MHEDA Annual Conference Scheduled for April

The Materials Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) will hold its 56th Annual Convention from April 30 to May 4 at the J.W. Marriott Desert Ridge in Phoenix, Ariz. The convention provides material-handling equipment professionals the opportunity to spend four days learning, networking, and discovering resources for their company. This year's theme is "The Customer Convention."

Convention highlights include 10 presentations, two panel discussions, three-hour exhibitor's showcase, networking roundtable session facilitated by industry leaders, organized tours of local attractions, and more.

The presentations will address critical issues affecting the material-handling community, including the economy, customer service, online information, sales compensation plans, online marketing, engaging employees, online marketing, sales management, and tax laws.

New in 2011 are two panel presentations: The Customer Panel and The Industry Panel. The Customer Panel will feature three material-handling customers who will share their perspective on service. The Industry Panel will feature four material-handling executives who will address emerging trends and views on the future of the industry.

Also new in 2011 is the collocation of MHEDA's Convention with the IUV Technology Summit, presented by Industrial Utility Vehicle & Mobile Equipment magazine. The summit will take place May 3 to 4 at the same resort. MHEDA and IUV attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face and network during the meeting and exhibitors showcase.

Other features of the event include the exhibitor's showcase, which is a tabletop tradeshow that features more than 90 companies that provide goods and services. The networking roundtable will provide convention attendees the opportunity to discuss a variety of issues. Organized local tours will include a Segway tour of the hotel grounds, Musical Instrument Museum tour, Taliesin West tour, and a golf tournament at the Wildfire Golf Club.

Convention registration for MHEDA members is $995 before Feb. 1 and $1,195 after that date. Non-member registration is $1,695.