 Tom Carbott |
Preparations for next year's North American Material Handling & Logistics Show, known as NA 2010, are well under way.
Show producer Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) anticipates about 500 exhibits covering 150,000 square feet (13,500 sqm) for the 26-29 April event in the I-X Center, a massive exhibition and convention facility in Cleveland, Ohio. NA 2008 in the same venue logged 570 exhibitors in 164,000 square feet (14,760 sqm).
"By most projections, the US economy will be well into a recovery by the first quarter of 2010," says Tom Carbott, MHIA vice president of sales and events. "In 2010, buyers who have delayed capital investments due to the recession will be ready to purchase the productivity solutions they will need to position themselves for the economic comeback."
Carbott suggests that NA 2010 attendees may have an advantage in pursuing opportunities for materials handling equipment and services. MHIA research says the 2008 US consumption in those market categories was USD140 billion.
MHIA preparations for NA 2010 include targeted direct mailings to decision-makers, advertisements in trade and business publications and websites, email messages to buyers and show registrants, and public relations messages.
MHIA is encouraging national and regional professional organisations to conduct special events and suggesting that end-user buying teams consider relevant events in conjunction with NA 2010.
Charlotte-based MHIA has members in materials handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturing, integration, consulting, publishing and third-party logistics. The international trade association sponsors NA 2010 as a biennial North American showcase of equipment, systems and technologies.
MHIA says the show's last iteration, NA 2008, saw attendance of manufacturing, distribution and supply chain professionals from more than 42 US states and 54 countries.
MHIA indicates that NA 2010 will be the largest material handling and logistics trade event held in North America in 2010.