In today’s rapidly evolving global economy, the efficiency, resilience, and adaptability of supply chains are no longer just operational concerns – they are strategic imperatives. From manufacturing and warehousing to distribution and fulfillment, every step of the material handling and logistics process is being redefined by groundbreaking technologies. For professionals seeking to optimize their operations, implement cutting-edge solutions, and stay ahead in this fiercely competitive landscape, there is one unrivaled event that stands as the ultimate destination: ProMat in Chicago, USA.

ProMat is not merely a trade show; it is the premier biennial exhibition and conference for the manufacturing and supply chain industries in North America. Produced by MHI, the leading trade association for the material handling and logistics industry, ProMat serves as the definitive platform where innovation meets application. It’s a place where hundreds of the world’s most innovative suppliers unveil their latest equipment, systems, and software, from robotics and automation to artificial intelligence and sustainable solutions. Whether you’re a plant manager striving for lean manufacturing, a warehouse director aiming for optimized storage, a logistics professional seeking faster last-mile delivery, or an executive driving digital transformation, ProMat offers an immersive, hands-on experience that no other event can replicate. It’s the essential gathering for anyone committed to building the future of their supply chain.

The Midwest’s Logistics Epicenter: The Venue and Its Time

Chicago, Illinois, a city with a rich industrial heritage, central location, and unparalleled logistical infrastructure, provides the perfect backdrop for ProMat. The event consistently takes place at McCormick Place, one of the largest and most flexible convention centers in North America. Specifically, ProMat typically occupies the North and South Halls of McCormick Place, located at 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60616, USA.

McCormick Place is a world-class facility, boasting millions of square feet of exhibit space, state-of-the-art amenities, and excellent accessibility. Its vast exhibit halls are perfectly suited to host the thousands of exhibitors, heavy material handling machinery, live robotic demonstrations, and the sheer volume of attendees that define ProMat. The venue’s location on Chicago’s lakefront, just minutes from downtown, offers great convenience for attendees. It’s well-served by public transportation (the “L” train’s Green Line stops right at the complex) and is easily reachable from both Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW). Furthermore, McCormick Place has numerous hotels directly connected via skywalks (like the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place and Marriott Marquis), making for an incredibly convenient stay and seamless access to the show floor.

ProMat is a biennial event, strategically held every two years. This schedule allows for significant advancements in technology and industry practices to emerge, ensuring that each edition of the show is fresh, impactful, and truly represents the cutting edge. The most recent successful edition was in March 2023. Therefore, the next highly anticipated ProMat 2025 is scheduled from March 17-20, 2025. The show runs for four intensive days: typically from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, and an earlier close at 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Thursday. This focused timeframe allows attendees to efficiently navigate the expansive show floor, attend educational sessions, and maximize their networking opportunities.

The Components of Tomorrow: Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition halls at ProMat are a dynamic ecosystem showcasing the entire spectrum of material handling, logistics, and supply chain solutions. Visitors can immerse themselves in an unparalleled array of products, technologies, and services, organized to provide a comprehensive overview:

• Automation & Robotics:
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs), Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs)
  • Robotic arms for picking, packing, palletizing, and de-palletizing
  • Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS)
  • Robotic sortation systems, automated loading/unloading
• Material Handling Equipment:
  • Forklift trucks, personnel carriers, aerial work platforms
  • Conveyors (belt, roller, chain, vibratory, pneumatic)
  • Cranes, hoists, monorails
  • Lifting and positioning equipment, scissor lifts, dock equipment
• Software & Technology:
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Warehouse Execution Systems (WES), Warehouse Control Systems (WCS)
  • Supply Chain Execution (SCE) software
  • Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS)
  • Inventory management software, demand planning software
  • Simulation and digital twin software
  • Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML) solutions
  • Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies
  • Cloud computing and data analytics solutions
• Storage & Warehousing:
  • Pallet racking systems (selective, push-back, drive-in, flow rack)
  • Shelving, mezzanines, modular drawer storage
  • Vertical Lift Modules (VLMs), carousels
  • Containers, bins, dunnage, pallets
• Packaging, Unitizing & Fulfillment:
  • Packaging machinery and materials (stretch wrappers, case erectors, carton sealers)
  • Order picking and e-commerce fulfillment solutions
  • Manifesting, labeling, and dimensioning equipment
  • Sortation equipment, parcel handling
• Logistics & Transportation:
  • Freight and cargo transportation services
  • Last-mile logistics solutions
  • Third-Party Logistics (3PL) services
  • Reverse logistics and returns processing
• Workforce & Safety Solutions:
  • Ergonomic equipment and safety devices
  • Workforce management systems, labor planning software
  • Training and education programs
  • Protective guarding, safety barriers
• Facility & Infrastructure:
  • Industrial fans/blowers, HVAC, air purification systems
  • Cleaning systems and equipment
  • Batteries, chargers, alternative fuel systems
  • Plant/facility equipment and management
  • Sustainable facility/recycling equipment

