ProMat 2013: Tips and tricks for navigating the show

What is ‘The Hub’?
The Hub is an interactive resource center that offers multiple social media and informational opportunities for ProMat visitors. Located in the center of the ProMat 2013 show floor, The Hub features a social networking lounge—where attendees can catch the latest buzz about the event on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. It’s also home to a wireless Internet center for checking e-mail and networking with other attendees. Also in The Hub: information about ProMat sponsor MHI, their new brand and the resources and opportunities offered to manufacturing and supply chain professionals; details about the next Modex expo, to be held in Atlanta from March 17-20, 2014; and an overview of ProMat’s Innovation Award winners.

How to Score a Free Ride to the Show
Complimentary shuttle buses will run from 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and again from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. between all 22 designated show hotels and McCormick Place South, today through Thursday. Bus schedules are posted in each hotel, as well as at the convention center.

Show hotels include: Chicago Marriot Downtown Magnificent Mile, Courtyard by Marriott Chicago Downtown/River North, Courtyard by Marriott Magnificent Mile Chicago Downtown, Embassy Suites Downtown Chicago, Embassy Suites Hotel Downtown Chicago Lakefront, Fairfield Inn and Suites Chicago Downtown, Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park, Hard Rock Hotel Chicago, Hilton Chicago, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, Hyatt Regency Chicago, Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile, JW Marriott Chicago, Palmer House Hilton, Renaissance Blackstone Chicago Hotel, Renaissance Chicago Downtown Hotel, Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers, Swissotel Chicago, Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago, W Chicago Lakeshore, and Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago.

What to do at the end of the day?
Looking for ideas on how to spend your free time? Check out [url=http://www.choosechicago.com/promat]http://www.choosechicago.com/promat[/url] to find attractions, restaurants, theater, opera, sporting events and more.

Where Can I Learn More About MODEX 2014?
The second installment of MHI’s newest expo, Modex, returns to Atlanta next year and highlights the hottest solutions for the manufacturing, distribution and supply chain marketplace. Set for March 17-20, 2014, Modex 2014 will feature “Solutions that Move Supply Chains” from more than 600 leading providers in the industry. To learn more about what you can expect—either as an exhibitor or as an attendee—drop by The Hub in the center of the ProMat Show floor, or visit [url=http://www.modexshow.com]http://www.modexshow.com[/url].

Where to Park If You’re Driving
Park in Lot A for events in the North Building (Automate 2011) South Building (ProMat 2011). This six-level garage has 2,100 spaces and includes an adjacent surface lot. It is located on Martin Luther King Drive, adjacent to the McCormick Place West Building and feeds directly into the Grand Concourse at Gate 4. The parking is $19 for up to 16 hours and $30 from 16 to 24 hours. There are no in-and-out privileges. Parking fees can be paid by cash or credit card; Visa, MasterCard and American Express are also accepted.

Where to Find Business Services
A full-service Business Center is located on Level 2.5 of the Grand Concourse. The center offers secretarial services, postal services, photocopying machines, fax facilities, package-handling services and international telephone cards.

If You Run Low On Cash
An ATM money machine (MasterCard, Visa, Cirrus and Plus) is located on Level 2 of McCormick Place South, near the Business Center.

Assistance for Persons with Disabilities
McCormick Place offers services including wheelchairs, scooters and TDD telephones. Wheelchairs and scooters are available for a fee and must be reserved prior to your arrival by calling 312-791-7252. If you are using a standard wheelchair and need assistance, please call McCormick Place South Security in advance at 312-791-6060.

How to Get from ProMat to Automate, and Vice Versa
The two shows are literally across the hall from each other, with Automate 2011 located in the McCormick Place North hall, and Promat 2011 located in the McCormick Place South hall. Registration with either show gets you into the other for free; just flash your badge at the entrance. Both shows are open today through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Where Do I Find a Map of the Show?
Get the lay of the land around McCormick Place in Chicago at ProMat 2013 and Automate 2013 by visiting this map.  Visit [url=http://www.promatshow.com]http://www.promatshow.com[/url] for the interactive ProMat 2013 Show Floor Plan of Exhibits.

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.

Trade show survival tips from the pros
This is the third installment in a three-part series on tips and tricks for attending ProMat 2011. Modern surveyed some long-time show attendees to see how you can make the most of ProMat 2011. Here are some of the best show survival tips.