In April, Chicago will be home to ProMat 2019, the premier expo for material handling and supply chain professionals in North and South America. As the top movers and shakers in the industry gather in the Windy City, this show is a great opportunity for you to source valuable new ideas, learn about new products and strengthen valuable partnerships.
To get the most from your ProMat experience, it’s important to start planning now. With more than 1,000 exhibitors spread across 400,000 square feet of show floor, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the sheer amount of exhibits to explore. With so many options, it’s important to set clear goals as to what you want to achieve by attending the show. Do you want to learn about new products, meet new vendors or strengthen relationships with companies you already work with? Take some time before the show and think about where you’ll find the most value.
Once you set your show goals, the next step is to research the vendors exhibiting at ProMat using the online Exhibitor Directory. First, look for companies you routinely work with to find their booth numbers and if they are introducing any new products. Are there any new products or services you would like to know more about? You can also search for vendors by industry or product category to help give you an idea of what will be available at the show. For instance, if you choose attachments or safety equipment as the product categories you’ll find companies like TVH (booth #S5138), which offers a wide variety of quality CAM® attachments, safety products and telematics solutions.
Before you leave for the show, take a look at the show floor map and make note of all of the vendors you want to see. If you’re short on time, be sure to visit the companies that have the most impact on your business first. It’s also a great idea to come up with a list of questions beforehand so you get the most out of your time when speaking with vendors.
In addition to the show floor, the ProMat show will also include a variety of learning opportunities including educational seminars, keynote speakers and networking events. With so many to choose from, it’s impossible to go to everything. Be sure to pick the seminars and events that will mean the most to you and your business.
The night before the show begins be sure to plan your day. Familiarize yourself with the show floor and make sure you have a copy of the schedule to take with you. You will be doing a lot of walking and standing throughout the day so don’t forget to pack a pair of comfortable shoes.
Large tradeshows, like ProMat, can be overwhelming, but they can also be a great learning and networking opportunity. And not to mention a lot of fun. Take your time and be sure to stop by booth #S5138 to say hi to TVH or if you'd like to party like a champion, RSVP for our Hospitality Event on Monday, April 8, 2019. Join us as for food, drinks and college hoops. Ask your sales representative for more information.