About the Show
APPEX is Australia’s leading exhibition for the processing and packaging industry. Returning to Melbourne in March 2027, the event will connect machinery manufacturers, packaging suppliers, technology providers, manufacturers, retailers and distribution businesses from across Australia and international markets.
Across four days, visitors will be able to explore new processing and packaging machinery, materials, automation systems, digital technology and supply-chain solutions. The event will also feature industry-led seminar sessions, networking areas and the APPMA Awards of Excellence.
APPEX evolved from AUSPACK, an exhibition operated by APPMA since 1985. The expanded APPEX format was created to move beyond a packaging-only exhibition and represent the complete processing and packaging industry under one roof.
Run by the industry for the industry, APPEX provides a national platform for manufacturers and suppliers to demonstrate technology, share knowledge, build relationships and identify new commercial opportunities.
Key Features of the Show
400+ Exhibitors
More than 400 Australian and international manufacturers and suppliers are expected to exhibit across the four-day event, presenting equipment, materials, technology and professional services for the complete processing and packaging supply chain.
Live Machinery and Technology Demonstrations
Visitors can see processing equipment, packaging lines, robotics, automation systems, labelling equipment, materials-handling solutions and other manufacturing technologies operating in a live exhibition environment.
The event covers machinery and technology for processes including washing, slicing, filling, sealing, wrapping, labelling, coding, inspection, cartoning, conveying, palletising and warehouse handling.
Complete Industry Coverage
The exhibition will cover the major areas of the processing and packaging sector, including:
- Processing machinery
- Packaging machinery
- Packaging materials and components
- Robotics and automation
- Digital printing and labelling
- Ancillary and plant equipment
- Software and industry services
- Logistics and materials handling
These categories reflect the principal exhibition areas and product groups promoted through APPEX’s official exhibitor directory.
Networking Hubs and Industry Events
Dedicated networking hubs will be located throughout the exhibition floor, giving exhibitors and visitors convenient spaces to meet clients, entertain prospects and develop new relationships.
Additional networking activities will be held throughout the event week, including the APPMA Awards of Excellence Gala.
APPMA Awards of Excellence
The APPMA Awards of Excellence recognise outstanding innovation, leadership, technical achievement and industry best practice within Australia’s processing and packaging sector.
The 2027 categories include awards for manufacturing businesses, packaging machinery, processing machinery, systems integration, automation innovation, packaging innovation, technical excellence and emerging industry leaders.
Who Should Exhibit?
- Processing Machinery Suppliers
- Packaging Machinery Manufacturers
- Robotics & Automation Providers
- Packaging Manufacturers & Materials Suppliers
- Printing, Coding and Labelling Companies
- Logistics & Materials-Handling Suppliers
- Software & Technology Companies
- Professional & Industry Services
Who Attends?
APPEX attracts professional and business visitors involved in the selection, specification, purchase, operation and management of processing and packaging technology.
Attending Industries
- Food manufacturing
- Beverage manufacturing
- Dairy processing
- Meat and protein processing
- Bakery and food service
- Packaging and printing
- Pharmaceuticals
- Health, beauty and cosmetics
- Chemicals and household products
- Fast-moving consumer goods
- Industrial manufacturing
- Logistics and distribution
- Retail and wholesale operations
Why Should You Exhibit?
Access More Than 10,000 Decision-Makers
APPEX provides direct access to a highly targeted professional audience from Australia’s major processing, packaging, manufacturing and distribution markets.
Generate Qualified Sales Leads
Exhibitors at APPEX 2024 reported an average of 76 sales leads per company, demonstrating the event’s potential as a focused business-development platform.
Demonstrate Machinery in Action
Complex processing and packaging equipment is often more effective when demonstrated live. APPEX gives suppliers the physical space to show machinery, automation and complete production solutions operating in front of prospective customers.
Launch New Products and Technology
APPEX offers a concentrated industry environment for unveiling new products, machinery, materials and manufacturing technology to customers, distributors and industry media.
Build Relationships with Other Exhibitors
APPEX also facilitates business between suppliers. At APPEX 2024, 81% of exhibitors reported that they had conducted, or expected to conduct, business with another exhibitor.
Key Event Statistics
- 400+ exhibitors
- 10,000+ professional visitors from major vertical markets
- 96% of APPEX 2024 exhibitors rated the event as important to their business
- 76 average sales leads generated during APPEX 2024.
