NA 2008 open for business
The 2008 North American Material Handling Show and Conference throws open its doors at 10 a.m. today at the International Exposition Center here in Cleveland.
By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/18/2008 9:30:00 AM
The 2008 North American Material Handling Show and Conference throws open its doors at 10 a.m. today at the International Exposition Center here in Cleveland.“This year—across the entire event—we’re seeing a heightened interest in the whole issue of supply chain sustainability,” says John Nofsinger, CEO of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), sponsor of the event.
“By sustainability, I mean both from the perspective of environmental issues and in terms of how robust the flow of goods and information is between global trading partners,” he explains. “Companies are truly looking to answer the question of how to deal with today’s supply chain disruptions that are so scattered and far-reaching.”
Because of that, says Nofsinger, attendees can expect to find even more solutions that are tied to green and environmental imperatives as well as lots of integrated solutions as they walk the show floor. “The strategic role and importance of material handling and logistics in those broad topics is becoming much more the norm in business today,” he says.
This year, more than 500 exhibitors from industry, commerce and government will showcase their productivity-enhancing products on the 150,000-square-foot show floor. Leading manufacturers from across North America will display exhibits representing the following technologies:
- Materials handling equipment and systems
- Packaging, containers and shipping equipment
- Inventory management and controlling technologies
- Dock and warehouse equipment and supplies
- Automatic identification equipment and systems
Further, MHIA estimates 20,000 industry professionals will attend from not only the United States, Canada and Mexico but from around the world, including China.
To make it easier for attendees to find the solutions they need, the NA 2008 show floor is divided into four solution-specific sections: manufacturing and assembly solutions; information technology (IT) solutions; fulfillment and delivery solutions; and a Knowledge Center, where free seminars are held.
An extensive educational conference runs concurrently with the show and focuses on improving productivity in these areas. This year, more than 70 free educational sessions are scheduled in the Knowledge Center on the show floor. The format allows participants to learn about productivity solutions in the seminars and then see the equipment and services that can help implement those solutions.
Tomorrow morning’s keynote address is from Andrew Winston, the co-author of “Green to Gold: How Smart Companies Use Environmental Strategy to Innovate, Create Value, and Build Competitive Advantage.” Winston, who will sign his book in the Green Pavilion, is part of this year’s emphasis on building an environmentally friendly, sustainable supply chain.
Attendees can also browse through the latest books, publications and videos from MHIA, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals and the Warehousing Education and Research Council at the MHIA Bookstore on the show floor.
Also of note, on Wednesday a special presentation from the Marine Civilian Development Program (MCDP) will offer exhibitors and attendees an opportunity to learn more about becoming corporate partners to recruit and hire former Marines for job openings. Several former Marines who have completed special materials handling training courses and are seeking positions within the industry will be in attendance.
Grab your badge, stroll the aisles and see the latest technologies and solutions for materials handling at NA 2008.
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