ProMat 2025 is poised to be the largest and most impactful event of 2025 for the manufacturing and supply chain sectors. From March 17 to March 20, Chicago’s McCormick Place will once again host this leading expo, which brings together over 1,100 exhibitors and thousands of professionals to discover the latest innovations, solutions and trends driving the industry forward. As North America’s largest trade event for supply chain and manufacturing, ProMat provides attendees with an unparalleled opportunity to explore new technologies, gain valuable insights, build connections and ultimately elevate their businesses to new heights.

From hands-on demonstrations of advanced machinery to sessions featuring renowned industry thought leaders, ProMat 2025 is designed to inspire professionals to innovate and modernise their operations.

An unmatched opportunity to discover new technologies and solutions

One of the most compelling aspects of ProMat is the opportunity to see the latest equipment and technologies up close and in action. With more than 1,100 exhibitors on the show floor, attendees can explore a vast range of solutions, from traditional material-handling equipment to advanced automation, robotics, and intelligent, connected technologies. ProMat allows professionals to engage directly with providers, enabling them to understand and compare product features first-hand and make more informed investment decisions for their operations.

John Paxton, CEO of MHI, the organisation behind ProMat, highlighted the unique value of the event: “ProMat offers manufacturing and supply chain professionals the unique opportunity to witness, in action, the vast array of technology and innovations impacting this industry. We are thrilled to offer the supply chain community this chance to come together and experience all that ProMat has to offer.”

Daniel McKinnon, MHI’s CEO, emphasised that the event is essential for professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly changing field: “If it’s your job to innovate your manufacturing and supply chain operations, you can’t afford to miss ProMat.”

A robust educational programme covering key industry topics

In addition to the impressive show floor, ProMat 2025 will offer an extensive educational programme, featuring nearly 200 sessions that cover a range of topics essential for supply chain and manufacturing professionals. The conference is organised into eight tracks, allowing attendees to select sessions that are most relevant to their roles and challenges:

  1. Automation & Robotics
  2. Distribution & Warehousing
  3. E-Commerce Fulfilment & Last Mile Logistics
  4. Emerging Supply Chain Trends & Technology
  5. Manufacturing Planning & Sourcing
  6. Risk Mitigation & Resilience Planning
  7. Sustainability & Alternative Energy
  8. Workforce & Labour

From practical insights on equipment maintenance and operation to advanced discussions on sustainability, ProMat’s educational sessions provide targeted learning opportunities that can help attendees improve operational efficiency, boost resilience and drive business growth. The sessions are designed to ensure that all participants –whether they are new to the field or industry veterans – can take away actionable insights that directly impact their businesses.

Keynote speakers and insightful panels

A highlight of ProMat 2025’s conference programme is the keynote speaker line-up, which includes respected leaders and experts sharing their knowledge on some of the most pressing issues and opportunities facing the industry today. Each keynote address will offer unique insights:

  • March 17: The Data Effect: The Price of Not Knowing – Paul Zikopoulos, VP of IBM, will discuss the critical role that data plays in strategic decision-making for supply chains and manufacturing.
  • March 18: The AI Opportunity for Supply Chains – Azeem Azhar, Bloomberg host of Exponentially, will explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the supply chain landscape and creating unprecedented efficiencies.
  • March 19: From Prime Time to Coach Prime – In an engaging session, NFL legend Deion Sanders will share his insights on resilience, leadership and what it takes to succeed at the highest levels, making parallels between sports and professional life.
  • March 19 Keynote Panel: Preview of MHI 2025 Annual Industry Report – John Paxton, CEO of MHI, and Wanda Johnson of Deloitte Consulting, will provide an overview of key findings from the highly anticipated MHI 2025 Annual Industry Report, offering a forecast of trends and challenges to look out for in the coming years.

In addition to the keynote addresses, ProMat will feature around 200 show floor educational sessions led by industry experts. These sessions delve into everything from the latest in robotics and automation to effective e-commerce fulfilment strategies, risk mitigation and sustainable supply chain practices. This educational aspect is one of ProMat’s greatest assets, as it allows attendees to gain new knowledge and skills that are directly applicable to their own operations.

ProMat 2025 is free to attend, and registration is now open at www.promatshow.com.

Special events and networking highlights

ProMat 2025 will also host a variety of networking events designed to help attendees build valuable connections with peers, industry leaders and potential partners. These events provide a welcoming environment for forging relationships that can lead to future collaborations, business opportunities and knowledge exchange.

Key networking events at ProMat include:

  • MHI Industry Night with Jay Pharoah on March 19 Comedian Jay Pharoah will entertain attendees during an evening of food, drinks and networking. Industry Night will also feature the announcement of the 2025 MHI Innovation Award winners, honouring companies that are pioneering solutions in the field.
  • Women in Supply Chain Forum on March 17 This forum, organised in partnership with the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) and the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), is dedicated to empowering women in the industry. The event includes a keynote address by Taylor Elyse Morrison, who will discuss the challenges and opportunities women face in supply chain roles.
  • Young Professionals Network Reception on March 17 This event offers a dedicated space for young professionals to connect, share insights and build a network within the supply chain industry, fostering a new generation of industry leaders.
  • ProMat Student Day on March 19 Co-hosted by the College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) and the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), Student Day aims to inspire students interested in careers in manufacturing and supply chains. It includes guided tours of the exhibit floor and opportunities to learn from seasoned professionals.

Why ProMat 2025 is a must-attend event

ProMat 2025 offers a comprehensive blend of hands-on learning, in-depth education and invaluable networking. For supply chain and manufacturing professionals who want to stay at the forefront of industry developments, this event is an unparalleled opportunity. Attendees will return to their organisations armed with the latest information on trends, technologies and best practices, along with new connections that could lead to strategic partnerships and opportunities for growth.

Whether your focus is on the latest robotics and automation, e-commerce fulfilment, risk management or sustainability, ProMat has something to offer. In an era of rapid change, the knowledge gained at ProMat can be transformative for companies seeking to improve efficiency, adaptability and competitiveness.