Tag: Trade Shows

2010 Applied Ergonomics Conference Slated for March

Scheduled for March 22-25, the 2010 Applied Ergonomics Conference (AEC) to be held in San Antonio, Texas is slated to be North America’s biggest and most impressive gathering of ergonomics experts, applications and equipment providers. What sets AEC apart from other ergonomic conferences is its emphasis on the practical application of ergonomic principles and discoveries to real world industrial problems. This is not an esoteric meeting of high-brow academics, though you’ll find the more practical of their ilk in attendance. This is a working man’s conference. A meeting of industrialists, ergonomic experts and others involved in day-to-day efforts to improve the health and safety of American workers through the application of ergonomics to real world problems.

 The 2010 AEC conference will be held at the Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa with early registration discounts available through January 15, 2010. Ergoweb is offering a special 50% discount to its followers until this Friday, December 18 on registrations for the conference and host hotel. (Click here for registration form and more information from ErgowebM [Expired].)

Keynote speakers scheduled include Y. Ian Noy, vice president and director of Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety, and Guy Fragata, senior advisor for Ergonomics Patient Safety Center of Inquiry. Multiple educational tracks and numerous informational exhibits by leaders in the ergonomics industry will also be featured at the conference.

As a leader in the design and manufacture of ergonomically-designed material handling equipment, DJ Products is intimately involved in solving daily ergonomics problems in a wide variety of U.S. industries including manufacturing and heavy industry, hospitality, hospital and health care, automotive and commercial retail. We understand the critical need for ergonomic systems and ergonomic material handling equipment that protects the health and safety of American workers. To find our more about our full line of ergonomic motorized carts and tugs, visit the DJ Products website.

Use a Trailer Mover to Transport Heavy Items at Trade Shows and Expos

If your company manufactures items like boats or RVs, you probably see a great benefit to participating in trade shows and expos that give interested parties a chance to see your products. Yet, before your salespeople can show off all of the impressive features of a boat or RV that you manufacture, you have to get your products into a convention center or other exhibition hall. And this is where a DJ Products trailer mover can make a difference.

Overextending the body when manually lifting and moving items like trailers from one location to another can cause significant strain. You not only want your merchandise to arrive in good condition; you want your workers to be safe as well. Although a boat, camper or RV travels a short distance to and from your exhibit space, transporting these items even briefly can cause strain. The electric TrailerCaddy trailer mover is a perfect solution.

Our powered trailer movers have lower maintenance costs than typical trailer movers. They are also less bulky than traditional electric trailer pullers, so strain is minimized. However, being less bulky does not mean that our trailer movers are less powerful. Trailer movers like our TrailerCaddy are designed for increased control in tightly confined areas. This is especially useful for maneuvering through busy trade shows and convention centers where workers from other companies are also transporting goods.

If you are interested in seeing just how versatile our trailer movers are, you can inquire about our free demo trial trailer program. Our program allows you to use a trailer mover at your facility on a trial basis before you make a decision about purchasing one. After you fill out the Demo Program Inquiry, a Sales Engineer will get in touch with you to discuss the proper trailer mover solution.

MHIA Launches New Overhead Group

With a plethora of fatal crane accidents peppering the news this year, crane and hoist manufacturers are taking some safety cues from their ergonomically-savvy brethren in the material handling industry. Joining with the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) to form the just-launched Overhead Alliance (OA) group, crane, hoist and monorail industry organizations will be promoting alternative methods of lifting and moving materials that reduce accidents, improve workplace health and safety, reduce product damage, improve workflow, lower costs and reduce environmental impact.

Focusing the combined resources of the Crane Manufacturers Association of America (CMAA), Hoist Manufacturers Institute (HMI) and Monorail Manufacturers Association (MMA), OA will give these affiliated trade associations a common voice within the material handling community. Over the next year, OA plans to launch a campaign promoting safer, healthier, greener alternatives to traditional lift trucks for lifting and moving materials, including the use of bridge, gantry and jib cranes and hoists. Not only are lift trucks notorious gas guzzlers, they account for the majority of serious and fatal material handling accidents.

OA will make its national debut at MHIA’s ProMat international exposition in January 2009 where it plans to emphasize the “lean and green” (i.e. ergonomic and energy efficient) benefits of overhead lifting to handle materials. Safe procedures for manual handling and ergonomic lifting that are designed to improve workplace safety and protect workers’ health are also on OA’s promotion agenda.

Material handling equipment that minimizes manual lifting and carrying prevents injuries. The U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) reports that back injuries, primarily from improper lifting and carrying of light loads, cost American businesses $10 to $14 billion in workers’ compensation costs and nearly 100 million work days annually.

