Wauconda, IL – May 18, 2023 – The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association hosted The Annual Convention & Exhibitors Showcase from April 29-May 3. The theme was The Human Factor, and attendees gathered at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nashville, TN. 

MHEDA kicked off this year’s Convention with the annual golf tournament, newcomers’ reception, and opening party at Brooklyn Bowl. This Convention brought in over 200 new members and first-time attendees, and close to 700 Convention attendees. 

We can surely attribute the influx of attendees to the great content, the workshops, the location, but Liz Richards, the CEO of MHEDA has announced her retirement at the end of 2023. Over the last 28 years of leading MHEDA, Liz has transformed the meaning of servant leadership and has transcended the material handling industry. Everyone who she has helped over the years came to support Liz and the MHEDA team. 

After the Board of Directors honored Liz on Monday morning, attendees were wowed by keynote speaker, Clint Pulver, who energized the room with his session called “I love it here.” After Clint, followed the Exhibitor Showcase, with 100 tabletop booths, heavy foot traffic, happy hour, and prizes. Monday activities concluded with a Give Back event and two sponsored networking receptions. 

The Women in Industry Breakfast kicked off Tuesday morning, and soon after began a flurry of workshops and educational content. Sticking to the theme The Human Factor, many sessions touched on the importance culture and emotion management in leadership, as well as inclusion, succession planning, and economic forecasts about recruiting and retention. 

To see a recap of the 2023 Convention, visit MHEDA’s website and we hope to see you in 2024 at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront, from April 20-April 24. 

The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling business community. MHEDA represents close 600 companies in the material handling equipment business. MHEDA provides services to improve business through education, networking, benchmarking, and best practices. For more information, visit mheda.org.

Contact:

Katie Richards 
Membership & Advocacy Manager, MHEDA 
118 S. Main St, Ste 11 
Wauconda, IL 60084 
Tel: +1 847-680-3500