Now is the time to finalize agendas for NA 2002 (The North American Material Handling and Logistics Show and Conference). From April 8-11, Detroit's Cobo Hall will host more than 20,000 visitors from across the globe for the largest materials handling and logistics event to be held in the United States this year. Sponsored by Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), NA 2002 attracts professionals from manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, logistics and information technology. The four-day event features more than 400 exhibitors displaying productivity solutions on 180,000 square feet of show floor.

This year's show will make it easier than ever for attendees to find the solutions they need. The show is structured into four centers that focus on specific solutions: equipment, components and manufacturing solutions; fulfillment and delivery solutions; information technology solutions; and e-fulfillment and delivery solutions.

In addition to the exhibition segment, NA 2002 will include an extensive educational conference that will allow attendees to learn more about the solutions featured at exhibitors' booths. New topics this year include logistics, manufacturing assembly processes and supply chain issues.

For the first time in the show's history, seminars will be held right on the show floor, as part of the Knowledge Portal, yet another new aspect of this year's show. Located at the hub of the four solutions centers, the portal is designed to orient participants while providing benchmarking services and building awareness of available resources.

"We were aiming to provide something for everybody. [The] industry represents a huge cross section of mechanical technologies, including controls and control systems and software. It is a big industry and, appropriately, there is a big set of conference offerings," says Richard E. Ward, executive vice president for professional development, MHIA.

Carol Miller, senior director, marketing for MHIA, stresses the importance of the event. "[The] industry is in transition. Because of this, it is more important than ever to keep current on the latest productivity-enhancing solutions available. Materials handling and logistics revolves around a total solutions perspective, driven by the integration of equipment and technology."

A highlight of the educational conference is "Achieving Six Sigma Logistics," an executive forum that is scheduled for Monday, April 8. MHIA and ARC Advisory Group are sponsoring this forum, which features industry leaders who will address today's market dynamics, ranging from business strategies to materials handling systems architecture.

"Logistics is truly one of the, if not the only, area of business practice where there is still room for really significant performance gains. Logistics – I should say good logistics – is what our industry is all about: getting the right goods to the right place at the right time, and a lot of other 'rights' that go along with that," explains Ward.

Additionally, several hands-on workshops, all requiring advance registration and a separate fee, will be offered.

Official NA 2002 Web site