ProMat 2015: Tips and tricks for navigating the show floor

Where’s the Show Directory?
Due to the popularity of smart phones and tablets—and in an effort to minimize the show’s environmental impact—MHI no longer publishes a ProMat Show Directory. Instead, the official ProMat app is available for free at both Android and Apple app stores. Downloading information is at promatshow.com/app.

The app offers an interactive map, exhibitor search, educational sessions search and information about the four keynotes. Attendees can also access their personalized agenda using the mobile app. Registration for events related to ProMat that require separate fees (such as such as MHI’s 70th Anniversary celebration on Wednesday) is only available at ProMat Attendee Registration on Level 3 of McCormick Place—not through the app.

For attendees who prefer paper, a condensed, pre-printed Show Guide handout is available at the entrance to the exhibit hall. This guide includes an exhibitor list, floor plan, and a list of education sessions with times and locations.

What is ‘The Hub’?
The Hub is an interactive resource center that offers multiple social media and informational opportunities for ProMat visitors. Located in Booth 2647 in the center of the show floor, the area has been dedicated as a social networking lounge—where attendees can catch the latest buzz about the event on Twitter (follow @ProMatShow and add #ProMatShow hashtag to your tweets), LinkedIn (promatshow.com/linkedin), the MHI blog (mhi.org/blog), and the ProMat 2015 YouTube Channel (mhi.org/youtube). It’s also home to a wireless Internet center for checking e-mail and networking with other attendees.

Immediately next to the Networking Lounge is information about ProMat sponsor MHI and the resources and opportunities it offers to manufacturing and supply chain professionals. There, you can also find details about the next Modex expo, scheduled to be held in Atlanta from April 4 to 7, 2016.

How to Score a Free Ride to the Show
Complimentary shuttle buses will run from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and again from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. between all 26 designated show hotels and the McCormick Place South, Monday through Thursday. Bus schedules are posted in each hotel, as well as at the convention center.

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

What to do at the end of the day?
Looking for ideas on how to spend your free time? Check out choosechicago.com/promat2015 to find attractions, restaurants, theater, sporting events and more.

Where Can I Learn More About Modex 2016?
The next installment of MHI’s Modex returns to Atlanta next year and highlights the latest solutions for manufacturing, distribution and supply chain. Set for April 4-7, 2016, Modex 2016 will feature the latest materials handling and logistics equipment and technologies from more than 800 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 modexshow.com.

ProMat 2015 is scheduled to be held March 23-26, 2014 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2015 coverage.