Propel Your Business Forward: Your Definitive Guide to ProMat in Chicago, USA

In today’s hyper-connected, on-demand world, the backbone of every successful industry – from manufacturing and retail to healthcare and e-commerce – is an optimized, resilient, and intelligent supply chain. The efficiency with which goods move, are stored, and are delivered dictates competitive advantage, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, profitability. From automated warehouses bristling with robots to sophisticated software orchestrating global logistics, the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industries are in a perpetual state of innovation. For professionals responsible for these critical operations, staying at the forefront of technological advancements and best practices is not just an aspiration; it’s an absolute necessity. This is precisely why ProMat in Chicago, USA, stands as North America’s largest and most comprehensive international trade show and educational conference for material handling, logistics, and supply chain solutions, a true powerhouse of innovation and an unparalleled hub for industry connection.

ProMat is more than just an exhibition; it’s a biennial event produced by MHI, the leading trade association for the material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry. This direct industry ownership ensures that ProMat’s content, exhibitors, and educational programs are meticulously curated to address the specific needs and challenges faced by professionals across the entire supply chain. ProMat brings together solution providers from every corner of the industry: equipment manufacturers, system integrators, software developers, automation specialists, consultants, and thought leaders from across the globe. It’s the ultimate platform to witness live demonstrations of cutting-edge machinery, explore integrated supply chain solutions, discover the latest advancements in robotics, automation, AI, and sustainable practices, and network with peers and experts who are shaping the future of global commerce. Whether you’re a plant manager seeking to optimize your factory floor, a warehouse operations director implementing automation, a logistics professional streamlining your distribution network, or an executive making strategic investment decisions, ProMat provides direct access to the insights and innovations that drive efficiency, resilience, and success in the modern supply chain.

The Windy City’s Logistics Launchpad: The Venue and Its Time

Chicago, Illinois, serves as a uniquely strategic and accessible location for ProMat. As a major transportation, manufacturing, and distribution hub in North America, its central position offers superb accessibility for attendees from across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and indeed, from international markets around the world. The greater Chicago area is home to a vast network of logistics providers, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities, making it an incredibly relevant and dynamic backdrop for an event focused on advancing these critical operations. The city’s world-class convention facilities, extensive hotel options, and vibrant urban environment further enhance the attendee experience, providing ample opportunities for both business and leisure.

The expo is consistently held at McCormick Place, located at 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60616, USA. McCormick Place is one of the largest convention centers in North America, boasting millions of square feet of flexible exhibition space across multiple halls. For ProMat, the vastness of McCormick Place is essential to accommodate the sheer scale of the exhibits, which often include large-scale machinery, working robotics, and fully integrated systems. Its location, just south of downtown Chicago, is incredibly convenient. It’s easily accessible from both O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) via public transportation (the “L” train) or taxi/rideshare. McCormick Place is also well-served by numerous nearby hotels and offers a variety of on-site dining options, providing convenience for attendees. Its direct access to transportation and dedicated facilities make it an efficient and impressive venue for such a massive and influential industry event.

ProMat operates on a biennial schedule, meaning it takes place every two years, alternating with MHI’s MODEX show in Atlanta. The next highly anticipated edition, ProMat 2025, is scheduled for March 17–20, 2025.

The event spans four intensive days for both the expansive exhibition and the extensive educational conference programs, meticulously structured for maximum impact and engagement:

• Monday, March 17, 2025: The exhibition hall typically opens in the morning (e.g., 10:00 AM) and runs through the late afternoon (e.g., 5:00 PM). This day marks the grand opening, often with significant new product announcements and live demonstrations. The extensive educational seminar schedule also begins.
• Tuesday, March 18, 2025: A full day of expo access, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. This is often one of the busiest days, with continuous live demonstrations and a full schedule of educational sessions. Special networking events, such as the Women in Supply Chain Forum, may also take place.
• Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Another full day, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Attendees continue to explore booths, engage with suppliers, and participate in a wide array of educational sessions. The highly anticipated MHI Industry Night, often featuring a well-known entertainer, is typically held in the evening, providing valuable networking with entertainment.
• Thursday, March 20, 2025: The final day of the exhibition, usually running from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. This provides a focused window for attendees to make final connections, revisit crucial booths, consolidate their learnings, and plan future investments before departure.

