The Material Handling Equipment Distributors' Association's (MHEDA) 2002 Annual Convention, themed "It's a Jungle Out There... Let MHEDA Be Your Guide" will see materials handling industry figures converge on Marco Island, Florida, from April 27 to May 1.

With the economic downturn magnified by the events of September 11, MHEDA 2002 is about banding together. Through a range of informative sessions presented by industry heavy-weights, the convention aims to demonstrate strategies to stabilise the industry, and provide functional examples of how professionals can better their individual businesses, the MHEDA said.

Presenters include materials handling icons such as Don Buttrey, Michael Marks, Herb Greenberg and Bart Basi, who will provide inside tips on areas of the trade such as sales, human resources, business valuation and finance. MHEDA members will also share their own personal accounts of working in the industry and the strategies they use to be successful in challenging times.

The Manufacturers' Fair will showcase new products tailored to suit the changing needs of the materials handling customer.