Oak Brook, IL, Oct. 29, 2019 - The Warehousing Education and Research Council, North America's leading professional association for distribution logistics professionals, has abandoned the traditional trade show model in favor of a pioneering, collaborative new approach to business education and networking. Starting in 2020, WERC's groundbreaking Solutions Studio Sessions will bring attendees and vendors together to talk about industry products and services in a zero-pressure group setting. These Solutions Studio Sessions will be fully integrated into the conference agenda. Attendees will get access to quality information without enduring high-pressure sales tactics on the showroom floor, and vendors -- known as Solutions Partners at WERC conferences -- will access an engaged, captive audience and higher quality leads. "For years our conference attendees have been telling us they don't value the traditional trade show experience," said Angie Silberhorn, CMP, Vice President of Events Strategy and Operations at WERC. "Our Solutions Partners reported ROI comparable to bigger shows, but that doesn't mean they were getting a lot of bang for their buck. It has been clear for a long time that the traditional trade show format had to evolve to meet the needs of 21st century businesses. This new format will help distribution logistics professionals build authentic relationships with businesses that can help them work smarter and faster, and that's what we're all about." WERC conference committee member and Yale Materials Handling Corporation Director, Brand Marketing Chris Murtha said his company has been evaluating ROI from traditional trade shows and is excited about the opportunity to connect directly with WERC attendees at Solutions Studio Sessions. "With the advent of internet and social media marketing, the reality is that people don't really engage at trade shows to stay current the way they used to," Murtha said. "The real benefit of the WERC conference is that we meet face-to-face with top distribution and logistics industry leaders from across North America. The new Solutions Studio Sessions will make it so much easier to identify and connect with those businesses that can most benefit from what we have to offer, and that's the whole point of attending." "I think this new format is going to be a game-changer," Murtha added. To learn more about the changes coming to WERC 2020, watch our four-minute video summary of the changes or download a copy of the Solutions Partner prospectus. Interview requests can be directed to Angie Silberhorn. Contact: Angie Silberhorn, CMP, Vice President, Events Strategy and Operations, WERC Office: +1 630-990-0001 Email: send an email WERC 2020 May 3-6, 2020 Rhode Island Convention Center Providence, RI ABOUT WERC The Warehousing Education and Research Council is the only professional organization focused on logistics management and its role in the supply chain. Since 1977, WERC has been the undisputed leaders in helping warehouse, supply chain and logistics professionals to build their businesses and excel in their careers. The annual conference is attended by more than 1,000 of the country's leading distribution and supply chain management experts, and dozens of top logistics and supply chain companies take part in its Solutions Partner Program. Learn more by visiting werc.org.