March 4, 2010 — The ProMat 2011 exhibit space draw, held January 21 in Chicago, Ill., attracted 318 exhibitors who reserved 180,000 net square feet of show floor space at the event. This was the second-largest, first-day exhibit space draw for any ProMat event representing 63.2 percent of the projected final floor plan. This sends a clear message that the material handling & logistics industry is recovering from the 2009 recession, according to event coordinators.

"While some continue to struggle, others are beginning to sense positive economic change, this successful exhibit spacedraw bodes very well for both ProMat 2011 and our industry," said Hal Vandiver, executive vice president of Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). "It gives everyone something very positive to point to as an indicator of good things to come."

ProMat 2011, sponsored by MHIA, and scheduled for March 21-24 in Chicago, will showcase the solutions of over 700 exhibitors who will fill the nearly 300,000 square foot show floor. Exhibits will represent all segments of the material handling and logistics industry, from traditional, manual equipment to computerized, automated systems. Manufacturers, consultants, third-party logistics providers, publishers and systems integrators will demonstrate their equipment, systems, software and services to manufacturing, distribution, warehousing, supply-chain and logistics professionals from around the world seeking material handling and logistics solutions that make their supply chains work more productively and profitably.