DC Velocity - ProMat17 Planner

roMat 2017 includes an extensive educational component in addition to the trade show. Educational events include four keynote presentations as well as more than 100 expert-led seminars held right on the show floor during the exhibition. New this year is a women in supply chain summit. Scheduled for noon to 4: 30 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4, the event is billed as an afternoon of discussion, education, and networking for women in the industry. (A separate fee and registration are required. Go to www.promatshow.com/edu-cation for more info.)

The ProMat keynote presentations will offer a glimpse of the future and insights into ways to gain a competitive edge in your market. On Monday, April 3, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Andrew Winston, an expert on sustainability and author of Green to Gold, will lead a panel discussion with manufacturing and supply chain sustainability leaders that have successfully incorporated environmentally sound practices into their facility design. Panelists will discuss how companies both large and small can use environmental strategy to grow, create enduring value, and build stronger supply chains.

On Tuesday, April 4, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Markus Lorenz, partner and managing director of the Boston Consulting Group, will discuss how intelligent machines are transforming supply chains. During this keynote, Lorenz will explore the many ways this revolution will affect our industry and the economy, and what kinds of new jobs it will create.

On Wednesday, April 5, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Scott Sopher, principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP’s Supply Chain practice, will join George W. Prest, CEO of MHI, in presenting the findings of the “2017 Annual Industry Report” from MHI. The report will focus on the supply chain trends and technologies that are creating digital supply chains.

Later that day, from 1 to 2 p.m., National Basketball Association (NBA) legend, two-time Hall of Famer, Olympic gold medalist, and now entrepreneur Earvin “Magic” Johnson will join DC VELOCITY Group Editorial Director Mitch Mac Donald for a “fireside chat.” In the session, Johnson will reveal the secrets to his business and personal success (hint: always over-deliver on customer expectations).

The keynotes will serve as the gateway to some 100 expert-led sessions on a host of material handling and logistics topics. In these sessions, ProMat exhibitors will discuss industry issues like supply chain visibility, ergonomics, and worker safety and how state-of-the-art equipment and technology can boost visibility, safety, and productivity.

ProMat’s educational offerings also include “The Hub,” an interactive resource center. At The Hub, which is located in the center of the show floor, visitors will find the following:

; A social networking lounge and wireless Internet center;

; The MHI Informational Center with information about the show sponsor and the resources and services it offers to manufacturing and supply chain professionals;