A world-leader in the production of ergonomic carts for moving and lifting material and equipment, DJ Products manufactures ergonomically-designed, energy-efficient electric and battery-powered cart pullers, pushers and scissors lifts. Already “lean and green,” DJ Products material handling equipment is built to be energy-efficient while maximizing the health and safety of your workers. Visit our website for complete information on DJ Products equipment for manufacturers, warehouses, logistics centers, retailers, hospitals and the hospitality industry.

Plan Ahead for the MHEDA 2015 Conference

The premier networking and educational event of the year is already around the corner: the MHEDA Annual Convention & Exhibitors’ Showcase for 2015. The material handling conference is scheduled two weeks earlier than usual, so don’t be caught off guard!

The MHEDA’s 60th annual conference will be April 18 to 22, 2015 at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort & Spa. Material handling events and entertainment include:

  • Talks, Q&As, and discussions on countless industry topics
  • A keynote speech on improving your company’s culture
  • Resort accommodations with great food, golf & entertainment
  • Rare and valuable networking opportunities with leaders of your field

MHEDA scheduled the conference for April 18–22, 2015. That’s two weeks earlier than usual, so don’t miss this event.

Start at the MHEDA site and click through to book your hotel now to guarantee a room. The JW Marriott is close to the airport and features the TPC San Antonio golf course on site (not to mention the Riverwalk and authentic, gourmet Tex-Mex fare nearby).

Workshop topics include:

  • Management tips from a former CIA leader
  • Talks on workforce planning, customer engagement, social media
  • Getting the most out of CRM
  • Technology roundups and presentations

The 2015 conference appears to have plenty in store for newcomers and return participants. They even have a spouse event planned, so you can bring your loved ones along to enjoy San Antonio with you.

From rubbing elbows to getting educated on the latest technologies, the MHEDA conference is an event worth attending every year.

We’re always looking for ways to help you discover better productivity and efficiency in the material handling industry. If you want to jumpstart your warehouse efficiency now, talk to us about cart movers and other ergonomic solutions!

ProMat 2009 to Demonstrate Supply Chain Solutions

Well having spent 20 bitter, cold winters in Chicago shoveling endless mounds of snow, I have to admit that when I got my invitation to ProMat 2009, I was underwhelmed about the offer to “join us in January in Chicago.” However, you can’t fault Chicago for its exciting city life, excellent restaurants, magnificent skyline and ever-patrolling army of snowplows, so I’m game for another frosty experience in the Windy City. And who could miss the Material Handling Industry of America’s annual international exposition? ProMat 2009, Solutions that Make the Supply Chain Work, promises to provide an invigorating look at the hot new trends and innovations in material handling and logistics.

ProMat will showcase more than 800 solution-packed exhibits from top equipment and technology providers in the material handling and logistics industries. It’s your opportunity to not only talk to the pros but see their solutions to industry applications in action. Given the country’s current economic problems, I think we can all benefit from solutions that promise to streamline operations, increase productivity, reduce costs, improve customer service and improve our bottom line.

I’m particularly looking forward to Forrest Sawyer’s moderation of the keynote discussion on building the workforce of the future. We’ve discussed in this space before the workforce challenges that will face our industry in the coming years: retiring boomers, declining worker population, increased workforce diversity, life/work balance and a move toward more technical skill sets. These issues aren’t going to go away and we, as an industry, need to develop strategies for embracing the challenges of the future.

We’ve also talked in this space about the globalization of material handling, logistics and industry in general. With buyers and sellers from more than 90 countries in attendance, ProMat offers an opportunity to start making connections so you’ll be ready to flex your global wings.

Education is always a major focus of the annual MHIA show. This year’s Knowledge Center will bring 100 Educational Seminars to the show floor, all free to attendees, as is the keynote discussion. Seminars will focus on the latest material handling and logistics trends and innovations for manufacturing, distribution, and supply chain operations.

ProMat 2009 will be held from January 12-15, 2009 at McCormick Place South in Chicago, Illinois. Plan to go and learn about emerging trends and leading edge developments in the industry. See solutions in action and talk to their purveyors. Network with other professionals from across the country and around the globe. ProMat 2009 is your chance to learn, explore and rekindle your passion. For complete information and registration, visit the ProMat website.

MHEDA Convention Focuses on Positioning Your Business for Success

Powerful Positioning is the theme of this year’s MHEDA Annual Convention and Exhibitors’ Showcase. Scheduled for May 2 to 6 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa in Palm Desert, California, the annual gathering of the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association offers a chance to learn, network and find out what’s new in the industry. This year’s MHEDA convention will offer 16 exciting presentations from industry leaders geared to help you position your material handling business to weather the current economic storm and emerge stronger, better and more successful than before.

