Why Attend ProMat or MODEX
ProMat and MODEX are the two largest trade shows in the material handling and supply chain industry. Sponsored by MHI, they alternate annually and bring together hundreds of exhibitors, thousands of attendees, and a concentrated view of the technologies shaping warehouse and fulfillment operations.
Whether you're evaluating new picking technology, benchmarking your operation against peers, or looking for integration partners, these events offer more value per hour than any other format in the industry.
ProMat and MODEX: The Basics
MHI is the largest national trade association for material handling, logistics, and supply chain industries. It sponsors two flagship trade shows that alternate on an annual cycle, giving the industry a major event to attend every year.
ProMat
Odd-numbered years | Chicago, IL
The older and larger of the two shows. ProMat features hundreds of exhibitors showcasing solutions from traditional manual equipment to advanced automated systems. Its focus is on facilitating connections and knowledge-sharing across all facets of the supply chain. Held at McCormick Place.
MODEX
Even-numbered years | Atlanta, GA
Focused on supply chain solution providers, MODEX offers attendees access to the latest manufacturing and fulfillment technologies. Originally launched to appeal to a broader, international audience. Held at the Georgia World Congress Center.
While the two shows historically had somewhat different audiences and focus areas, their scope has substantially converged. Today, both events cover the full spectrum of supply chain technology — from robotics and automation to software platforms, picking systems, and data analytics. Attendance at either show gives you a comprehensive view of where the industry is headed.
Discover Cutting-Edge Technologies
ProMat and MODEX are where the industry's newest technologies make their debut. If you're evaluating solutions to upgrade your operations, these shows concentrate more options in one place than you could find in months of independent research.
Automation and Robotics
AMRs, AGVs, robotic arms, goods-to-person systems, and autonomous picking solutions
Pick-to-Light and Put-to-Light
Light-directed picking systems from traditional wired to modern wireless platforms
Warehouse Management Software
WMS, WES, and WCS platforms with real-time visibility and optimization capabilities
Conveyor and Sortation
Automated conveyor lines, crossbelt sorters, and tilt-tray systems for high-volume operations
Data and Analytics
IoT sensors, predictive analytics, digital twins, and real-time performance dashboards
Scanning and Vision
RF scanners, computer vision, dimensioning systems, and barcode/RFID technology
The value isn't just seeing these technologies on display — it's seeing them demonstrated with live workflows. Many exhibitors run working simulations on the show floor, letting you observe performance and ask detailed questions in a way that a brochure or webinar can't replicate.
Evaluate and Compare Vendor Solutions
With hundreds of vendors showcasing solutions under one roof, you can compare features, capabilities, and pricing on the spot. This concentrated format enables side-by-side evaluation that would otherwise require months of scheduling individual demos and site visits.
How to Maximize Your Vendor Evaluations
Before the show, document your must-haves, nice-to-haves, and deal-breakers. Use the same checklist at every booth to make apples-to-apples comparisons possible.
The best technology is worthless if it can't connect to your existing WMS, ERP, or scanning infrastructure. Make integration questions your first filter.
Ask each vendor for references from operations similar to yours in scale and complexity. Follow up after the show while the conversation is fresh.
Capture not just the sticker price but the total cost model: licensing, hardware, implementation, support, and ongoing fees. Compare total cost of ownership, not just upfront cost.
Build Your Professional Network
The people you meet at ProMat and MODEX can provide as much value as the technologies on display. These events bring together a concentration of industry knowledge that doesn't exist anywhere else in a single venue.
Industry Leaders
Decision-makers from major logistics companies, distribution centers, and manufacturing operations who are shaping how the industry operates.
Potential Partners
System integrators, technology providers, and consultants who could become implementation or channel partners for your operation.
Peers and Competitors
Operations managers and directors facing the same challenges you are. Their experience and lessons learned can save you from costly mistakes.
Future Customers and Clients
If you provide services or products to the supply chain, these shows concentrate your target audience in one place.
The contacts you make at these events open doors to business opportunities, collaborations, and knowledge-sharing relationships that extend well beyond the show itself. Come with business cards and a clear idea of who you want to meet.
