NA 2008 opens to record number of exhibitors

George Prest, director of business development for Unarco Material Handling and chairman of Material Handling Industry of America, cut the ribbon to officially open NA 2008 in Cleveland.

By Staff -- Modern Materials Handling, 4/21/2008 12:51:00 PM

“Now, let the solutions begin!”

With those words, George Prest, director of business development for Unarco Material Handling and chairman of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), cut the ribbon to officially open NA 2008 in Cleveland.

With nearly 530 exhibitors, 70 on-floor educational seminars and 16,000 visitors expected over these four days, this will be the most extensive and comprehensive material handling and logistics event in North America in 2008. And with representatives from nearly 60 nations, the show will also have a distinctly international feel.

In addition to Prest’s opening remarks, representatives from Cleveland were on hand to welcome the industry. “We are happy to have NA 2008 here and ecstatic to have 16,000 people from the materials handling industry see our town,” said Tracey Nichols, director of the city’s department of economic development. “On behalf of the mayor, thank you for coming and we look forward to seeing you again in 2010.”

The ribbon cutting followed the opening of the International Visitors Center (IVC). Located near the NA 2008 show offices (just look for the display of international flags hanging from the ceiling), the IVC is a home-away-from-home for exhibitors and buyers from around the globe. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Commerce will be on-hand at the IVC all week to provide information on the services available to international guests and companies wishing to expand their international trade activities.