Here are snapshots of some of the presentations we’re looking forward to:

  • Economic Trends and the Impact on Your Business by Alan Beaulieu. His twin Brian Beaulieu was a hit at MHEDA’s 2008 convention. Trend researcher and economist Alan will update the Beaulieus’ economic forecast for the industry and provide specific, practical management objectives you can incorporate in your current and future business plans.
  • The Customer Empathy Solution by Ross Shafer. To earn your customer’s loyalty, it’s no longer enough to merely serve his needs. Today, quality customer service must succor the customer’s emotional state through every phase of a transaction. Author, motivational speaker and a regular on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Shafer will explain how to develop customer empathy and turn it into long-term customer loyalty. His talk is sure to feature hilarious excerpts from his latest book, “The Customer Shouts Back — 10 Things You Must Know If You Want Their Lifetime Loyalty.”
  • Inside the White House and Hollywood … Getting to the Top with Character by Steve Ford. Son of President Gerald Ford and Betty Ford, actor Steve Ford will share his personal insights on leadership, adversity and making life choices. Given his unique personal experiences on stage and behind the scenes at the White House, Ford’s views on the importance of family and developing a personal moral code should be interesting.
  • Relationship Economics — How to Build and Nurture Business Relationships by David Nour. Although it may sound like “sales reps are from Mars and customers are from Venus,” building strong relationships with customers builds business. A social networking strategist, Nour will focus on the art and science of relationships and how to incorporate these methodologies into the pursuit of customers.

Of course, in addition to the featured talks, MHEDA conventions always offer a good selection of down-to-earth, useful educational workshops. This year is no exception with sessions tackling profitability, credit and collections, negotiations, pricing optimization, website optimization, and salesmanship. If you haven’t signed up for this year’s MHEDA convention, click here to register.

2010 Material Handling Shows Help Position You for Future

The poor economy led to lower attendance at 2009 material handling shows but 2010 promises to be a better year. Companies trying to hold onto their bottom line may have skipped last year’s show or sent only a token delegate or two. With the manufacturing and peripheral industries finally starting to post small increases, material handling and related industries are anticipating better attendance at 2010 conferences.

Annual conferences and trade shows offer unique opportunities to see what’s new in the industry and what the future holds. Staying up-to-date with your industry enables you to better position yourself to meet future demands. National trade shows are an excellent place to network. They’re a good place to search for new talent to strengthen or rejuvenate your operation. They’re also an excellent place to form alliances with other company representatives that can lead to greater national exposure and increased product sales.

Continuing education classes and workshops provide information on innovative solutions to management and marketing problems. Round table discussions provide an opportunity to trade techniques and strategies with other industry professionals. Dealer and product give you an opportunity to learn about new products, increase your product knowledge, and discover products or services that can augment or revitalize your current product line.

The big national material handling conference/trade shows scheduled for 2010 include:

  • NA 2010: Solutions that Make the Supply Chain Work sponsored by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) will be held April 26-29 at the I-X Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The event will focus on positioning your business to take advantage of future trends. Click here for more information.
  • 2010: The Rules Have Changed sponsored by the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) will be held May 1-5 at the Marriott Marco Island Resort & Spa on Marco Island, Florida. The conference will focus on providing insight into recession-driven maketing and economic trends. Click here for more information.

Why Attend Trade Shows and Conferences?

Why should you attend trade shows and industry conferences? When the economy is tight and sales are down, how do you justify the expense of attending a trade show or conference, particularly when gas, airline and hotel expenses are climbing? My dad would tell you what every smart businessman knows: keeping up with industry developments and trends isn’t a perk, it’s a necessity.

I can remember when my dad attended MHEDA trade shows in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s. For a man who worked 15-hour days 6 1/2 days a week, the annual trade show was his idea of a vacation. He always took Mom along to share the fun. She’d pall around with the other wives on day tours then meet Dad for dinner with other business friends. Dad spent his days boning up on new developments and new products, jawing with suppliers and  distributors, and picking the brains of other business owners — the 1960s version of networking. He always tried to work in an educational conference or two each year, and became a MHEDA presenter later in his career.

Dad placed a high value on education and keeping abreast of current developments and future trends. He preached planning for the future as the best way to grow your business. He believed in the power of networking, both as a resource for solving business problems and as a tool for growing your business. Industry trade shows and conferences give you the opportunity to stay current in your business, learn about future trends and network with industry peers. There couldn’t be better reasons to attend.

MHEDA is offering two fall events geared to revitalize your material handling career and make your business more productive:

The Young Distribution Professionals Conference August 3-6 at the Eaglewood Resort & Spa in Itasca, Illinois targets material handling professionals with less than 10 years in the distribution industry. The conference is designed to help rising managers increase their knowledge of distribution and expand their distribution career skills. There will be ample networking opportunities to interact with peers in the distribution and other material handling industries. A host of engaging speakers will focus on the development of leadership and management skills.

Parts & Service Management Conference September 11-12 at the Crown Plaza Chicago O’Hare in Rosemont, Illinois targets parts and service managers, branch managers and operations managers. The conference will focus on daily issues that arise in material handling parts and service departments. Sessions will teach attendees how to identify key performance indicators in their departments with an emphasis on profitability and customer service.