Can you believe it's the final day of MODEX? There's still time for more learning and networking. The expo floor will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. — if you missed any exhibitors, now's the time to check out their innovative products. And, don't miss the final on-floor seminars, happening between 9:30 and 11:45 a.m.

If you missed any of the daily e-newsletters or are looking for a quick way to find information you read in an issue, here's the MODEX 2024 e-newsletter archive.

And, make plans for next year! ProMat 2025 will be March 17-20 in Chicago and is the top show where the supply chain industry converges to see the latest equipment and tech, connect with key suppliers, and make strategic capital equipment decisions for their future operations. Hope to see you there!

Hall A
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Halls B-C
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The video from the third day of MODEX 2024 has been posted!

Check out highlights from another eventful day at MODEX.

Click here to watch the video.

The 2024 MHI Annual Industry Report has been released. Titled, “The Collaborative Supply Chain – Tech-Driven and Human-Centric,” the report is the 11th in a series of annual industry reports published by MHI and Deloitte, and provides updates on the innovative technologies that have the most potential to transform supply chains.

According to the report, 55% of supply chain leaders are increasing their supply chain technology and innovation investments, with 88% saying they are planning to spend over $1 million. Forty-two percent plan to spend over $10 million. This investment includes solutions for improved supply chain resiliency and transparency, as well as solutions for the ongoing workforce shortage. The report includes new insights into trends and technologies that are transforming supply chains and the priorities of the people who run them.

To read the full findings, download the report here.

Wednesday afternoon’s keynote gave highlights of the Annual Industry Report, titled “The Collaborative Supply Chain: Tech Driven and Human-Centric.” This survey was compiled from input from 1,700 manufacturing and supply chain industry leaders.

The keynote opened with high-level findings from the report, led by John Paxton, MHI CEO. Top supply chain challenges that the report uncovered include rising prices, the talent shortage, customer demands, insight into customer behavior, and supply chain disruptions/shortages.

Then, Wanda Johnson of Deloitte led the panel, including:

• Dr. Randy Bradley, associate professor of information systems and supply chain management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business
• Matthew Hough, Chief Information Officer, Cintas
• Chaneta Sullivan, Director, Facility Development and Safety, Chick-fil-A Supply
• Archna Wunsch, Head of Global Strategy and Transformation, Cook Medical

The panel discussed the report findings, specifically focusing on generative AI, supply chain resilience and the implementation of new technology. Takeaways from the panel:

• When integrating generative AI into business operations, it is important to provide effective change management, and also reassure team members that AI will not replace them.
• New technology should be rolled out with proper implementation. Involve the employee on the front end and get the feedback of all teams prior to making a choice so their feedback can guide you. Ask employees what can be done to make it work. And if the tech isn’t working, don’t be afraid to reassess.
• Don’t always try to hit a home run with your tech immediately – implement things in phases.
• Find the right job for existing employees – if they aren’t happy in a job, find the right fit for them. If someone wants to reinvent their job, that should be something that interests you.
• To improve resiliency, proactively monitor company risks and categorize those risks, focusing on high-risk areas. Make sure your information is provided to the client so there is transparency.
• At the end of the day, business decisions start with the vision from the top. We should be really intentional about the programs we implement, and make sure the fundamentals are in place to be successful. By listening to your people and implementing their suggestions, they become a change champion.

Click here to download the report.

On Wednesday morning, Nick Saban, legendary Alabama football coach, delivered a keynote with inspirational advice on facilitating a winning culture and developing talent. The conversation was led by Mitch McConnell of AGiLE­­ Business Media.

Saban, who led Alabama to seven national championships and 10 SEC titles, knows something about winning. He frequently gets asked what it takes to win, and his answer is always the same: have a gameplan, hire a good staff, prepare and have a solid system in place. But the most important thing is to ask yourself what kind of culture you'd like to build. Saban said in order to create a winning culture, you need the following:

1. Everyone has to have the same goals and aspirations for what you’d like to accomplish. At Alabama, he'd ask players what their goals were and if they knew what it would take to achieve those goals, later checking on their progress, which encouraged self-assessment. Saban said that in order to achieve goals, you need to have self-discipline, prioritize daily tasks and focus on their completion. Saban said, “It takes what it takes, and there are no shortcuts – there will be pain either way, either the pain of discipline or the pain of disappointment.”

First, define the principles and values of the organization, and once those have been established, the team needs to trust in the value of those principles and values, and also trust each other.

Saban said that if you let high achievers and mediocre people coexist in your organization, you’ll never succeed. He said, “Get the right people on the bus, get the wrong people off the bus, and get everyone in the right seat.”

