What's New at MODEX 2026 & Why It is a Must Attend Event

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Feb 9, 2026

Daniel McKinnon, Chief Exhibitions Officer at MHI with ~35 years leading major trade shows, gives a behind-the-scenes look at MODEX 2026. He previews free registration, AI planning tools, big-name keynotes and Industry Night entertainment. Short tips for first-timers, on-floor experiences like lounges and startup spotlights, and why large in-person trade shows still matter for networking and discovery.

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ANECDOTE

A Memorable Tee Shot At Eastlake

Daniel remembers striking a perfect tee shot on the first hole at Eastlake while playing with influential Atlanta figures.
That opening success felt thrilling even though the rest of the round was less impressive.

INSIGHT

Scale Is MODEX's Superpower

MODEX's scale concentrates technology, exhibitors, and education into a single four-day opportunity.
Seeing so many solutions in one place accelerates learning and shortens procurement cycles.

INSIGHT

E‑Commerce And Reshoring Fuel Growth

E-commerce expectations and reshoring have driven exponential growth in distribution technology demand.
Regional logistics development (ports, facilities) further accelerates investment in warehouses and automation.

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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

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Daniel McKinnon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-mckinnon-125691/
Learn more about MHI: https://www.mhi.org/
Learn more about MODEX 2026: https://www.modexshow.com/
Connect with Scott Luton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottwindonluton/
Learn more about Supply Chain Now: https://supplychainnow.com
Watch and listen to more Supply Chain Now episodes here: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now
Subscribe to Supply Chain Now on your favorite platform: https://supplychainnow.com/join
Work with us! Download Supply Chain Now’s NEW Media Kit: https://bit.ly/3XH6OVk
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This episode was hosted by Scott Luton and produced by Trisha Cordes, Joshua Miranda, and Amanda Luton. For additional information, please visit our dedicated show page at: https://supplychainnow.com/whats-new-modex-2026-why-must-attend-event-1543