ProMat & MODEX Evolved Along with Supply Chain Technology

August 13, 2016

The first National Material Handling Show launched by the Materials Handling Industry (MHI) in 1948 was a result of new methods used to transport goods during World War II. That first show in Cleveland had 60,000 net square feet and approximately 3,000 attendees.

During the early years, the annual event moved around to various ‘industrial’ locations, including Detroit, Cleveland, Buffalo, Chicago, Baltimore, and San Francisco. Detroit’s show in 1974 was the first to hit
six-figure net square footage. Exhibits included industrial trucks, cranes, monorails, shelving, loading dock equipment, and conveyors.

Throughout the history of MHI, the annual expos have provided attendees with the latest developments in managing the flow of materials and products through the supply chain from manufacturing and distribution to
consumption and disposal.

Today’s exhibitors include not only traditional equipment manufacturers, but also modern technology such as automated storage and retrieval systems, radio frequency directed technology, bar coding, smart cranes,
robots and more.

The ProMat brand evolved from the slogan ‘Productivity through Material Handling,’ and became the official show name in 1985 at Chicago’s McCormick Place. ProMat is now held every odd-numbered year in Chicago.

For the first time in 2017, ProMat will have exhibits in both the South and North Halls of McCormick Place. Over 850 exhibitors will fill the two halls, totaling over 370,000 net square feet, representing all segments of the industry, from traditional manual equipment to computerized, automated .

"Driverless (or autonomous) vehicles … are disrupting traditional supply chains,” said Tom Carbott, MHI Senior Vice President of Exhibitions. "Attendees can see, touch and operate these solutions including automated storage and retrieval systems, automatic guided vehicle systems, driverless trucks, delivery drones, and automated crane technologies."

Prior to launching MODEX, in the alternate years of ProMat MHI held a show called the North American Material Handling Show (often referred to as the NA Show). It launched in Detroit in 1992 and moved to Cleveland in 2004 where it stayed until being retired in 2012.

Because the industry was becoming more global MHI recognized the need to expand the focus to a worldwide audience, so after two years of research MODEX launched in 2012. It is now held during even-numbered years in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center.

“Material handling has been a huge enabler of productivity in both manufacturing as well as distribution,” said Carbott. “Yet some things stay the same which is evidenced by some of the original exhibitors and basic technology that was on display back in 1948 as well.” Two companies – Columbus McKinnon and Yale & Hyster – have been exhibitors for more than 50 years.

Over 28,000 attendees gathered at MODEX this past April, exploring solutions featured by more than 800 exhibitors in 250,000 net square feet. It was recognized as one of the Top 25 Fastest-Growing Shows by TSNN, and true to MODEX’s global focus the participants came from over 100 countries and six continents.

As a part of this year’s MODEX, Student Days introduced over 300 high school and university students and educators to the world of material handling, supply chain and logistics through hands-on learning and a
guided tour of the show floor where they had the ability to see state-of-the-art equipment and network with industry professionals.

Over the years, MHI shows have experienced their share of adventures. At one show in Detroit, Michael Moore showed up unannounced to film for a documentary on General Motors. He was denied entry and was not happy, according to Carbott.

“At one of the early ProMat shows, an exhibitor hired an imitation Beatles Band with an Ed Sullivan impersonator,” said Carbott. “They set up on the top level of a 40-foot-high rack assembly and proceeded to sing at a decibel level of about 130. For four minutes, the show was shut down because nobody could talk or hear. We had to threaten to cut off electricity to the booth because the band was not interested in playing soft. They agreed to one more song and would then leave. That last song was ‘Revolution’ — not funny then, but incredibly funny now.”

Add new comment

Partner Voices
Overview: The award-winning Orange County Convention Center (OCCC) goes the extra mile to make every day extraordinary by offering customer service excellence and industry-leading partnerships. From their dedicated in-house Rigging team to their robust Exhibitor Services, The Center of Hospitality brings your imagination to life by helping you host unforgettable meetings and events. With more than 2 million square feet of exhibit space, world-class services and a dream destination, we are committed to making even the most ambitious conventions a reality. In October 2023, the Orange County Board of County Commissioners voted to approve allocating Tourist Development Tax funding for the $560 million Phase 5A completion of the OCCC. The Convention Way Grand Concourse project will include enhancements to the North-South Building, featuring an additional 60,000 square feet of meeting space, an 80,000- square-foot ballroom and new entry to the North-South Building along Convention Way. “We are thrilled to begin work on completing our North-South Building which will allow us to meet the growing needs of our clients,” said OCCC Executive Director Mark Tester. “As an economic driver for the community, this project will provide the Center with connectivity and meeting space to host more events and continue to infuse the local economy with new money and expanding business opportunities.” Amenities: The Center of Hospitality goes above and beyond by offering world-class customer service and industry-leading partnerships. From the largest convention center Wi-Fi network to custom LAN/WAN design, the Center takes pride in enhancing exhibitor and customer experience.  The OCCC is the exclusive provider of electricity (24-hour power at no additional cost), aerial rigging and lighting, water, natural gas and propane, compressed air, and cable TV services. Convenience The Center is at the epicenter of the destination, with an abundance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance. Pedestrian bridges connect both buildings to more than 5,200 rooms and is within a 15-minute drive from the Orlando International Airport. The convenience of the location goes hand-in-hand with top notch service to help meet an event’s every need. Gold Key Members The OCCC’s Gold Key Members represent the best of the best when it comes to exceptional service and exclusive benefits for clients, exhibitors and guests. The Center’s Gold Key memberships with Universal Orlando Resort, SeaWorld Orlando and Walt Disney World greatly enhance meeting planner and attendee experiences offering world-renowned venues, immersive experiences and creative resources for their events. OCCC Events: This fiscal year, the OCCC is projected to host 168 events, 1.7 million attendees, and $2.9 billion in economic impact.  The Center’s top five events during their 2022-2023 fiscal year included:  AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships 2023 200,000 Attendees $257 Million in Economic Impact MEGACON 2023 160,000 Attendees $205 Million in Economic Impact Open Championship Series 2023 69,500 Attendees $89 Million in Economic Impact Sunshine Classic 2023 42,000 Attendees $54 Million in Economic Impact Premiere Orlando 2023 42,000 Attendees $108 Million in Economic Impact