With an increased emphasis of the importance of materials handling to the supply chain—and the globalization of the world’s economy—don’t be surprised to hear conversations in languages other than English as you explore ProMat. Of the 30,000 anticipated show attendees, approximately 3,000 attendees from nearly 140 countries have registered to attend the expo, either as individuals or in delegations.
“Over the past several ProMat shows there’s been a trend of increasing attendance and participation from around the world,” said George Prest, CEO of show sponsor MHI. “The world is getting flatter, and for that reason it’s become a much more international show. In fact, in terms of exhibitors, the biggest area of growth has been from international companies.”
“There will be a strong contingent from the European companies, particularly Germany, France, Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom and Sweden. Additionally, several Asian countries will be represented—including China, South Korea and Japan,” he said. “There will also be several attendees from South America, which is a growing marketplace.”
No matter where they call home, all foreign visitors will find a variety of amenities in the MHI-sponsored International Visitors Center. The center is located in the ProMat registration area on Level 1 of McCormick Place South, in the Grand Concourse Lobby. It is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and on Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Services offered include several translators to help answer questions in at least eight languages: Chinese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese and Spanish. Also available are private meeting rooms, telephones and light refreshments during show hours.
The U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) has designated ProMat as a sanctioned event in their International Buyer Select Event in an effort to improve and expand international trade ventures. International trade experts from the DOC will be available to answer questions about licensing, joint ventures, agency distribution agreements and import-export opportunities.
Additionally, the International Matchmaker Program will help foreign attendees maximize personal contacts with exhibitor companies by matching product, country and type of business information with registration details. Powered by a database, this free service pairs exhibiting companies interested in exporting their products with international importers. Personalized results are available at the International Visitors Center.
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.
