The ProMat 2011 exhibit spacedraw, held January 21 in Chicago, attracted 318 exhibitors who reserved 180,000 net square feet of show floor space at the Industry's premier U.S. event. This was the second-largest, first-day exhibit spacedraw for any ProMat event representing 63.2% of the projected final floor plan. This sends a clear message that the material handling & logistics industry is recovering from the 2009 recession.

"While some continue to struggle, others are beginning to sense positive economic change, this successful exhibit spacedraw bodes very well for both ProMat 2011 and our industry," according to Hal Vandiver, Executive Vice President of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). "It gives everyone something very positive to point to as an indicator of good things to come."

ProMat 2011, sponsored by MHIA, will be the most comprehensive international material handling and logistics show and conference held in the U.S. in 2011. ProMat 2011 will showcase the solutions of over 700 exhibitors who will fill the nearly 300,000 square foot show floor.

ProMat 2011's exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling and logistics industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems. Manufacturers, consultants, third party logistics providers, publishers and systems integrators will be there to demonstrate their equipment, systems, software and services to manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, supply chain and logistics professionals from around the world, professionals seeking material handling and logistics solutions that make their supply chains work more productively and profitably.

ProMat attracts visitors from over 100 countries, and will once again feature an International Visitors Center. The Center provides matchmaker services for interested buyers and sellers. International trade specialists will be on hand to provide expert counseling. ProMat has applied for selection by the United States Department of Commerce as an official International Buyer Program event. In addition to the exhibition, ProMat 2011 will also offer a comprehensive Educational Conference featuring a Keynote and a show floor Knowledge Center. Industry experts will lead a broad range of show floor educational sessions covering all aspects of manufacturing, distribution and supply chain operations.

MHIA is an international trade association that has represented the material handling & logistics industry since 1945. MHIA members include material handling and logistics equipment and systems manufacturers, integrators, consultants, publishers, and third party logistics providers. Member companies come from all areas of material handling and various parts of the world, making MHIA a strong national and international representative for the material handling industry. Much of the work of the industry is done within its product-specific sections, councils and affiliates. The association also sponsors trade events, such as ProMat and NA 2010 to showcase the products and services of its member companies and to educate industry professionals on the productivity solutions provided through material handling and logistics.

ProMat 2011 Facts
Name of Event: ProMat 2011
Event Sponsor: The Material Handling Industry of America
Event Dates: March 21-24, 2011
Event Location: McCormick Place South | Chicago, Illinois USA

Web Site: www.ProMatShow.com
E-mail: customerservice@ProMatShow.com
Phone: 704/676-1190 | 800/345-1815 | FAX: 704/676-1199

Contact: Carol Miller, Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) 704/616-1190 or 800/345-1815.