the trade show team based in PMMI’s Reston, Virginia office. Her responsibilities comprise PMMI’s Show Department, all aspects of the trade shows, serving as staff liaison for the Show Committee and managing PACK EXPO services.

About PMMI

PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, represents more than 850 North American manufacturers and suppliers of equipment, components and materials as well as providers of related equipment and services to the packaging and processing industry. We work to advance a variety of industries by connecting consumer goods companies with manufacturing solutions through the world-class PACK EXPO portfolio of trade shows, leading trade media and a wide range of resources to empower our members. The PACK EXPO trade shows unite the world of packaging and processing to advance the industries they serve: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, Healthcare Packaging EXPO, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK Maxico, EXPO PACK Guadalajara and ProFood Tech. PMMI Media Group connects manufacturers to the latest solutions, trends and innovations in packaging and processing year-round through brands including Packaging World, Automation World, Healthcare Packaging, Contract Packaging, ProFood World and OEM. PMMI Business Drivers assist members in pursuing operational excellence through workforce development initiatives, deliver actionable business intelligence on economic, market and industry trends to support members’ growth strategies and actively connect the supply chain throughout the year.

Learn more at pmmi.org and packexpo.com and pmmimediagroup.com.