MODEX, the largest event for manufacturing and supply chain professionals in 2026, concluded its most successful edition to date, breaking records for attendance, exhibition, and global participation.
The 2026 event, sponsored by MHI, welcomed 50,000 registered visitors from every U.S. state and 132 countries, alongside 1,057 exhibitors covering 630,000 net square feet and representing all segments of the material handling, logistics, and transportation industry, from traditional, manual equipment to digital, automated systems, robotics, AI-connected supply chain orchestration technologies, and last-mile logistics.
MODEX attendees represented manufacturing and supply chain decision‑makers from the world’s largest enterprises, including Fortune 1000 companies, the top 100 retailers, and the top 100 consumer goods firms. The milestone turnout at MODEX 2026 underscores the growing importance of supply chain agility, innovation, and collaboration amidst the growing uncertainty in today’s global economy.
“This year’s show exceeded every expectation,” said John Paxton, CEO of MHI. “From groundbreaking product launches to standing‑room‑only educational sessions, the energy on the show floor reflected an industry that is rapidly evolving—and eager to connect, collaborate, and lead.”
The event featured 189 educational sessions, including four keynote presentations from industry executives and thought leaders, and hands‑on demonstrations showcasing emerging technologies such as AI‑driven planning, warehouse automation, real‑time visibility platforms, and sustainable logistics solutions.
Attendees praised the show’s ability to blend strategic insight with practical, real‑world applications.
“The value of this event is unmatched,” said Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer of MHI. “Attendees left with actionable ideas, new partners, and a clear view of what’s next for the supply chain industry.”
In addition to thought leadership, Modex delivered measurable business results. Exhibitors reported strong lead generation, high‑quality conversations with supply chain decision‑makers from the Fortune 500 and top retailers and consumer goods firms, as well as expanded international exposure, making the event a critical growth platform for equipment and technology providers.
The show also featured an Industry Night event with comedian Jim Gaffigan. That event featured the presentation of several awards, including:
The 2026 MHI Innovation Awards:
- Best IT Innovation – ProGlove
- Best New Innovation – Dexory
- Best Robotics Innovation – Anyware Robotics Inc
- Best Sustainability Innovation – Flux Power
MHI also announced the recipient of the 2026 MHI StartUp Award during MHI Industry Night. The StartUp Award honors an emerging company selected from participants in the Modex 2026 StartUp Pavilion, an area of the show floor dedicated to showcasing breakthrough supply chain technologies from early-stage innovators. This year’s StartUp Award winner is Fork Mule.
Building on this year’s momentum, MHI announced that MODEX will return to Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center on April 3-5, 2028, and launch a new MODEX West event to be held October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center, with plans to expand programming, global partnerships, and interactive experiences. Information on both 2028 events will be launched on MODEXshow.com in the coming months.
ProMat 2027 will be held in Chicago’s McCormick Place from April 19-21, 2027.
