ProMat vs. MODEX vs. MODEX West: Which Show Should You Attend?

ProMat vs. MODEX comes down to timing and location more than size. Both are large MHI trade shows that alternate years. ProMat runs in Chicago in odd years, and MODEX runs in Atlanta in even years.

Now there is a third option. MODEX West, a smaller MHI show, debuts in Las Vegas in October 2028. This guide compares all three so you can pick the right trip for your team.

MHI's Three Trade Shows at a Glance

All three shows come from MHI, the material handling and supply chain association. As a result, you will see many of the same manufacturers, technologies and education tracks at each one.

Sources: promatshow.com, modexshow.com and modexwest.com. For full details, see our ProMat 2027 guide, MODEX Atlanta 2028 guide and MODEX West 2028 guide.

ProMat vs. MODEX: What Is the Difference?

Most people expect one show to be far bigger than the other. That was true in the early years, when ProMat was the older and much larger event. Today, however, the two shows are close in size.

ProMat 2025 drew 52,223 attendees, and MODEX 2026 drew about 50,000. Each one fills its hall with roughly 1,100 exhibitors. In other words, either show gives you a full view of the market.

So what really separates them? The biggest difference is the audience each city attracts. ProMat pulls heavily from the Midwest and its large distribution centers. MODEX, on the other hand, leans a bit more toward supply chain and draws more buyers from the Southeast.

"In the early days, ProMat was the older and much larger show. That's no longer the case. Today both shows draw tremendous crowds, and the aisles are full of decision-makers and their teams. The difference is more about who shows up. ProMat draws heavily from the Midwest and the huge distribution centers throughout the region, while MODEX leans a bit more toward the supply chain and pulls more from the Southeast."

Ed Romaine, VP of Marketing and Business Development, ISD

The other difference is the calendar. Because the shows alternate, you rarely face a choice in the same year. Instead, the question is which year lines up with your project.

Where MODEX West Fits

MODEX West adds a fall show for buyers in the West and abroad. It runs October 18-20, 2028, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.

Expect a smaller event than Atlanta or Chicago. MHI lists 300+ exhibitors and about 10,000 attendees, compared with roughly 1,100 exhibitors at each spring show. That makes the floor easier to cover in less time, although you will see fewer suppliers in each category.

For a team in California or the Pacific Northwest, Las Vegas can be a shorter flight. It can also mean fewer days away from the operation.

MHI has announced only the 2028 edition so far. For dates, hours and planning details, see our MODEX West 2028 page.

Which Show Should You Attend?

Start with your project, not the city. The right show lines up with your budget cycle. It also gives you the suppliers you need to compare.

Many teams attend both spring shows over two years. For example, a team might scout technologies at ProMat 2027. Then it returns to MODEX 2028 with a short list and its data ready for deeper conversations.

"Pick the show by your project timeline, not by the airfare. If your budget is being set next year, the spring show closest to that cycle matters most. Bring your order and SKU data, too, because suppliers who see real numbers can give you real answers on the floor. Otherwise, you spend three days collecting brochures instead of options."

Robert Jones, Senior Distribution Consultant, ISD

Still deciding? Our 2027 automation trade show guide covers other industry events. The trade show events calendar lists every show on our schedule.

Meet ISD at ProMat 2027 and MODEX 2028

ISD exhibits at both spring shows. At ProMat 2027, find us in Booth N6115 in the North Building at McCormick Place. At MODEX 2028 in Atlanta, our booth number will be announced after MHI's space draw.

ISD is not exhibiting at MODEX West. If Las Vegas is your show, we can meet by video before or after it.

Book ahead to get time with our engineers: schedule a ProMat meeting or schedule a MODEX meeting.

"The best part of ProMat or MODEX is that nearly every major manufacturer is under one roof. Because we're OEM-agnostic, we encourage buyers to walk several booths in the same technology category. Then come talk with us about which combination fits your operation, because no single manufacturer does everything extremely well. That is how you end up with the right design."

Tony Morgott, President, ISD

ProMat vs. MODEX FAQ