Speed dating, materials handling style

Yes, that’s a shameless headline, aimed to get your attention. I think of it as Modern’s version of Live Nude Conveyors.

But if you haven’t done so already, check out the One Minute To Connect videos on the ProMat website. Then, take a moment and vote for your favorite.

What’s it’ all about? MHIA, the sponsor of ProMat, has created a special web page where exhibitors can post a 60 second video to promote their company and their product. They get one minute to make a connection that may lead to a date in March. “We’re pushing the videos out to attendees,” says Devon Birch, marketing and communications manager, for MHIA. “Once they watch the video, they can vote for their favorite.” Sounds a little like The Bachelor to me.

As of yesterday, there were 24 videos on the site, with Sapient Automation leading the pack with 205 votes. The next closest competitor was a video for overhead monorail trolleys from Demag with 145 fans. That may be a reflection of good marketing. “We have found that some companies are really taking advantage of the site and sending out the video to people on their mailing list and encouraging them to vote,” says Birch.

Translation: If you have a favorite video – or a favorite company – fire up your Constant Contact list and get out the vote.

Birch says she has been pleasantly surprised by the creativity of some of the submissions. “There are some videos that are really well done and informative, and a few that have taken some creative license that are fun to watch,” she adds.

ProMat 2011 will be held March 21 - 24, 2011 at McCormick Place South in Chicago. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry.

Read all of Modern’s ProMat 2011 coverage