That’s a Wrap! NPE2024 Celebrates Triumphant Return, as Industry Leader Bids Farewell

After a six-year hiatus due to the pandemic, NPE2024: The Plastics Show has made a spectacular comeback, reestablishing itself as the premier event in the plastics industry. With an incredible turnout of more than 50,000 attendees scoping out more than 2,300 exhibitors spread across over 1.2 million square feet of exhibition space, the event saw participation from industry leaders, innovators and professionals eager to reconnect and discover the latest advancements in plastics.

“The energy and excitement at NPE2024 are truly palpable,” says Matt Seaholm, PLASTICS’ Chief Executive Officer. “From established industry giants to groundbreaking startups, this show is a testament to the unwavering spirit and ingenuity of the plastics community. We can’t wait to see how this next generation of the plastics workforce will use these resources and connections to foster the future of the industry.”

The show, which serves as a global platform for the plastics community to showcase new products, exchange ideas, and foster business relationships, had its last iteration in 2018. The intervening years saw shifts in industry demands and a rapid acceleration in technology development. This year's event, therefore, was not just a reunion but a showcase of how resilient and 
dynamic the plastics industry has become. 

“With a tremendously successful NPE2024 coming to a close, it is a bittersweet moment for me as I wind down my career,” says Anderson.  “I could not have scripted a better ending.

“It's been an amazing week,” says Glenn Anderson, COO and EVP, Trade Shows for PLASTICS.  “After a six year hiatus, attendees were hungry to see new technology on display in all processing segments. Between the bustling exhibit area, the robust educational program and the new networking opportunities, NPE2024 satisfied that hunger.”

Anderson announced this week that this will be his last NPE in this role, as he is retiring effective the end of this year. 

Anderson became the COO of PLASTICS, after having previously served as the association’s vice president of member engagement. He is a seasoned and accomplished leader with more than four decades of operations, P&L management, commercial and sales/marketing management expertise.

“With a tremendously successful NPE2024 coming to a close, it is a bittersweet moment for me as I wind down my career,” says Anderson.  
“I could not have scripted a better ending. To see how the show has grown 3 or 4 times in size since my first show in 1985 is humbling. My entire 41-year career has been entirely in the plastics industry. I have been blessed to be able to raise my family with a very good quality of life all thanks to the plastics industry.”