This intensive four-day format ensures that attendees can comprehensively explore a vast range of solutions, engage directly with suppliers, and maximize their learning and networking opportunities, all within a focused timeframe.

The Ecosystem of Efficiency: Key Product and Solution Categories

The exhibition floor at ProMat is a massive, dynamic, and often jaw-dropping display of the entire material handling, logistics, and supply chain ecosystem. Attendees can expect to explore an unparalleled array of products and solutions from over 1,200 exhibitors, showcasing the cutting edge of the industry:

• Automated Storage & Retrieval Systems (AS/RS): Including mini-load, unit-load, carousel, vertical lift modules (VLMs), and robotic AS/RS for high-density storage and rapid retrieval.
• Robotics & Automation:
  • Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): For flexible material transport, picking assistance, and mobile manipulation.
  • Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs): For structured, heavy-duty transport in factories and warehouses.
  • Industrial & Collaborative Robots (Cobots): For palletizing, de-palletizing, picking, packing, and assembly operations.
  • Automated Sortation Systems: For high-speed parcel and item sorting.
• Material Handling Equipment:
  • Conveyors & Sortation: Belt, roller, gravity, powered, and specialty conveyor systems; high-speed sortation equipment.
  • Lift Trucks & Forklifts: Electric, propane, diesel, and hydrogen fuel cell forklifts; reach trucks, order pickers, pallet jacks, and specialty lift equipment.
  • Cranes, Hoists & Ergonomic Lifting: Overhead cranes, jib cranes, hoists, manipulators, and vacuum lifting devices for safe and efficient heavy lifting.
  • Pallets, Racks & Storage Solutions: Various types of pallets (wood, plastic, metal); selective racking, drive-in, push-back, pallet flow, cantilever, and mobile racking systems; mezzanines, shelving, and bins.
• Supply Chain Software & Technology:
  • Warehouse Management Systems (WMS): For optimizing inventory, order fulfillment, and labor management.
  • Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) & Warehouse Control Systems (WCS): For real-time orchestration of automation and equipment.
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES): For managing and monitoring work-in-process on the factory floor.
  • Transportation Management Systems (TMS): For optimizing shipping routes, carrier selection, and freight management.
  • Inventory Management Software: For accurate tracking and forecasting.
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning (ML): For predictive analytics, demand forecasting, optimization, and decision support.
  • Internet of Things (IoT) & Sensors: For real-time asset tracking, condition monitoring, and data collection.
  • Augmented Reality (AR) & Virtual Reality (VR): For training, maintenance, and remote assistance.
  • Simulation & Digital Twin Technology: For designing, testing, and optimizing complex systems virtually.
• Packaging, Fulfillment & Shipping:
  • Automated packaging machinery (case erectors, sealers, wrappers, form-fill-seal).
  • Order fulfillment technologies (pick-to-light, voice picking, put walls).
  • Shipping and labeling systems, manifesting software.
  • Returns management solutions.
• Workforce & Labor Management:
  • Labor management systems (LMS) for optimizing productivity.
  • Safety equipment and training solutions.
  • Ergonomic solutions for employee well-being.
• Consulting & Integration Services:
  • Supply chain consulting, system design, and implementation services.
  • Automation integration expertise.
  • Maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) services.
• Sustainable Solutions:
  • Energy-efficient equipment, renewable energy solutions for facilities.
  • Sustainable packaging materials, waste reduction, and recycling technologies.

This incredibly diverse and comprehensive range ensures that attendees, whether seeking a specific component, a complete integrated system, or strategic consulting, can find tailored solutions to enhance their operations, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and build a more resilient and sustainable supply chain. The sheer scale of live demonstrations is a hallmark of ProMat, allowing professionals to see these advanced solutions in action.

The Nexus of Innovation: Visitor Count and Demographics

ProMat is widely considered the premier event for the North American material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry, consistently attracting a massive and highly influential audience from across the globe. As a biennial event, it builds anticipation, ensuring that each edition is packed with groundbreaking innovations and draws a significant number of serious buyers and decision-makers. The previous ProMat in March 2023 set a new attendance record, welcoming over 50,000 unique attendees from 110 countries and featuring over 1,200 exhibitors across a staggering 560,000 net square feet of exhibit space. This unparalleled scale underscores its critical role as the definitive industry gathering. For the upcoming ProMat 2025, another record-breaking turnout is highly anticipated, reflecting the continuous growth and strategic importance of supply chain resilience and optimization.

