ProMat 2013: Maximize your time with two shows in one place

Your ProMat 2013 registration not only gives you access to the 300,000 square feet of exhibits, educational sessions and keynotes in McCormick Place South, it also grants you access to Automate 2013 located directly across the Grand Concourse hallway in McCormick Place North. Both shows run concurrently, today through Thursday, and share identical hours: today through Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Like MHIA-sponsored ProMat, Automate (formerly the International Robots, Vision & Motion Control Show) is held just once every two years. Sponsored by the Association for Advancing Automation (A3)—and its trade associations, the Robotic Industries Association (RIA), AIA – the global association for vision and imaging, and the Motion Control Association (MCA)—Automate showcases the full spectrum of automation technologies and solutions. More information about the show can be found at http://www.automate2013.com.

MHI and A3 first brought the two shows together in 2011 to help visitors maximize their travel time and budget. Feedback from attendees that year was overwhelmingly positive said Jeff Burnstein, president of RIA. “Attendees indicated that they found the co-location of both shows to be more valuable than the opportunity to attend a standalone show,” he says.

“Automation is being used to a greater extent than ever in the material handling arena,” he continued. “Co-locating gives material handling professionals the chance to see the latest in robotics, machine vision, motion control and other technologies at Automate. And, it gives Automate participants a chance to see how those technologies can be applied in material handling, logistics and warehousing across the hall at ProMat.”

New to Automate this year is a series of Expert Huddles, open to a maximum of ten attendees at time without advance registration. These 50-minute discussions will take place throughout the show floor and will be led by an industry leading “quarterback.” Because the show targets small- to medium-sized companies, said Burnstein, the topics will mostly address questions most frequently asked by companies that are new to automation, or who are seeking to expand upon a previous investment in automation technologies.

“Typical discussions will include: ‘What’s the best way to get started with automation?,’ ‘How to work with an integrator?,’ and ‘What are the best candidate projects for an initial step into automation?,’” he explained. A full schedule of the Huddles’ locations, times and topics can be found posted throughout the Automate show floor, as well as at http://www.automate2013.com.

Additionally, a comprehensive educational conference and certification program accompany the Automate show. Classes are for skill levels from beginner to advanced, and are taught by experienced industry professionals. Tuesday night, Automate will host a networking event with dinner, drinks and live blues band at Buddy Guy’s Legends. Open to registered attendees and exhibitors, a ticket is required.

ProMat 2013 is scheduled to be held January 21-24, 2013 in Chicago’s McCormick Place South. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete ProMat 2013 coverage.

About the Author

Sara Pearson Specter

Sara Pearson Specter has written articles and supplements for Modern Materials Handling and Material Handling Product News as an Editor at Large since 2001. Specter has worked in the fields of graphic design, advertising, marketing, and public relations for nearly 20 years, with a special emphasis on helping business-to-business industrial and manufacturing companies. She owns her own marketing communications firm, Sara Specter, Marketing Mercenary LLC. Clients include companies in a diverse range of fields, including materials handing equipment, systems and packaging, professional and financial services, regional economic development and higher education. Specter graduated from Centre College in Danville, Ky. with a bachelor’s degree in French and history. She lives in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where she and her husband are in the process of establishing a vineyard and winery.

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About the Author

Sara Pearson Specter

Sara Pearson Specter has written articles and supplements for Modern Materials Handling and Material Handling Product News as an Editor at Large since 2001. Specter has worked in the fields of graphic design, advertising, marketing, and public relations for nearly 20 years, with a special emphasis on helping business-to-business industrial and manufacturing companies. She owns her own marketing communications firm, Sara Specter, Marketing Mercenary LLC. Clients include companies in a diverse range of fields, including materials handing equipment, systems and packaging, professional and financial services, regional economic development and higher education. Specter graduated from Centre College in Danville, Ky. with a bachelor’s degree in French and history. She lives in Oregon’s Willamette Valley where she and her husband are in the process of establishing a vineyard and winery.

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