ProMat primed for return to Chicago in 2023

After going “virtual” in 2021 due to the global COVID pandemic, ProMat is back in Chicago for a live, in-person event for 2023—and it’s going to be big. As the largest international materials handling, logistics and supply chain show and conference, ProMat 2023, produced by show sponsor MHI, will feature exhibits from more than 1,000 of the world’s top manufacturing and supply chain solution providers in more than 560,000 square feet of exhibit space—about 35% larger than in 2019.

ProMat exhibits represent all segments of the materials handling and logistics industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems. To make it easier for attendees, the ProMat show floor will be divided into solution-specific sections: equipment and components for manufacturing/assembly logistics solutions; fulfillment and delivery solutions; information technology (IT) solutions; and robotics and automation solutions.

At ProMat, attendees can see firsthand what the future holds; find the tools they need to shockproof their operations and move their business forward; and experience hands-on demonstrations at 155 different on-floor educational seminars. ProMat 2023 attendees can also:

• discover new ways to reduce operating costs and increase efficiency;
• find ideas for streamlining and automating their operations;
• build strong business relationships with peers and suppliers from around the world; and
• see the latest equipment and tech solutions, in-person, in-action.

This year’s show also features four keynote presentations, a “Student Day” on Wednesday, March 22, and multiple networking events. On Industry Night, MHI will recognize the industry’s most innovative products with its Innovation Awards.

Startup Pavilion

New this year, ProMat 2023 will feature a Startup Pavilion located on the show floor. Daniel McKinnon, MHI’s EVP of exhibits and events, said the new feature was added in response to attendees’ request for “new and exciting” exhibitors.

“ProMat has always been a place for established commercial organizations and incorporated companies,” says McKinnon. “Now, it’s also a place for 10 different startup companies to show the world what they’re working on.”

The participating startups will also compete for an MHI award that will be judged by a non-MHI jury. “We want to make sure we’re recognizing innovation and new technologies that are coming into the industry,” says McKinnon, “and giving those organizations a platform to become future MHI members and ProMat exhibitors.”

Keynotes

ProMat always features an exciting lineup of keynote presentations offering critical insights from experts on supply chain-related topics.

This year’s event will feature these four keynotes.

March 20: Women Leading in Supply Chains

This panel of AWESOME women will discuss their supply chain careers, the challenges they’ve faced and how they continue to break down barriers. They’ll also talk about how they use their voices to advocate for themselves and others, and the importance of developing strong networks. During this keynote moderated by AWESOME CEO Michelle Dilley, these leaders will share their vision for the future.

March 21: A Conversation with José Andrés

One of TIME magazine’s most influential people in the world, José Andrés has captured the zeitgeist of a nation: not only as one of the most popular chefs in America, but with his dynamic personality and diverse humanitarian projects aimed at making the world a better place. He is the founder of World Central Kitchen (WCK), a non-profit devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters as well as the Ukraine war. Join Andrés as he shares his inspiring story of, and the logistics behind, making the world a better place one meal at a time.

March 22: A Conversation with Ron Howard

Whatever springs to mind when you hear his name, you’re surely familiar with the career of Academy Award-winning director Ron Howard. He’s one of the film and television world’s most enduring legends, with more than 50 years in the entertainment industry as producer, director, writer and star of some of the seminal works of his generation. Howard will share his thoughts on the creative process, inspiration and the role of a mentor.

March 30: MHI’s 2023 Annual Industry Report

Be the first to have access to this new report on the supply chain trends and digital technologies that are transforming supply chains. Wanda Johnson of Deloitte will join MHI CEO John Paxton in presenting the report findings. They will be joined by a panel of manufacturing and supply chain thought leaders to discuss the real-world significance of the report findings.

Industry Night

MHI’s staff and Board of Governors will present Industry Night with comedian Nate Bargatze on Wednesday, March 22, from 4:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., in McCormick Place’s Grand Ballroom. Event tickets are available at ProMat Attendee Registration during the show.

A portion of ticket sales will be donated to the Material Handling Education Foundation Inc. (MHEFI). At the event, MHI will also hold the first-ever ProMat silent auction, which benefits MHEFI.

“We look forward to celebrating our industry’s continued innovation and commitment to quality and achievement at Industry Night,” says McKinnon. “It’s a great way to engage our members and honor our Innovation Award members, which is always a great feature of that event.”

During Industry Night, MHI’s CEO will present its 2023 Innovation Awards in three categories: Best New Innovation; Best Innovation of an Existing Product; and Best Information Technology (IT) Innovation. This year, 10 participating startups will also compete for an MHI award that will be judged by a non-MHI jury. This “Best Startup Award” is separate from the Innovation Awards.

“We want to make sure we’re recognizing innovation and new technologies that are coming into the industry,” says McKinnon, “and giving those organizations a platform to become future MHI members and ProMat exhibitors.”

Industry Night attendees will be treated to a show featuring comedian Nate Bargatze, who was featured as one of Esquire’s “Best New Comedians” by Jim Gaffigan, one of Marc Maron’s “Comedians to Watch” in Rolling Stone, one of Variety’s “10 Comics to Watch,” and as No. 1 on Vulture’s “50 Comedians You Should Know.” Bargatze has two Netflix specials, “The Greatest Average American” and “The Tennessee Kid,” plus the “Nateland” weekly podcast. 

MHI-sponsored seminars at ProMat 2023