DC Velocity - Promat Planner 2015

roMat 2015 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 first three days of the exhibition. New this year is a supply chain workforce summit. Scheduled for March 25 and 26, the summit will include two addresses and tracks (for practi-tioners and educators) that focus on how to develop the future material handling and logistics workforce.

All four ProMat keynote presentations will offer a look at the future of business and technology. On Monday, March 23, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Renée Niemi, director of the Android and Chrome global business, Google for Work, will talk about ways to transform your manufacturing business using the latest digital technology and tools.

On Tuesday, March 24, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., John Mackey, co-founder and CEO of Whole Foods Market, will offer a blueprint for a new system of doing business called “conscious capitalism.” Using real-world examples from today’s best-known companies, Mackey will illustrate how these organizations use four specific tenets to build strong businesses that realize their highest potential.

On Wednesday, March 25, 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 “2015 Annual Industry Report” from MHI. The report will focus on industry trends and technologies that will be transforming supply chains over the next three to five years.

Later that day, from 1 to 2 p.m., Steve Wozniak (The Woz), co-founder of Apple and chairman/CEO of Wheels of Zeus, will join DC VELOCITY Group Editorial Director Mitch Mac Donald for a “fireside chat.” In the session, The Woz will share his views on the latest iPhones, smartwatches, and the state of technology and risk in America.

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 best practices and cost-saving ideas in such areas as data capture and information management, warehousing and DC operations, and supply chain visibility, to name just a few.

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

b A social networking lounge and wireless Internet center;
b The MHI Informational Center with information about the show sponsor and the
resources and services it offers to manufacturing and supply chain professionals;

b An information center for the Modex 2016 expo to be held in Atlanta in April 2016.

A special bonus for attendees: Automate, a robotics, machine vision, and motion-control event sponsored by the Association for Advancing Automation, is once again co-located with ProMat in 2015. The keynote addresses are co-presented by ProMat and Automate.