As manufacturing and supply chain industries evolve, events like MODEX 2026 are key in connecting professionals, driving innovation, and showcasing trends. With growing demands for efficiency, sustainability, and advanced tech, face-to-face gatherings offer vital opportunities to learn, compare solutions, and build relationships. MODEX stands as one of the largest platforms in North America, uniting exhibitors, educators, and live demos in a way hard to replicate elsewhere.
In this episode, Scott W. Luton welcomes Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI, for a behind-the-scenes look at MODEX 2026. Daniel discusses how MHI supports the industry year-round through standards, safety, and workforce development, and why face-to-face events remain essential for learning and networking. He also previews what attendees can expect in Atlanta, including how MODEX brings together exhibitors, education, and live demos on a grand scale.
They also explore what's new at MODEX 2026, April 13 to 16 at the Georgia World Congress Center, including free registration, 200+ seminars, keynotes with Richard McPhail, Salim Ismail, and Dale Earnhardt Jr., and MHI Industry Night with Jim Gaffigan. Daniel shares advice for first-timers and returning attendees, from planning meetings to carving out time for networking on the show floor. He also highlights on-site experiences to recharge and connect, including lounges, food options, and the startup spotlight.
Jump into the conversation:
(00:00) Intro
(03:00) Golf talk with Daniel
(06:28) Daniel’s role at MHI
(10:22) The importance of MODEX
(15:02) The evolution of MODEX
(18:58) What’s new at MODEX 2026
(24:22) Industry night and special guests
(26:06) Growth and exhibitors
(27:08) Experiential activations and lounges
(29:13) Event apps and navigation
(31:04) Attendee profiles and solutions
(34:24) First-time attendee tips
(38:03) Returning attendee tips
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