New products and educational sessions are the top two draws for attending a trade show. But one can’t discount the people aspect of a face-to-face event. Having been a packaging-media journalist since 1982, I know quite a few people in the industry and love reconnecting with them. Here are just a few of my many packaging friends I saw at the 2014 Pack Expo International show (Nov. 2-5; McCormick Place, Chicago).

How many of these people do you know? I’d be happy to make any introductions!