ProMat 2023
MHI’s leading trade show for the manufacturing and supply chain industry is an unqualified success
SilMan hosted their third “ProMat Bash” which provided a social opportunity for our entire network to meet, mix and mingle over food, drink, and live entertainment. Will we see you in 2025?
Team SilMan Reflects on ProMat 2023
The McCormick Center was buzzing for four straight days! The focus? Tech solutions clearly dominated the scene.
And for sure, our team’s experience surpassed expectations in terms of size and depth.
Material Handling International (MHI) is surely enjoying the afterglow. 2023 attendance exceeded the 2019 record by 12%, with 178 countries represented.
They’ve earned it! ProMat continues to be the uncontested destination of choice for those of us in the material handling and supply chain sector. The reasons are clear:
- The massive scale of exhibitors
- Plentiful learning opportunities
and an industrial-strength stew of manufacturers, automated solutions, new product demonstrations, and A-list attendees from every corner of the industry.
Trade Conference Debrief, From our Team to Yours
In an effort to capture the energy of ProMat 2023 from a unique perspective, we have asked four team members to comment about what they saw and experienced at the show.
Here is what they had to say.
“As always, the ProMat function is an amazing opportunity to connect face-to-face with our valued clients, partners, and friends. These moments are more important than ever, as so many aspects of our business are increasingly conducted remotely.
And of course, it goes without saying that the amount of innovation happening is mind-blowing to see.
I also appreciate how this event helped to build up our integration team. Despite working hundreds of hours together, we are typically spread out all over the country. The ProMat conference offered our team a chance to reconnect and tighten our bonds and friendships.
But I have to admit, my favorite part was our own SilMan Bash! I was overwhelmed by the attendance and the good vibes that each guest brought to the event. You could feel it in the air. I hope that each and every guest was able to understand and feel the appreciation we have for our clients and partners.
What a remarkable group of people we are able to work with year in and year out.”
“The best takeaway from ProMat 2023 was seeing so many individuals in the industry who I haven’t seen since before Covid. It is always great to catch up with customers, vendors, and suppliers who I only typically see at these types of events.
The thing that makes ProMat a “must-see” event for me is all the equipment manufacturers showcasing their “new” product lines. It gives me a new perspective on the current state of our industry as well as insight into new innovative design upgrades. For example, this year there were quite a few companies introducing their belted curve designs to the industry and it was very interesting to see their unique approach.
It is interesting how many industries ProMat touches. For example, I saw Dell representatives and a ton of manufacturers from across the spectrum. Everybody has something to ship!
I was sorry to see that there weren’t as many large-scale robotics demonstrations as in the past. I am sure that is a result of our current financial climate. Nonetheless, I missed seeing those demos.
However, I did see the Boston Dynamics dog!”
“ProMat is always such a great opportunity to see the breadth and depth of the material handling industry. I am excited to see the enormous potential for growth that lies before all of us.
However, in 2023, I appreciated one thing above all others: seeing our team fully absorbed into the ProMat community.
We are fortunate to have such a diverse and talented team that is engaged in all that the industry has to offer.”
SilMan Trade Show Action (and a bit of fun)
How to Get the Most Out of a Trade Show
Are you thinking about bringing a team to Modex?
To wrap up this article, we would also like to share a few things our team learned as we ramped up for the ProMat 2023 show.
Most employers see the dollar signs before fully considering the value. No matter how much this is a relevant concern, let’s set it aside for a moment.
This time around, we asked each ProMat Team participant to review all exhibitors and learning sessions being offered and create a plan for the conference. Including setting coffee or dinner meetings with clients, partners, and prospects.
We gathered as a group to review the plans and discuss them a week before the event.
From the moment we had boots on the ground – POW – everyone was on the move!
The value of specific pre-planning for each individual was visible every day on the show floor. Teammates engaged everywhere we saw them, and moved with firm intention from booth to booth.
We also held a “how to be a good host” session to discuss the role of our team at our hosted party. Once again, with minimum preparation, the team worked the room, greeted visitors at the door, and managed a registration table.
Trade shows can be a boondoggle. However, with an engaged team who fully recognizes the value of the event and a little bit of leadership, the time and expense can be the source of limitless goodwill with your clients and team members.
It is an expense, for sure. However, at this very moment, your competition is busy learning about new technologies and applications. Guaranteed.
If you are not able to send a team to a tradeshow, gather your team and work together to set a course for the best next alternative to staying informed, motivated, and relevant for our 21st customers!
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See You at Modex 2024!!
About SilMan
SilMan Industries (previously SilMan Construction) is based in San Leandro, California.
Founded in 2008, the firm operates nationwide in three divisions – Construction, Material Handling and Site Services – and partners with “best in class” companies in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Public Works sectors.
For more information, please visit www.silmanindustries.com/about.
