The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) anticipates attendance of more than 400 professionals at its 1-5 May convention on Marco Island.

More than 80 suppliers are expected to participate in an exhibitors' showcase offering materials handling products and services.

The theme for the event is "2010: The Rules Have Changed". MHEDA's 2010 president is Greg Morrison, vice president of Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Morrison Industrial Equipment Co.

Presentations include "New Ways to Look at Business" and "Profitability Improvement".

Discussing the new ways, distribution industry expert J Michael Marks will give insight about major marketplace changes and how cutting-edge companies are adapting. Marks is managing partner of the Indian River Consulting Group in Melbourne, Florida and a research fellow of the Distribution Research and Education Foundation.

In the profitability presentation, financial expert Albert D Bates will examine the contents of a 2010 Distributor Statistical Comparison Report, review trends and suggest business responses during the recovery. Bates is chairman and president of the Profit Planning Group Inc of Boulder, Colorado.

Two MHEDA members will present case studies. Duncan Murphy, president of Riekes Equipment Co in Omaha, Nebraska, will discuss strategic planning as a practical application to grow a business and increase profits. John Maybury, president of Maybury Material Handling in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, will review technology tools to streamline organisational processes.

Vernon Hills, Illinois-based MHEDA has nearly 600 members and regards itself as the only international trade association dedicated solely to improving the proficiency of the independent material handling equipment distributor. The Marco Island event is MHEDA's 55th annual convention and exhibitors' showcase.