Jones Lang LaSalle® has predicted that as much as 25 percent of the current West Coast cargo-base will shift to the East Coast and Gulf ports over the next decade, largely due to the Panama Canal expansion, scheduled for completion in 2014. As the supply chain industry prepares to capitalize on this new opportunity, associations are looking to Atlanta as home base for their tradeshows.
The latest announcement comes from the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) with the launch of a new expo in 2012.
MODEXSM 2012 will bring more than 20,000 supply chain industry professionals from 80 countries to the Georgia World Congress Center, Feb. 6-9.
“We see the expansion of the Panama Canal to be a major supply chain game-changer and have positioned MODEXSM 2012 as the event that can help exhibitors and attendees capitalize on the new dynamics,” said John Nofsinger, chief executive officer for MHIA.
Five major associations within the supply chain industry will hold meetings in Atlanta in 2011 and 2012, collectively bringing more than 33,000 industry professionals to the city for their business.
The Warehousing Education & Research Council, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, International Air Cargo Association, and the National Industrial Transportation League and Intermodal Association of North America will convene in Atlanta.
“The announcement of MODEX is the delivery of Atlanta’s strategy to attract meetings from segments that are showing expansive growth,” said William Pate, president and CEO of the Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Atlanta is an important hub for logistics and supply chain industries, and therefore, a natural fit to be the hub for tradeshows in this segment.”
