All Things MODEX

By Robert C. Kennedy

MODEX. Mentions of the conference were all over social media for the past few weeks.  Post-show debriefs are making their rounds now, including Pete Grett’s article on choosing robots in this month’s newsletter. 

This is not surprising: MODEX (and next year, PROMAT) are amazing experiences. Where else can you and 50,000 of your friends go to interact with 1200 exhibitors in the same building over the course of four days? Everything you might want to see is there, from the aforementioned robots to software and automation systems. There are consultants of every specialty available for a chat. Even if you aren’t in the market for anything, the educational experience is unsurpassed – and it’s free!

But even more than seeing the wares of the industry, it’s a chance to network and meet like-minded souls dealing with the same challenges.

“You should talk to…”  

“Did you see …” 

“What do you know about…” 

These are pieces of conversations you will hear at any resting spot, restaurant, or bar where two or more people wearing the MODEX lanyards are gathered. New contacts are made that may span the coming decades. Old contacts are re-engaged with reminiscences of long-ago stories of triumph (and failure). These are good feelings.  

I was chatting with one such old friend who lamented the lack of young attendees. I’m not sure I agreed with him; I thought I saw plenty of fresh talent. But whether or not he was right, I encourage any manager or organization to invest in your younger team by sending them to Atlanta or Chicago each year. The education they will receive is priceless. I promise they will come away impressed with their chosen field, and maybe even a bit more enthusiastic about themselves and their job. I have certainly seen it.  

On a more personal note, I ran into Bob Trebilcock walking the aisles of Building C. I met Bob in the 90s. After some 30-40 years in the industry, Bob is retiring. If the name seems familiar, it’s because you have undoubtedly read some of his articles or seen some of his podcasts or saw him in person leading a panel. I have a phrase I use that people close to me will recognize: “He’s the nicest guy in the world.” That label applies to too few people. There are some people you just can’t say anything bad about. When you meet up with such a person, you come away feeling better about the world. Bob is one such person. 

Thank you, Bob, for your massive contributions to the supply chain world. Enjoy whatever comes next for you.