This comprehensive and highly specialized array ensures that professionals from any industry – manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, food & beverage, automotive, healthcare, and more – can find tailored solutions to enhance their supply chain operations. The show also features dedicated Solution Centers, such as the Manufacturing & Assembly, Robotics & Automation, and Fulfillment & Delivery centers, making navigation easier for specific interests.

The Global Supply Chain Community: Visitor Count and Demographics

ProMat consistently attracts an enormous and highly influential audience, solidifying its position as the largest material handling, logistics, and supply chain event in North America. The ProMat 2023 edition (the most recent one prior to 2025) set a new record with an overall registration count of 52,223 attendees from 178 countries, and featured 1,160 exhibitors across an expansive 659,000 net square feet of exhibit solutions. Projections for ProMat 2025 anticipate similar or even larger numbers, reinforcing its status as a global powerhouse.

The attendee profile at ProMat is exceptionally targeted and influential, comprising key decision-makers and technical experts from every level of the supply chain:

• Executive Leadership: CEOs, Presidents, VPs of Operations, Supply Chain, Logistics, and Manufacturing. These are the strategic decision-makers.
• Operations & Plant Managers: Individuals directly responsible for the efficiency, productivity, and safety of manufacturing plants, warehouses, and distribution centers.
• Engineers: Industrial Engineers, Systems Integrators, Automation Engineers, focused on designing and optimizing processes.
• IT & Technology Professionals: Specialists in WMS, WES, ERP, IoT, AI, and data analytics seeking software and integration solutions.
• Purchasing & Procurement Managers: Responsible for sourcing new equipment, technology, and services.
• Logistics & Distribution Managers: Professionals overseeing transportation, warehousing, and fulfillment.
• Sales & Marketing Professionals: Seeking to understand market trends, competitor offerings, and forge new business relationships.

A significant characteristic of ProMat’s audience is the high level of purchasing power and decision-making authority; a large majority of attendees are involved in or directly influence buying decisions for their companies. This makes ProMat an incredibly efficient and valuable event for both exhibitors seeking to connect with qualified buyers and attendees looking to make serious investments.

The Competitive Edge: Benefits and Perks of Attending ProMat

Attending ProMat in Chicago offers an unparalleled suite of benefits and strategic advantages for any professional looking to excel in the supply chain and manufacturing industries:

• See Innovation in Motion: ProMat is renowned for its live demonstrations. Witness hundreds of cutting-edge robots, automated systems, intelligent conveyors, and integrated solutions operating in real-time on the show floor. This hands-on experience is invaluable for understanding capabilities and making informed investment decisions.
• Comprehensive Sourcing Under One Roof: Connect directly with thousands of global and regional suppliers. Efficiently compare diverse products, evaluate solutions, and find new partners for everything from warehouse automation and software to ergonomic equipment and sustainable packaging.
• World-Class Educational Content: ProMat offers a robust educational program with over 200 free on-floor seminars and four inspiring keynote sessions. Learn from industry leaders, visionaries, and experts on critical topics such as AI and machine learning, sustainable supply chains, workforce development, automation strategies, and resilient logistics.
• Unrivaled Networking Opportunities: Engage with tens of thousands of industry peers, potential customers, and key decision-makers from around the world. ProMat provides numerous opportunities for building valuable relationships through formal events like MHI Industry Night and the Women in Supply Chain Conference, as well as informal gatherings.
• Address Your Operational Challenges: Bring your specific pain points – whether it’s labor shortages, rising costs, efficiency bottlenecks, or the need for digital transformation. Engage directly with technical experts from exhibiting companies who can provide tailored solutions and demonstrate how their technologies can resolve your challenges.
• Stay Ahead of the Curve: Gain direct insights into emerging technologies and trends that are reshaping the supply chain, including predictive analytics, digital twins, real-time visibility, and the increasing adoption of sustainable practices. This intelligence is crucial for strategic planning.
• Innovation Awards & Startup Pavilion: Discover the most groundbreaking new products and solutions by visiting the MHI Innovation Awards showcase and the StartUp Pavilion, where emerging companies present revolutionary supply chain tech.
• Workforce Development Initiatives: ProMat features programs like Student Day, designed to introduce the next generation to career opportunities in material handling, supply chain, and logistics, helping to address industry talent gaps.
• Thought Leadership: Hear from high-profile keynote speakers, including leading academics, industry titans, and motivational figures, who share insights that transcend the industry and inspire strategic thinking.