2. Your entire team has to be consistently positive about what you’re trying to accomplish. Instill positive energy by making a practice of saying, “Glad to be here,” on a daily basis. That positivity makes you focus on opportunity instead of negativity. Positive energy and attitude go a long way.

The winners of the 2024 MHI Innovation Award were announced yesterday at Industry Night. After receiving 192 submissions, 12 finalists were chosen, three in each category (Best New Innovation, Best Innovation of an Existing Product, Best IT Innovation and Best Innovation in Sustainability) based on concept, value and impact. The 2024 winners are:

Best New Innovation 
Slip Robotics
 
Best Innovation of an Existing Product
ForwardX Robotics
 
Best IT Innovation
Configura, Inc.

Best Innovation in Sustainability
Avery Dennison

The MHI Innovation Award serves to educate and provide valuable insights on the latest manufacturing and supply chain products and services. MODEX 2024 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 full list of 2024 MHI Innovation Award submissions.

At yesterday's Industry Night, Gig and Take was named the winner of the first-ever MODEX 2024 StartUp Pitch.

In this competition, three finalists competed for a cash prize. The companies had 8 minutes to present their supply chain solution, followed by a Q&A session. Paccurate and Two Boxes were also finalists.

Congratulations, Gig and Take!

The innovations on Day 3 were just as amazing as the past two. There's just one more day for you to explore the show floor - from 9 AM – 1 PM today, check out the 1,200 booths with products for literally everyone. Don't miss this chance!
 
       

At this year's MODEX, you’ll find 1,200 of the world’s leading manufacturing and supply chain solution providers, as well as hands-on demonstrations and over 200 educational seminars. The following are key events for Thursday.

SHOW FLOOR HOURS: All halls: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

ON-FLOOR EDUCATION SEMINARS: Starting at 9:30 a.m.

Click here to view the full list of Thurday's educational sessions. 

To view sessions by tracks, click here.

Complimentary shuttle buses will run between Georgia World Congress Center and all designated MODEX 2024 show hotels every day of the show. Bus schedules will be posted in each show hotel and at Georgia World Congress Center. Shuttles will not operate for hotels within walking distance.
 
Click here to download complimentary shuttle bus routes, hotel shuttle bus drop-off locations and routes.

Wi-Fi is offered complimentary throughout MODEX. No password is required.
 
The public network name is MODEX2024.

Spread the word about MODEX online and access show information, view posts from show management, other attendees and exhibitors, and have a chance to win giveaway prizes!

	X (Twitter): Follow @PoweredByMHI, and add the #MODEX2024 to your tweets.
	LinkedIn: Join the MODEX 2024 LinkedIn® group for updates and discussions.
	MHI Blog: Visit our blog for insightful articles about MODEX 2024.
	YouTube: Join the MODEX 2024 YouTube® channel to view videos.
	Instagram: Follow us on Instagram.
	MHIview: View videos on the MHIview MODEX 2024 channel.
	TikTok: Follow us on TikTok.

Make plans now to attend next year's ProMat, happening in Chicago on March 17-20.

This is the show where the industry’s key decision-makers come together to source manufacturing and supply chain solutions. From hands‑on product demonstrations to one-on-one meetings, ProMat 2025 is where the supply chain industry converges to see the latest equipment and tech, connect with key suppliers, and make strategic capital equipment decisions for their future operations. 

There is no cost to attend the exhibits and conference sessions. Register today for free admission.

Click here to learn more.

PHOTO: SONGQUAN DENG/BIGSTOCK

Are you still exploring Atlanta? If you're still looking for attractions, here are some resources that could help:

• Discover Atlanta published this list of top things to do in Atlanta.
• Conde Nast Traveler posted about the 12 best museums in Atlanta.
• Here are unique experiences in Atlanta, courtesy of The Getaway.
• For those on a budget, here's a list of top inexpensive things to do in Atlanta by AAA.
• Looking to shop while you're here? Explore Georgia published this list of the 14 best places to shop in Metro Atlanta.

PHOTO BY VENTI VIEWS ON UNSPLASH

Each day at MODEX 2024, a video crew will be interviewing keynotes, talking to exhibitors, getting feedback from attendees and sharing their view of the action.

The videos will be emailed out daily, or you can access the MHIview MODEX 2024 channel to catch up on what you missed or to see the latest clips.

The Q2 issue of MHI Solutions is out now and includes features on first, middle and last mile logistics, as well as other topical industry articles. The issue also contains a section on MODEX to help you plan your show experience.
 
In Q2, the feature Fast Track Fulfillment 

• 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