Washington, D.C. — The Space Selection and Planning event for NPE: The Plastics Show®, produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), demonstrated strong early momentum, with 906,194 total square feet of committed space. The figure represents one of the largest early sales totals in show history, reflecting continued demand for participation in the industry’s largest plastics trade show in the Americas.
More than 1,105 companies participated in the Space Selection event, selecting space across 1,128 booths during the gathering held March 2–5 in Orlando, FL, at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC).
Exhibitors secured space across the entire Orange County Convention Center, spanning all 1.1 million square feet of opportunity, including NPE2027’s five dedicated Technology Zones: Bottling, Recycling & Sustainability, Materials, Manufacturing Services, and Moldmaking.
They also claimed their place inside Sustainability Park—NPE’s newest immersive destination where learning meets hands-on discovery, spotlighting leaders and real-world solutions shaping a more sustainable plastics future.
Altogether, 82% of the showcase floor was sold during Space Selection, with the West Recycling & Sustainability Technology Zone selling out completely.
“After last week’s Space Selection, there is no doubt that we are headed towards another successful NPE in 2027,” said Matt Seaholm, CEO of the Plastics Industry Association. “The excitement for getting the booth you want or taking a little more space to one-up a competitor made for a fantastic atmosphere last week in Orlando. Companies are making strategic investments in recognizing NPE as a global marketplace for plastics innovation, technology, and business growth.”
Hosting Space Selection onsite allows companies to evaluate locations, plan their exhibit strategy, and take advantage of exclusive exhibitor incentives offered by event partners, delivering added value and cost savings for their 2027 participation.
NPE2027 will return to the OCCC May 3–7, 2027, and is expected to welcome more than 51,000 attendees and 2,200 exhibitors from over 130 countries. Exhibitors will showcase technologies and services across key end markets, including automotive, medical, building and construction, consumer products, and packaging.
Organizers report continued participation from returning exhibitors, along with commitments from over 170 new companies. Additional details regarding programming, special features, and new initiatives will be announced in the coming months.
“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.”
To learn more about NPE2027, explore exhibit and sponsorship opportunities, or stay updated on event news, visit www.npe.org.
About NPE: The Plastics Show®
NPE: The Plastics Show® is the largest plastics trade show in the Americas and a global marketplace for plastics innovation, technology, and business growth. Produced by the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS), the event brings together thousands of professionals and exhibitors from around the world to explore the latest advancements in materials, machinery, recycling, and manufacturing. NPE2024 was recognized as the 7th largest trade show of the year and received the Grand Award for “Most Commendable Green Initiatives” at the TSE Gold 100 Awards. NPE2027 will take place May 3–7, 2027, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Learn more at www.npe.org.
About the Plastics Industry AssociationThe Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) supports the entire plastics supply chain, including Equipment Suppliers, Material Suppliers, Processors, and Recyclers, representing over one million workers in our $551 billion U.S. industry. PLASTICS advances the priorities of our members who are dedicated to investing in technologies that improve capabilities and advances in recycling and sustainability and providing essential products that allow for the protection and safety of our lives. Since 1937, PLASTICS has been working to make its members, and the eighth largest U.S. manufacturing industry, more globally competitive while supporting circularity through educational initiatives, industry-leading insights and events, convening opportunities and policy advocacy, including the largest plastics trade show in the Americas, NPE: The Plastics Show.