Education, Keynotes, and Seminars
Both shows feature a robust lineup of educational content. Industry thought leaders present on trends, challenges, and the future direction of supply chain operations. These sessions provide practical insights you can apply to your own operation immediately.
Keynote presentations
High-level perspectives on where the industry is headed, typically delivered by executives from leading logistics companies, technology firms, and research organizations.
Technical seminars
Deep-dive sessions on specific topics — automation ROI, WMS implementation strategies, labor optimization, sustainability in the supply chain, and more.
Case studies
Real-world presentations from companies that have deployed new technologies, sharing what worked, what didn't, and the measurable results they achieved.
Panel discussions
Moderated conversations bringing together multiple perspectives on contested topics — build vs. buy, automation timing, workforce development, and emerging regulations.
The educational content alone often justifies the trip. Topics are selected to address the most pressing challenges in the industry, and speakers are chosen for their practical experience, not just their titles.
Benchmark Your Operations
Seeing what other organizations are doing serves as an invaluable benchmark for your own operation. Are you ahead of the curve, or does your facility need to catch up? ProMat and MODEX give you the clearest available picture of where you stand relative to the industry.
Competitive Positioning
Understand what technologies your competitors are adopting and where your operation has gaps or advantages.
Strategy Validation
Present your approach to peers and industry leaders and get honest feedback. Validation from experienced professionals strengthens your business case internally.
Investment Justification
Gather data, case studies, and vendor comparisons that help you build and defend proposals for capital investment or operational changes.
Time and Resource Efficiency
The consolidated format of these events lets you meet dozens of vendors, partners, and potential clients in a few days. This efficiency saves the time and travel budget you'd otherwise spend on individual meetings scattered across the year. A well-planned show visit replaces months of vendor outreach.
Planning Your Visit
A show floor with hundreds of exhibitors can be overwhelming without a plan. Here's how to get the most from your time at ProMat or MODEX.
Pre-register and review the floor plan
Registration is typically free for attendees. Study the exhibitor list and floor map beforehand. Identify the booths you must visit and plot an efficient route.
Schedule meetings in advance
Don't rely on walk-ups alone. Reach out to key vendors and contacts before the show to schedule specific meeting times. Their most knowledgeable staff may only be available by appointment.
Block time for education sessions
Review the seminar and keynote schedule before you arrive. Build education blocks into your day so you don't miss the most relevant presentations while touring the floor.
Bring a team if possible
Dividing the floor among team members lets you cover more ground. Debrief at the end of each day to share notes and prioritize follow-ups.
Follow up within a week
The connections you make at the show lose value quickly if you don't follow up. Send emails, schedule calls, and request proposals while the conversations are still fresh.
Find Voodoo Robotics at the Show
Voodoo Robotics uses ProMat and MODEX to introduce new products, run live demonstrations, and connect with current and prospective customers and integration partners.
Find Voodoo Robotics wireless pick-to-light technology at these partner booths:
See Live Demos
Watch wireless Cloud Display Devices in action — pick-to-light, put-to-light, batch picking, and smart cart workflows demonstrated on a working show floor setup.
Discuss Your Project
Meet our team in person to talk through your specific operation. We can sketch out a solution approach and answer technical questions on the spot.
Meet Integration Partners
Voodoo works with a growing network of integration partners who feature our devices in their solutions. The show is an opportunity to see those combined capabilities live.
Exhibitor Partnerships
If you're an exhibitor and want to feature wireless pick-to-light in your booth, we welcome partnerships. Contact us to discuss going to market together.
Schedule a Meeting Before the Show
Whether you're attending ProMat or MODEX, contact us ahead of time to schedule a video call or an in-person appointment at the show. Our most productive conversations happen when both sides have time to prepare.
Not attending this year? No problem. We offer live virtual demos any time, so you can see our pick-to-light system in action from your desk.
Don't Wait for the Show Floor
See wireless pick-to-light technology in action right now. Book a live demo and we'll walk you through the system, answer your questions, and help you evaluate fit for your operation.