Podcast Summary: Supply Chain Now – "What's New at MODEX 2026 & Why It is a Must Attend Event"
Date: February 9, 2026
Host: Scott Luden (C)
Guest: Daniel McKinnon (A), Chief Exhibitions Officer, MHI
Main Theme & Purpose
This episode provides an in-depth look at the evolution, scale, and significance of MODEX 2026—one of the largest supply chain trade shows globally. Chief Exhibitions Officer Daniel McKinnon discusses why MODEX remains a cornerstone for industry professionals, details new features and trends for 2026, and offers insider advice for attendees. The conversation captures MODEX’s critical role in shaping supply chain innovation, networking, technology adoption, and workforce development.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Personal Introduction and Icebreakers
- Daniel McKinnon’s passion for golf and his experience as a Presbyterian College alumnus.
- Quote: “I enjoy being outside. I enjoy having a couple of beers with my friends… it’s something I’ve really grown to appreciate, the aesthetics of the golf course and the mental health benefits.” (03:16)
2. About MHI and Daniel’s Role
- MHI Mission: Nonprofit trade association focused on intra-logistics, standards, safety, and workforce development in distribution centers and the broader supply chain.
- Key Initiatives: Standards development, workforce training with trade schools/universities, promoting economic development, but not engaged in policy/lobbying.
- Quote: “One of the core missions for us right now is to try to train and develop workforce into this industry… Not just inside the distribution center, but across all supply chain.” (06:32)
- Daniel’s responsibility: building member-driven exhibitions and responding to industry trends, especially automation and robotics due to workforce challenges.
3. Scale & Unique Value of MODEX
- Size & Reach: Expected 40,000 attendees in 2026, 1,100+ exhibitors, more than 50,000 hotel nights in Atlanta, using the entire Georgia World Congress Center.
- Why Attend: Comprehensive exposure to new tech, automation, solution providers, packed educational sessions (200+), and unique networking opportunities.
- Notable Detail: Focus on practitioner-led sessions, not sales pitches.
- Quote: “We require that they have a practitioner that is discussing a solution that perhaps their product or service helped with. We do not want sales pitches. People would just wouldn’t go to them.” (10:22)
- Live Events’ Value: Trust in face-to-face interaction remains highest, even more among younger professionals.
- Quote: “Live events are the most trustworthy resource… If you’re looking at somebody in the eye, if you’re shaking their hand, you know they’re not AI and hopefully you can tell they’re not BSing you.” (13:26)
4. MODEX Evolution & Industry Trends
- Growth Drivers: Exponential increase from 400 exhibitors/15,000 attendees in 2012, fueled by e-commerce, supply chain reshoring, infrastructure development (e.g., investments along I-85, Port of Savannah).
- Regional Impact: Atlanta’s growth as a global supply chain hub; influx of international HQs and manufacturing.
- Technology Adoption: Automation and robotics now core features of the exhibition, reflecting industry trends.
5. What’s New in 2026
- Enhanced Technology Enablement: Improved mobile app, show planner, and AI-driven matchmaking for scheduling meetings.
- Educational Expansion: Inspirational keynotes; more than 200 practical solution-focused sessions; launch of the annual MHI industry trends report (in partnership with Deloitte and Georgia Tech).
- Key Takeaway from 2025 Report: Workforce is now the top industry challenge; sustainability’s importance has decreased.
- Special Programming:
- Student Day(s) for career pipeline development
- Women in Supply Chain leadership sessions
- Experiential lounges (e.g., Peachtree Social, The Backyard with puppy petting and relaxation areas)
- Startup Pavilion with “Shark Tank”-style competitions
- Notable Speakers & Guests: Dale Earnhardt, Annette Danick (Barnes & Noble), Dr. Stephanie Thomas (University of Arkansas), comedian Jim Gaffigan for Industry Night.
- Quote: “Industry night…this year is Jim Gaffigan, who I think is hilarious. So join us on Wednesday night if you want to hear Jim Gaffigan make fun of supply chain.” (24:22)
6. Practical Guidance for Attendees
For First-Time Attendees
- Book Early: Both hotel (via MODEX website for discounts/shuttles) and flights.
- Plan Your Days: Use the app to set your schedule—know which exhibits and sessions to target.
- Networking: Make time for unscripted exploration/serendipity; networking can lead to unexpected opportunities.
- Onsite Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, register in advance, and pick up badges at satellite locations to avoid lines.
- Quote: “Make the time because this is good for your career… the amount of knowledge that you can capture while you are at Modex is really undefinable... And networking the same way your professional development.” (34:45)
For Returning Attendees
- Leverage the App: Improved every year; pre-schedule appointments, especially for Thursday (less crowded).
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Last-minute registration/badge pickup.
- Not scheduling meetings in advance.
- Ignoring the benefits of wandering for serendipitous learning.
- Quote: “We try to improve it every year… They preset appointments, they make appointments before they get to the show…” (38:27)
- Quote: “Have a schedule, but also set aside some time to just walk around… there’s some kind of magic about a trade show where if you’re just kind of walking around, something good will happen.” (41:08)
7. Modes of Engagement Beyond MODEX
- Promat: Sister event in Chicago (April 2027), slightly larger due to venue size, but both are unique.
- MHI’s Year-Round Value: Resources, data, standards, workforce development, and industry reports available via mhi.org.
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
-
Daniel McKinnon on trade show “magic”:
“There’s some kind of magic about a trade show where if you’re just kind of walking around, something good will happen.” (41:08) -
On live event trust:
“In fact, younger generation trust live events more than boomers. So I think that if you want to really engage… live events is by far the best way to do it because that’s what you can trust.” (13:26) -
On workforce as the top trend:
“We all assumed AI was going to be the top trend… Well, it’s not. Workforce was the top trend.” (20:37) -
Industry Night Entertainment:
“This year is Jim Gaffigan, who I think is hilarious. So join us on Wednesday night if you want to hear Jim Gaffigan make fun of supply chain.” (24:22) -
Daniel's badge advice:
“Pre register, don’t go on site and register pre register. And you should be able to go right through a line.” (40:39)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Daniel’s Personal Interests & Icebreakers – 03:16–05:14
- About MHI and Daniel’s Role – 06:32–08:45
- MODEX Scale, Value, and Uniqueness – 10:22–12:29
- Live vs. Digital Events; Value of In-person – 13:26–14:39
- MODEX Evolution and Global Trends – 15:33–18:15
- MODEX 2026 New Developments & Speakers – 19:05–24:22
- Attendee Tips: First-Timers & Veterans – 34:45–39:22
- Common Mistakes to Avoid – 39:22–41:08
- The Importance of Serendipity/Unplanned Encounters – 41:08–41:59
- MODEX and Promat Dates & Differences – 43:43–44:31
- How to Connect & More Information – 45:14–46:03
Additional Resources & Contact Information
- MODEX Details & Registration: modexshow.com
- MHI Industry Resources: mhi.org
- Contact Daniel McKinnon: dmckinn@mhi.org
- Promat 2027: April 19–21, 2027, McCormick Place, Chicago
Tone and Takeaways
The episode maintains an encouraging, approachable, and slightly humorous tone, reflecting both hosts’ passion for industry advancement and community connection. It’s a resource-packed, motivating conversation that frames MODEX as a can’t-miss event for everyone in supply chain, with actionable advice to help attendees maximize their experience.
Bottom line:
Plan your days, embrace serendipity, leverage resources like the app, and don’t miss this unique opportunity to gather knowledge, connections, and inspiration for your supply chain journey!