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Sponsored by Swisslog Logistics, Inc.
On ProMat Day 2, the show kicked into high gear. The Day 2 video recap includes interviews with exhibitors who demonstrated how they are meeting the needs of the industry with innovative products. The video also includes highlights from keynote José Andrés, founder of World Central Kitchen, as well as the Young Professionals Network meet-and-greet, and the WERC Connects Panel. Day 2 continued to provide attendees with the absolute best opportunities for education and networking, giving insight into the future of the supply chain. Click here to watch the video. Sponsored by Fives Intralogistics Corp.
Did we catch you on camera at ProMat 2023?
ProMat videos are saved in our ProMat 2023 channel—watch daily wrap ups, interviews from the show floor, and more.
MODEX 2024 is your unique event opportunity to make new contacts, discover cutting-edge solutions, and learn the latest trends that are sure to give you a leg up on the competition. With over 900 of the leading providers in the industry, four powerful keynotes and 150+ free education sessions, there are ample opportunities to learn, network and grow.
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Conference News
Supply & Demand Chain Executive
When you think Chicago, do you think robotics? If you visited MHI's ProMat, you might. From Bastian's C18 automated forklifts to AutoStore's Bins, technology took the stage to show off all of the incredible strides being made in every facet of logistics.
Keynotes, Sessions & Seminars
 Monday morning's keynote brought together a diverse group of women who spoke on the acceleration of change and technology in the industry, and the role that women play in initiating that change.
The keynote was moderated by Michelle Dilley of AWESOME (Achieving Women’s Excellence in Supply Chain Operations, Management and Education), a group that brings women in the industry together to act as the catalyst for innovation and industry improvements. Panelists included: • Annette Danek Akey, Chief Supply Chain Officer, Penguin Random House • Maria G. Llamas, Sr. Director – Fulfillment Productivity & Systems, Hasbro • Ammie McAsey, SVP Customer Distribution Experience, McKesson • Rachel Cox, Director – Supply Chain Strategy, Grupo Bimbo The focus of the discussion centered around the change initiated by the pandemic, and the subsequent accelerated push for investments in new technology, including an increased focus on automation. The new technology will make it possible to improve overall processes and employee experiences. This aligns with new initiatives to increase the investment in people through providing the right tools, ensuring enhanced safety and making sure employees have a good overall experience. To augment the employee experience, automation can provide the ability to take repetitive processes out of the mix. Another part of this equation is making sure employees hired have the ability to finetune the automation equipment, as well as ensuring the right technology is used in the right amount.
“We show up at our best, giving people the best we can, because that sends a message.” This statement from José Andrés resonated with the 1,000+ attendees at Tuesday morning's keynote. This world-famous chef is known for more than just his food—he runs the World Central Kitchen (WCK), a nonprofit organization that provides hot meals to people affected by natural disasters and other crises around the world. Hot meals provide more sustenance and support than just donating food, according to Andrés.
Born in Spain, Andrés became a household name in the culinary world. He opened a number of successful restaurants, wrote cookbooks and appeared on TV shows. But it wasn't until 2010 that he truly became a global figure with the founding of the WCK. The organization has responded to dozens of disasters and emergencies around the world. In the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, for example, WCK set up a network of food trucks that served hot meals to thousands of people each day. In Puerto Rico, following Hurricane Maria in 2017, they provided more than 3 million meals—and in each location, they tailor what they cook to the regional cuisine for added comfort.
On Wednesday morning, the findings of the MHI 2023 Annual Industry Report were presented to ProMat attendees. Titled The Responsible Supply Chain: Transparency, Sustainability, and the Case for Business, the report focuses on the trends and digital technologies that are transforming supply chains.
Wanda Johnson of Deloitte then joined a panel of manufacturing and supply chain thought leaders to discuss the findings. The panel included:
The report is based on a survey of over 2,000 supply chain professionals, and this year's findings are powerful: 74% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments, with 90% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million, an increase of 24% over last year. Thirty-six percent plan to spend over $10 million, up 19%. This investment includes solutions for improved supply chain resiliency, transparency and sustainability as well solutions for the ongoing workforce shortage.
Ron Howard was born with an aptitude to be in the entertainment business, but he doesn’t love the spotlight. But from the very first time he acted, he loved the idea of sharing and connecting through art.
In his keynote on Wednesday afternoon, Howard discussed the lessons, struggles and triumphs of a 60+-year career, as well as the role of creativity and problem-solving in moviemaking and in life.
Over the years, creativity was something that Howard witnessed over and over again, and he realized that the more you practice creativity, the better you get at it—and your problem-solving skills increase as well. In particular, Andy Griffith created a very creative environment on the set—the actors were allowed to participate in script rewrites, and Howard remembered how that camaraderie and participation empowered the actors.
MHI is pleased to announce the winners of the 2023 MHI Innovation Awards. After receiving 156 submissions for this years’ awards, judges comprised of professionals from the material handling and supply chain industry completed the initial vetting process. Four finalists were previously chosen and announced as the most innovative products in each category—Best New Innovation, Best Innovation of an Existing Product, and Best IT Innovation based on concept, value, and impact. The winners were announced at the MHI Industry Night at ProMat. The 2023 MHI Innovation Award winners are: Best New Innovation The MHI Innovation Award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain products and services to ProMat attendees. ProMat 2023 exhibitors were called to submit a new product, product line, technology or service or new application of existing products or technology that create quantifiable and sustainable results in terms of ROI, cost savings, customer satisfaction, etc. Click here for a list of 2023 MHI Innovation Award submissions.
MODEX Insights
Networking
 This issue of MHI Solutions focuses on current advances in technology, including AI, robotics, AMR and more. Want to learn more about MHI Solutions magazine or MHI? Visit MHISolutionsmag.com, access the online media guide, or reach out to:
Carol Miller, MHI Chief Marketing Officer, at cmiller@mhi.org
Robin Lamerson, Naylor Association Solutions Editor, at robin@naylor.com
Jason Zawada, Naylor Association Solutions Integrated Media Director, at jzawada@naylor.com
Click here to learn more.
  Our weekly artificial intelligence (AI) newsletter, MHI Newswire, uses AI to customize your newsletter. Each week, the articles contained in your MHI Newswire will be selected by the AI program as ones that will interest you most based on your clicking and reading habits from previous weeks. The more articles you click, the more the program will be able to finetune its selections for you, giving you a truly customized reading experience. Subscribe today!
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Whatever manufacturing and supply chain solutions or insights you need to power your business, you’ll find them at MODEX 2024. There is no cost to attend the exhibits and conference sessions. 
ProMat 2023 has come to an end, but you can still utilize tools from the show to help you network and find new products. Here are 10 ways to connect and learn from ProMat:
The Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), a division of MHI, has announced its 