Your Chicago Home Base: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Chicago offers an extensive selection of hotels, with many conveniently located near McCormick Place, catering to every budget and preference. Given ProMat’s immense size and popularity, booking your accommodations well in advance, preferably through the official housing partner, is strongly recommended to secure the best rates and availability.

Some highly recommended and popular hotel options directly connected to or very near the Georgia World Congress Center include:

• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place Chicago: Directly connected to the Convention Center via a covered walkway, offering the utmost convenience and a wide range of amenities.
• Marriott Marquis Chicago: Also connected via a covered walkway, providing modern comforts and easy access to the show floor.
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop: A good option for comfort and convenience, with good access to McCormick Place via a short taxi or public transit ride.
• Hilton Chicago: A landmark hotel in downtown, offering classic elegance and convenient access to McCormick Place.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile: While a bit further north, it offers spacious suites and is accessible via public transit.
• The Peninsula Chicago: A luxury option on the Magnificent Mile, for those seeking a premium experience (requires travel to GWCC).

ProMat partners with an official housing provider (like onPeak for ProMat 2025) to secure discounted hotel rates. Booking through these official channels offers benefits such as guaranteed lowest rates, flexible booking policies, and direct support, enhancing your overall experience.

The Investment in Progress: Understanding the Cost to Attend

The cost to attend ProMat is structured to provide flexible access, with various pass options available to suit different needs. While exact pricing for ProMat 2025 is typically released closer to the event (registration usually opens several months prior), based on previous editions, you can anticipate the following general structure:

• Exhibit Hall Pass: This pass grants full access to the entire exhibition floor for all four days, allowing you to explore exhibitor booths, witness live demonstrations, and attend all keynotes and on-floor educational seminars (TechTalks). A significant perk of ProMat is that show registration for the exhibit hall is typically FREE if you register online in advance. There might be a small fee (e.g., $50 – $100 USD) for on-site registration.
• Paid Conference Sessions: While the on-floor seminars are free, ProMat often features more in-depth, specialized paid conference sessions or workshops, such as the “Women in Supply Chain Conference” or WERC Connects events. These would have separate fees, which could range from approximately $200 – $400 USD for a half or full-day program, and usually include exhibit hall access.
• Networking Events: There are sometimes tickets required for special networking events, such as the “MHI Industry Night,” which often includes entertainment and raises funds for industry education. These tickets might be around $60 – $100 USD.

The value proposition of attending ProMat is extremely high, especially with complimentary access to the vast exhibition and many educational sessions. The investment of time and travel costs is widely considered to yield an exceptional return in terms of discovering solutions, gaining knowledge, and forging connections that are critical for competitive advantage in the material handling and supply chain industry.

Build Your Future Supply Chain: Don’t Miss ProMat!

ProMat in Chicago is the essential biennial gathering for anyone passionate about the future of manufacturing, logistics, and the supply chain. It’s where innovative ideas transform into tangible solutions, and where the brightest minds converge to drive efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in operations worldwide. If you’re ready to embrace the latest technologies, optimize your processes for peak performance, and connect with the visionaries shaping tomorrow’s supply chains, securing your place at ProMat is an indispensable step. Don’t just keep pace with the industry’s evolution – lead the way and build your path to enduring success!

To learn more and secure your attendance at the next ProMat event, visit: www.promatshow.com