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…

All throughout industry, companies are using innovative technologies to transform successful planning within the supply chain. And nobody is more knowledgeable in the development and the cutting-edge solutions than Zheng Sui, PhD, the Vice President of Product Management and Head of Research at e2open, who pioneers advanced technologies for next-generation supply chain planning solutions. Listen in as host Scott Luton welcomes Dr. Sui to the show as they delve into the importance of data in supply chain planning, the impact of AI, and e2open’s vision for the future of planning solutions, emphasizing connected planning. Listen along as Scott and Dr. Sui also discuss: Insights into AI algorithms and scenario planning The evolving role of ESG considerations in supply chain management Predictions for 2024, highlighting the need for flexible strategies and increased integration of AI