The attendee profile at ProMat is exceptionally high-level, technical, and diverse, representing key decision-makers and influencers from a vast array of roles and industries:

• Supply Chain & Logistics Professionals: VPs of Supply Chain, Logistics Directors, Supply Chain Managers, Distribution Center Managers, Warehouse Operations Managers, and Fleet Managers.
• Manufacturing & Production Professionals: Plant Managers, Operations Managers, Production Supervisors, and Manufacturing Engineers.
• Engineering & IT: Industrial Engineers, Systems Engineers, Automation Engineers, Robotics Engineers, IT Directors, and Software Architects focused on supply chain technologies.
• Corporate Leadership: CEOs, COOs, CFOs, Presidents, and other C-suite executives making strategic investment decisions for their global operations.
• Purchasing & Procurement Managers: Buyers and sourcing specialists responsible for acquiring equipment, software, and services.
• Researchers & Academics: Those involved in advancing supply chain science and education.
• Consultants & Integrators: Professionals who design, implement, and optimize complex supply chain systems for clients.
• Key Industries Represented:
  • Manufacturing (Automotive, Aerospace, Electronics, Industrial Equipment)
  • Retail & E-commerce
  • Food & Beverage
  • Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare
  • Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG)
  • Wholesale Trade & Distribution
  • Third-Party Logistics (3PLs)

A substantial majority of attendees (MHI reports over 80%) have direct purchasing power or influence within their organizations, making ProMat an incredibly efficient environment for serious buyers and sellers to connect, demonstrate solutions, and advance business objectives. The sheer volume of attendees and exhibitors ensures a dynamic and productive environment for all participants.

The Path to Proficiency: Benefits and Perks of Attending

Attending ProMat in Chicago offers an unparalleled array of strategic advantages and exclusive perks for any professional looking to optimize their material handling, logistics, and supply chain operations:

• Witness Live, Large-Scale Operations: Unlike many trade shows, ProMat features huge, working machinery and integrated systems in action. You can see conveyors running, robots picking and placing, AS/RS systems retrieving, and autonomous vehicles navigating. This direct, real-world demonstration is invaluable for understanding capabilities and potential ROI.
• Comprehensive Sourcing & Problem-Solving: With over 1,200 exhibitors, ProMat is a one-stop-shop for any supply chain challenge. You can efficiently compare solutions from multiple vendors, get immediate answers to your questions, and accelerate your decision-making process for investments in equipment, software, and services.
• Discover Cutting-Edge Innovations: ProMat is a launchpad for the latest technologies. You’ll be among the first to see advancements in AI, robotics, sustainable solutions, digital twin technology, IoT, and more, gaining crucial insights into the trends shaping the future of supply chains.
• World-Class Educational Program (Free!): Benefit from over 200 free educational seminars held on the show floor. These expert-led sessions cover a vast array of topics, from automation strategies and labor management to supply chain resilience, e-commerce fulfillment, and data analytics. Four compelling keynote addresses by industry visionaries and thought leaders are also included at no extra cost.
• Unrivaled Networking Opportunities: Connect with tens of thousands of highly influential peers, potential clients, suppliers, and industry leaders from diverse sectors and countries. ProMat offers numerous formal and informal networking events, including MHI Industry Night and dedicated networking areas, fostering invaluable connections and collaborations. The newly introduced “ProMat Pier” in the Lakeside Ballroom for 2025 will offer a dedicated space to recharge and connect with stunning views, often featuring happy hours.
• Targeted Industry Insights: Gain a deep understanding of how specific technologies and strategies apply to your industry, whether it’s manufacturing, retail, e-commerce, food & beverage, or pharmaceuticals. Exhibitors and sessions often highlight solutions tailored to specific vertical markets.
• Professional Development & Strategic Planning: Deepen your technical knowledge, gain foresight into global supply chain trends, and discover emerging technologies that can give your business a significant competitive edge. This show is a powerful tool for professional growth and informing strategic investment decisions.
• Return on Investment (ROI) Focus: The discussions at ProMat are heavily focused on how solutions can deliver tangible ROI – through increased efficiency, reduced labor costs, improved accuracy, enhanced safety, and greater sustainability.

