Modex 2012: So long Atlanta. Hello Chicago.

Thursday marks the end of Modex 2012, the first iteration of the new show in Atlanta, and sets the stage for ProMat 2013 in Chicago.

In the view of the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), sponsor of Modex and ProMat, the new venue was a success. “When the show opened, I sent out a text: The baby is born,” said George Prest, CEO of MHIA. “The excitement out there is fantastic.”

That sentiment was shared by exhibitors like Gregg Goodner, president of Hytrol. “For us, the show had the feel of the best day at ProMat,” Goodner said. “It was a great location and there was lots of energy and enthusiasm.”

Prest said MHIA has already planned for an improved Modex in 2014. The show, which was sold out, will be held in a larger hall to accommodate more exhibitors. In addition, you can expect to see more representation from the logistics community, including rail and ports.

“Atlanta is a logistics center,” Prest said. “We put our toe in the water with co-located logistics related events, but we are already engaged and talking to logistics providers for the next show.”

Prest is also expecting a large turnout for ProMat 2013. (ProMat 2013 is scheduled for January 21 to 24 at Chicago’s McCormick Place.) ProMat sold 83% of the planned space in December at the space draw. And, as with the last ProMat event, the robotics industry will co-locate its Automate show in Chicago. In addition, Prest added, MHIA intends to offer more educational and professional development components to ProMat.

“Attendees are telling us that they may not buy material handling equipment every year,” Prest said. “But there is always a need for education, certification and professional development. We’re going to expand that component of the shows.”

Modex 2012 is scheduled to be held February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex 2012 coverage.