ProMat Show Planner: 2025 to be bigger and better than ever

As a premier global event for manufacturing and supply chain, ProMat just keeps growing every year, both in terms of show attendees and exhibitors. With the theme of “Where it all comes together,” ProMat 2025 will feature 1,200 exhibiting companies located in more than 660,000 square feet of exhibition space at McCormick Place in Chicago from March 17-20, 2025.

ProMat, sponsored by MHI, is the only place where you can experience the latest innovations; get to know the latest ideas that boost productivity in four keynotes and more than 100 seminars; build strong business partnerships with suppliers from all over the world; and see practical demonstrations of the latest technologies and innovations.

For the first time ever, ProMat will include the new Lakeside Hall at McCormick Place. This section of the show will feature sustainability and risk management; transportation, distribution and warehousing; and last mile exhibits.

Daniel McKinnon, MHI’s chief exhibitions officer, says MHI Industry Group Theatre will also be located in the Lakeside Ballroom. “This is new and something that we’re pretty excited about,” he says.

McKinnon says MHI has also “upgraded the look and feel of the overall show” since 2023, and that some of the cooler new features include an upgraded Hub, which is a central location for networking events, educational sessions and product demonstrations.

“We’ve worked hard to make the Hub as accommodating, accessible and engaging as possible,” says McKinnon. This year’s show will also feature three different registrations, which means all of the expansive venue’s entrances will be covered. This will make onsite registration and badge pickup easier and faster, for exhibitors and attendees. And because more attendees mean more hotel rooms, MHI has also added more shuttles to its daily route.

“We did that in anticipation of hosting a larger audience, and we know that’s happening because the area hotels are filled up at this point,” McKinnon says. Some of those visitors are coming from overseas, and MHI is providing special accommodations and incentives for delegation leaders that met the group’s vetting criteria.

ProMat will also feature a special reception for international guests. “We want to make these buyers feel valued and welcome,” says McKinnon. These attendees can also participate in organized show floor tours and have access to a dedicated business center/meeting space.

This year’s show will also feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, educational sessions, networking opportunities and after-show-hours events. Some exclusive experiences at ProMat include inspirational keynotes from leaders like athlete and coach Deion Sanders, and a night of laughs with Jay Pharoah at Industry Night.

At press time, MHI was finalizing the plans for the “ProMat Pier,” where the group will be hosting happy hours on Monday and Tuesday afternoons. “It will be a must-see destination throughout the show week,” says Melissa Auer, MHI’s senior director of exhibitor services.

Knowing that everyone needs a quiet break during a busy, multi-day event, MHI is introducing the new “Quiet Room” at ProMat 2025. The quiet room is open to all attendees in meeting room S504a South building on the fifth floor. Look for the “Quiet Room” sign at the entrance. The space will be open between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, and also from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Thursday.

With ProMat, MHI’s goal is to bring the industry together to collaborate and develop into a community that shares knowledge and addresses current and future manufacturing and supply chain issues.

From hands-on demonstrations to unparalleled education experiences, attending ProMat is your best opportunity to gain the tools you need to take your company’s supply chain operations to the next level of success.

MHI-sponsored seminars at ProMat 2025

Don’t miss these keynote presentations

ProMat always features an impressive lineup of keynote presentations offering critical insights from experts on supply chain-related topics. This year’s event will feature these four keynotes across three days:

March 17 Keynote

Paul Zikopoulos, Vice president of Technology Unit Skills & Enablement, IBM

In this keynote, Paul Zikopoulos, vice president of technology unit skills and enablement at IBM, discusses the price of not knowing what your data has to say. He’ll break apart the roles of data collection and decision-making to demonstrate the risks of walking by “solvable problems” and leaving opportunities on the table—opportunities that are disrupting industries and creating tangible competitive advantage.

March 18 Keynote

Azeem Azhar, Founder, Exponential View newsletter/podcast

Get front-row insights into artificial intelligence’s impact on supply chains from seasoned tech visionary and host of Bloomberg’s “Exponentially,” Azeem Azhar. Drawing on deep insight, academic research and practical knowledge, this talk will be a masterclass in transforming AI complexities into clear, strategic advantages for your supply chain operations.

March 19 Keynotes

Deion Sanders, Athlete and head football coach, University of Colorado

Legendary athlete and coach Deion “Coach Prime” Sanders makes headlines in the world of college football with his electric coaching style, unapologetic humor and refreshing sincerity. As current head coach of University of Colorado, he now inspires players and fans with his highly motivational coaching style. An expert on teambuilding, fundraising, and rallying communities, Sanders will share his unmatched perspective on excellence in this highly impactful conversation that will inspire you to excellence in your own organization and in your life.

2025 MHI Annual Industry Report Keynote Panel

John Paxton, CEO of MHI; and Wanda Johnson, Deloitte

Here’s your ticket to access a brand-new report on the supply chain trends and digital technologies that are transforming supply chains. Wanda Johnson of Deloitte will join MHI CEO John Paxton in presenting the report findings. They’ll be joined by a panel of manufacturing and supply chain thought leaders to discuss the real-world significance of the report findings.

MHI Industry Night with Jay Pharoah

Get ready for a night of laughter and entertainment at the MHI Industry Night with Jay Pharoah. This exclusive ProMat 2025 event promises an unforgettable experience, featuring a hilarious comedy routine from the renowned comedian.

Join your industry peers for an evening of fun, networking and good times. Don’t miss this opportunity to unwind, connect with colleagues, and enjoy a memorable night out.

Jay Pharoah is an actor and stand-up comedian. With six seasons as a cast member of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, he’s best known for his wide array of uncanny celebrity impressions, including President Barack Obama, Will Smith, Denzel Washington, Stephen A. Smith, Kanye West and Chris Tucker. He currently is on tour and hosts the show, The Quiz with Balls.

Beyond the entertainment, attending MHI Industry Night also offers valuable networking opportunities. It’s your chance to connect with industry leaders, share insights and forge lasting relationships. Mark your calendar and get ready to enjoy a fantastic evening of comedy, networking and inspiration.

Industry Night tickets are $50 per person and include beer, wine and hors d’oeuvres. The door prize for this event will be a trip of a lifetime vacation valued at $30,000.