Wauconda, IL – May 1, 2024 – The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association hosted The Annual Convention & Exhibitors Showcase from April 20-April 24. The theme was Riding the Waves of Change and attendees gathered at the Hilton Bayfront in San Diego, CA.
MHEDA’s Convention theme, Riding the Waves of Change, brought informative and entertaining sessions like: Challenging Change with Joe Theismann, The Power of Choice with Sylvie di Giusto, and Embracing AI, Generative AI, and Your Future with Sam Ritcher. Over 660 attendees were present for these sessions, along with a variety of workshops focusing on: sales, leadership changes, recruitment, retention, cyber security, automation trends, industry trends and financial benchmarking. These workshops provide ample networking opportunities and were interactive which left attendees with actionable takeaways.
Next was the Exhibitor Showcase, with over 90 exhibitors and 4 universities walking the show floor. Distributor and Integrator Members walked the show floor and enjoyed lunch in the exhibitor hall, giving exhibitors and attendees time to continue their conversations. After the Exhibitor Showcase, attendees participated in MHEDA’s Give Back event, which was coordinated with the San Diego Ronald McDonald House. The opening party was at Punch Bowl Social, which included bowling, karaoke, local food options, and games. The closing party, called California Dreamin’, had a fantastic band and many gathered on the dance floor to close out the Convention.
This year, MHEDA hosted 250 new members and first-time attendees who came together to network, learn from each other, and share best practices. With MHEDA’s new CEO, Jeannette Walker, leading the MHEDA team, MHEDA’s 2026 Annual Convention will fall nothing short of success. Be sure to join MHEDA at the 2025 Convention from April 26-30, 2025 in Tampa, FL at the JW Marriott Water Street.
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 around 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