In less than two weeks, more than 45,000 industry professionals from 140 countries will descend upon Chicago to attend the ProMat 2019 conference and exposition. Covering the supply chain, materials handling, and logistics space, ProMat is collocating with the Automate show at Chicago’s McCormick Place (a separate post on things to do at Automate is coming soon) from April 8 – 11.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or have been going to the show for years, figuring out what to do and where to go can be a bit daunting, but your pals here at Robotics Business Review have got you covered if you’re looking for robot-related offerings. Here’s a list of some of the things that we’re looking forward to:

Task #1: Attend an educational session

The ProMat 2019 Educational Conference will offer more than 140 highly focused, 45-minute seminars in specially designed “theaters” located directly on the trade show floor. Included among these seminars is our very own CRO Summit at ProMat, featuring robotics industry leaders and other experts discussing the latest trends for evaluating, deploying and maintaining robotics within the supply chain and logistics space. The summit will include 17 different sessions, beginning on Monday, April 8 and running through Wednesday, April 10.

Of course, we love all of our sessions, but two sessions you don’t want to miss are “The Real World Impact on Robotics and AI on the Industry,” (11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. on Monday, April 8), and “Achieving Return on Investment: Demystifying the Hype and Achieving Implementation Success” (11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9), which feature all-star panels.

Task #2: Watch a keynote speaker

If keynote sessions are more your thing, ProMat has scheduled several of them across the course of the four-day conference. Of particular interest for us – the Tuesday, April 9, keynote, featuring Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of Girls Who Code, discussing “Closing the Supply Chain Gender Gap,”; and the April 10 keynote panel, “Preview of MHI 2019 Annual Industry Report,” which includes Joel Reed, CEO of IAM Robotics.

Task #3: Visit the expo floor

Of course, the main reason to attend a show this big is to visit the show floor, which features more than 950 companies on a 400,000-square-foot show floor. ProMat said exhibitors will come from more than 25 countries around the world to show off the latest products and services for the supply chain space. Several companies in the robotics space have already announced news around products set for the show, stay tuned for a future “show guide” for those companies

Task #4: Network, schmooze, and try to win a $30K trip

No event would be complete without the chance to meet and network with fellow colleagues and attendees. ProMat plans several different networking opportunities at the show, including “The Hub”, an interactive social networking center on the ProMat 2019 show floor, where attendees can access Wi-Fi, check email, or just plug in and recharge your phone or tablet.

The MHI Young Professionals Networking Event, where people can connect with other younger professionals in the material handling and supply chain space, will be held on Tuesday, April 9, from 5 to 6 p.m. in room S102D. Pre-registration is not required, just wear your ProMat 2019 badge.

For an additional cost, attendees can attend specific events, including:

• Women in the Supply Chain Industry Forum – April 8, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Sponsored by MHI and the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), the afternoon will feature education, discussion and networking for women in the supply chain industry. The forum is $99 for MHI and MHEDA members, and $119 for non-members.
• The MHI Industry Night with Craig Ferguson – Wednesday, April 10, from 4:30 to 7 p.m., features Scottish-American actor and comedian Craig Ferguson. Tickets are $50 and includes beer, wine, and hors d’oevres. The event also features the “Trip of a Lifetime” door price, in which one winner will receive a $30,000 vacation package to the location of their choice.

For more details on the event, head to the ProMat 2019 website.

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