In short
MODEX is MHI's even-year supply chain show in Atlanta. Warehouse leaders come to compare automation, so a booth should show goods moving and quote real throughput. It suits a working pick cell, an integrator conversation and data from a live site. Start a custom booth about 9–12 months ahead and confirm dates, height limits and rules in the exhibitor manual.
Key points
- Where and when: Atlanta, every two years in Atlanta, in even years. ProMat runs in Chicago in odd years.
- The audience is mostly warehouse and operations leaders.
- Working systems.
- Real throughput figures.
- Plan a custom booth about 9–12 months before the show.
MODEX for exhibitors
Conveyors, robots, racking and warehouse software all compete here. Many visitors arrive with a project and a short list.
| MODEX | |
|---|---|
| City | Atlanta |
| Venue | Georgia World Congress Center |
| Sector | Supply chain and material handling |
| Cycle | Every two years in Atlanta, in even years. ProMat runs in Chicago in odd years |
| Main stand activity | Working machinery |
| Custom stand lead time | 9–12 months |
Who you are designing for
Warehouse and operations leaders, integrators and supply chain directors.
What matters most on a MODEX booth:
- Working systems.
- Real throughput figures.
- Integration stories.
- Fast qualification.
Layouts for working machinery, by stand type
Most MODEX exhibitors build around working machinery. How that works depends on how many sides of your plot are open. If you are unsure which type you have, see exhibition stand types.
| Stand type | Open sides | What works |
|---|---|---|
| Row (inline) | 1 | One machine side-on to the aisle so its working side is visible, with a screen showing it in use. |
| Island | 4 | A hero machine centred with at least 1.5 m of walk-around space, demo times on a screen and meetings to one side or upstairs. |
Stand ideas for MODEX
- A goods-to-person demo with a visitor order.
- A site map for planning.
- A software screen tied to the demo.
Planning, approvals and logistics
Atlanta's service kit sets labor and handling rules for your show. Check it rather than reusing Chicago assumptions.
Allow about 9–12 months for a custom booth. The exhibitor manual sets height limits, open-side rules and service deadlines; see venue approval and technical drawings.
Where the budget goes at MODEX
Live automation, electrical and labor take most of the budget. Keep the structure simple and let the system be the show.
Mistakes we see at MODEX
- Static racking.
- Demos that can't be explained in a minute.
An example MODEX brief
A 20×20 ft island with a robot pick demo, a warehouse map, throughput figures on a screen and an integrator table.
Replace the size and the zones with your own. The plot and height limit come from your contract and the exhibitor manual.
Try your MODEX layout in 3D
ExhibitionBase Studio turns your plot size, open sides and a brief about working machinery into an editable 3D booth for 5 credits, renders it and exports a plan for your builder. New workspaces get 5 free credits.
Frequently asked questions
01How is MODEX different from ProMat?
Both are MHI shows. MODEX runs in even years in Atlanta, and [ProMat](/guides/promat-booth-design) in odd years in Chicago.
02Where is MODEX held?
At the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
03How early should I start designing a MODEX booth?
For a custom booth, about 9–12 months ahead: long enough for design, organiser approval, production and shipping. Shell scheme booths can be planned in weeks.
04Can I reuse my MODEX booth at other shows?
Often, if it is modular. Design the core (walls, counters, working machinery area) to work on several plot sizes, and swap graphics per show. See [modular vs custom stands](/guides/modular-vs-custom-exhibition-stands).
Put it into practice
From a client brief to a 3D stand concept in minutes
An editable 3D exhibition stand concept from a written brief and the brand's website, at your exact size.
Guidance here reflects common practice. Venues, organisers and countries set their own rules: always check the exhibitor manual and work with a qualified stand builder and engineer for structures.
