ProMat vs MODEX: Which One Should Your Team Attend?

ProMat vs MODEX, if you work in the warehouse, order fulfillment, or supply chain industries, then it’s a safe bet that you have attended or regularly attend any of a number of trade shows. And it makes sense why: Attending trade shows is a great way to stay abreast of developments in your industry, develop relationships with strategic partners, and even identify business opportunities.

But attending trade shows certainly isn’t cheap, and executives want to know if they are getting a good return on investment by sending their team to the shows. That might make it easy to write off smaller shows, or those that are directed towards a niche that you don’t operate in, but what about when it comes to the bigger shows?

Case in point: MODEX vs ProMat are two of the largest trade shows targeting the supply chain and order fulfillment industries. The shows alternate each year, which allows companies the flexibility to send their teams to both shows.  But other companies wonder, and with good reason: Does one of the shows better fit the needs or focus of my operation? And furthermore, should I attend both shows? Or, can I get more out of my budget by prioritizing one over the other?

Here, we discuss three key differences between MODEX and ProMat to help operations managers and executives decide.

Four Key Differences MODEX vs ProMat

Both ProMat and MODEX are organized and operated by the Material Handling Industry (MHI). The shows take place on alternating years, with MODEX falling on even-numbered years and ProMat falling on odd-numbered years.

In 2024, a thousand exhibitors and tens of thousands of attendees will converge in Atlanta, GA at the Georgia World Congress Center for MODEX 2024.

The goal of both shows is to help connect professionals in the order fulfillment, materials handling, distribution, and supply chain industries—with potential partners and business opportunities as well as with new technologies and thought leaders that can help them improve their operations’ performance.

Though they are similar in many regards, there are certain key differences between ProMat vs MODEX that you may want to consider before committing to attending one over the other. Here, we’ve identified the four key differences between the two.

1. Focus

Of the two, ProMat is the older trade show, dating back decades. It has traditionally been focused on distribution, materials handling and warehousing. Alternatively, MODEX is a more recent addition, having begun only in 2012. Prior to Modex, the show had been called the North American Materials Handling Show residing first in Detroit and then Cleveland before the name and focused changed.

Originally, MODEX is targeted to be focused on the supply chain and the role it plays in material handling and distribution—giving it a broader scope than ProMat and also a wider potential audience.

That being said, the two shows have grown closer to each other in terms of focus as materials handling, order fulfillment, and the supply chain have continued to become more entwined.

2. ProMat vs MODEX Location

Another key difference between ProMat vs MODEX is the fact that they take place in different locations. ProMat has traditionally been hosted in the McCormick Place in Chicago, Illinois, while (as previously mentioned) MODEX is hosted in the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Both cities are major distribution center, warehousing and transportation, making them prime locations for trade shows catering to such a large national and international audience.

That being said, the distance between the two locations is substantial. Since most shows get the majority of their attendance within a 500 mile radius, the audience is often different. An operation in Alabama or Georgia, for example, could save a substantial amount of money (flights, hotel, etc.) and time by attending MODEX rather than ProMat. Similarly, an operation in Indianapolis would likely save funds by attending ProMat rather than MODEX.

3. Size

Between ProMat and MODEX, ProMat is the larger show, having been around longer and attracting more of a following. Promat 2023, the was the largest in its history, with an 12% attendance increase from 2021. The four-day expo saw nearly 51,000 attendees and 1,051 exhibitors across the 563,000 square feet of exhibit space. MODEX 2022, on the other hand, saw a still impressive (but smaller)  20% growth over the previous show with 37.047 attendees and 857 exhibitors in 405,000 sq. ft.

Because of this size discrepancy, it’s worth noting that, while both shows will feature product and system integration demonstrations that attendees can see up close to evaluate the potential value that they can add to an operation, ProMat typically has more products on display than MODEX. but recent trends seem to seeing both shows explode with larger booths and more equipment than ever.

But it’s important to note that MODEX only began in 2012, and since then, has grown rapidly. From 2016 to 2022, MODEX attendance grew by a whopping 25%, and the show has appeared on the Trade Show News Network (TSNN)’s list of the fastest-growing trade shows three times: First in 2014, again in 2016, and then again in 2018.

So while MODEX is currently the smaller of the two shows, it is expected to catch up with ProMat in the coming years.

4. Timing

The last key difference, as mentioned above, is timing. ProMat vs MODEX occur on alternating years, which can cause some operations to believe that they should wait two years between shows. 

While that can work for some operations, waiting every other year often isn’t realistic planning. 

What are your major needs, objectives, and plans for the upcoming year? If your organization is looking to make immediate improvements and modifications to impact 2020’s peak season, then attending MODEX is a must. Likewise, to maximize your time and schedule, we suggest scheduling a call to discuss your needs and a follow up meeting at MODEX to get things moving.

ProMat vs Modex: How to Choose Which Conference to Attend

As you can see, though there are differences between the two shows, they are far outweighed by the similarities. That ultimately means that which show you attend boils down to what you hope to get out of it.

If you primarily attend MODEX and ProMat in order to stay abreast of industry news and developments, then it certainly would not hurt to attend both. Similarly, if you attend in order to make connections, network, and identify business opportunities, you may decide that it’s in your best interest to attend both shows. The fact that they occur in alternating years definitely helps to facilitate this approach, since you’ll only be paying to attend a single show each year.

On the other hand, if you are considering attending a show with the goal of connecting with a particular potential partner or business opportunity, then you’d be wise to ensure whether or not they are attending before you make any concrete plans. You can often find a list of exhibitors on each individual show’s website (www.promatshow.com and www.modexshow.com). Since exhibitors register (and pay) for booth space over a year prior to the show, the lists are very accurate except for small and new organizations that show up towards the last minute. 

In that event, you may want to connect with the company directly to see if they will be in attendance and get some time on their calendar.

And then, of course, there’s the possibility that you’re thinking about attending the show because you’ve got a specific need or project in the works and you want to scope out the possible solutions. If that’s the situation you’re in, you can feel comfortable attending whichever show fits into your project’s schedule.

For the upcoming Modex 2024 show, please use our calendar link to schedule time in the Conveyor booth B4219 or click on the graphic below to schedule a free consultation any time. 

Additional Resources

Webpages:

• ProMat vs Modex: Which One Should Your Team Attend?
• Modex 2024 and Conveyco Technologies Quick Guide
• Modex 2024 Survival Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Modex Mobile Application Guide

Free On Floor Educational Sessions:

• 50% Labor Savings – Technologies & Hacks for 10 Warehouse & DC Applications, March 12, 2024 at 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm @ Theater H
• Promat Survival Guide: Latest & Greatest Advances @ Modex 2024 in 45 Minutes, March 11, 2024 at 2:15 pm to 3:00 pm @ Theater H