MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
The material handling and supply chain industries are evolving rapidly, driven by automation, data, sustainability and global challenges. Yet one of the most pressing concerns isn’t just technological—it’s human. A significant workforce gap threatens the industry’s growth, fueled by a lack of student exposure to the field and a limited understanding of what supply chain careers look like today. That’s where Student Day at ProMat 2025 stepped in.
Led by MHI in partnership with CICMHE, WERC, MHEDA and MHEFI, Student Day was designed as more than just a recruitment event. It was a strategic workforce development initiative aimed at bridging the divide between classrooms and careers, offering students and educators a front‑row seat to the future of supply chain innovation.
A One‑Day Experience, A Lasting Impact
Held on the bustling show floor of ProMat 2025 in Chicago, Student Day welcomed more than 520 participants, including 383 students and 35 educators from across the U.S. and beyond. The program was intentionally designed to ensure access and inclusion, with travel stipends and hotel accommodations provided to students.
The day featured a compelling keynote from Destin Sandlin, science communicator and host of Smarter Every Day, followed by student‑led panels, hands‑on booth experiences and guided tours through the latest supply chain technologies. To help students with job readiness, complimentary professional headshots were offered on‑site, free of charge.
Student Day wasn’t just about exploring—it was about connecting. Students met industry professionals, toured cutting‑edge booths and found mentors who offered insights and encouragement.
Experiences and Connections That Speak Volumes
The outcomes from Student Day went well beyond attendance numbers:
- Career Clarity: Students left with a clearer sense of how they could contribute to—and thrive in—the supply chain world. As one participant, Alexis M. from the University of Arkansas, put it: “I finally saw where I fit in the supply chain world. I even found mentors.“
- Educator Impact: The 35 educators who participated represented schools that collectively reach over 23,600 students, meaning the ripple effect of the event will echo far beyond those who attended.
- Employer Engagement: With 65 booth hosts and 45 volunteer tour guides, companies saw firsthand the energy, curiosity and potential of future talent. James R., an HR director from a participating company, shared, “Hosting students was inspiring. Their curiosity gave us real hope for the future.“
- Equity in Action: The program intentionally focused on inclusion, welcoming high schoolers, first‑generation college students and participants from schools with limited access to industry experiences. By removing financial and logistical barriers, Student Day became a gateway to careers many students had never before considered.
The Power of Collaboration
One of the key strengths of Student Day lies in its collaborative model. MHI joined forces with academic, nonprofit and industry partners to create an experience that was both high‑quality and scalable. Associations contributed resources, companies volunteered time and expertise, and educators brought their students and a spirit of curiosity.