Your Chicago Command Center: Nearby Hotels and Convenient Stay

Chicago, with McCormick Place as its central hub, offers an extensive selection of comfortable and convenient hotel options, particularly in the immediate vicinity of the convention center and throughout downtown Chicago. Many hotels provide direct access via enclosed sky bridges, shuttle services, or are easily accessible via public transportation (“L” train), ensuring a seamless experience for ProMat attendees. Given the scale and international draw of ProMat, booking your accommodations well in advance is highly recommended to secure the best rates and your preferred location.

The official ProMat website, typically managed by MHI, often partners with a housing bureau to offer discounted rates at a range of vetted hotels. Utilizing these official channels is usually the best approach to find convenient and value-driven lodging and to avoid potential third-party booking scams.

Some highly convenient and popular hotel options near McCormick Place in Chicago include:

• Hyatt Regency McCormick Place: Directly connected to the convention center via an enclosed sky bridge, offering unparalleled convenience, multiple dining options, and a wide range of amenities. This is often the most sought-after option for attendees.
• Marriott Marquis Chicago: Located very close to McCormick Place, offering upscale accommodations and excellent facilities.
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago Downtown South Loop: A modern and comfortable option relatively close to McCormick Place, with good access to downtown.
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile: Offers spacious suites and complimentary breakfast, a short drive or public transport ride from McCormick Place.
• Hilton Chicago: A historic and grand hotel in downtown Chicago, offering excellent amenities and accessibility to McCormick Place via public transport.
• Palmer House Hilton: Another iconic downtown Chicago hotel with rich history and good access to the convention center.
• Hyatt Place Chicago/Downtown – The Loop: A good option in the heart of downtown, requiring a short “L” ride or taxi to McCormick Place.
• Loews Chicago Hotel: A luxurious downtown option, easily accessible via public transport or rideshare.

These hotels generally provide a wide range of amenities, including diverse dining options, fitness centers, pools, and business services, ensuring a comfortable and productive stay. Beyond the expo, attendees can easily explore Chicago’s world-class attractions, including museums, architectural boat tours, diverse culinary experiences, and vibrant entertainment options, making for a truly engaging visit to the “Windy City.”

The Investment in Future-Proofing: Understanding the Cost to Attend

ProMat offers an incredibly accessible pricing structure, particularly for those who register early, designed to encourage broad industry participation and knowledge sharing.

• Exhibit Hall Pass: This pass provides free access to the expansive exhibition floor for all four days, allowing you to explore over 1,200 exhibitors, witness live machinery demonstrations, and attend all the free educational seminars held on various show floor stages. It also includes access to the keynote addresses. For ProMat 2025, the “Expo Only” pass is typically free if registered in advance (before a certain deadline, often in February). On-site registration will incur a fee, usually around $50 – $75 USD. This exceptional value makes ProMat highly attractive and widely attended.
• MHI Industry Night Ticket: While the exhibition and most educational content are free, the MHI Industry Night, a premier networking event with entertainment (often a celebrity comedian or musical act), typically requires a separate ticket. For ProMat 2025, tickets are $50 per person and include beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres.
• Official Housing Discounts: While not a direct show cost, utilizing the official hotel blocks often provides discounted hotel rates, contributing to overall cost savings on your trip.

The strategic decision by MHI to keep the main exhibition and educational content free, especially with early registration, makes ProMat an incredibly high-value proposition. It removes a significant financial barrier, allowing professionals from companies of all sizes to attend, explore the latest technologies, and make vital connections, ensuring a strong return on investment for all participants.

Optimize Your Tomorrow: Secure Your Place at ProMat!

ProMat in Chicago is far more than just a trade show; it’s the dynamic engine propelling the entire material handling, logistics, and supply chain industry forward. It’s where autonomous robots navigate busy aisles, where sophisticated software orchestrates global networks, where sustainable practices are integrated, and where the invaluable connections that fuel business growth are forged. If you’re a supply chain executive striving for resilience, an operations manager implementing automation, a logistics professional seeking greater efficiency, or a business leader looking to stay at the absolute forefront of global commerce, then securing your place at ProMat is not just an option—it’s an essential strategic move for your knowledge, your network, and your business’s future. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to connect with the pioneers, learn from the experts, and contribute to shaping the future of supply chains!

To learn more and register for the upcoming ProMat 2025, visit: www.promatshow.com