MODEX is one of the most valuable events of the year for warehouse, supply chain, and operations leaders—but only if you plan it right.
With thousands of exhibitors, hundreds of educational sessions, and nonstop networking opportunities, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed once you’re on the show floor.
Sponsored by the RMI (Rack Manufacturers Institute), MODEX supply chain tradeshow brings together manufacturing, supply chain, and transportation professionals for four keynote presentations, nearly 200 educational sessions, and solutions from more than 1,000 leading providers.
To help you get real value from your time at MODEX 2026, here are five practical tips to plan smarter, focus on what matters most, and leave with insights you can actually apply in your warehouse or distribution operation.
Image credit: MODEX 2026
1. Set clear objectives and plan your MODEX schedule wisely
Admission to MODEX exhibitions and on-floor seminars is free, meaning your biggest investment is your time. Start by defining what you want to accomplish.
At MODEX, you can:
- Visit exhibitor booths to explore new products and services
- Attend on-floor seminars and keynotes
- Network with peers and industry experts
Nearly 92% of MODEX attendees say they attend to discover the latest industry developments. Whether your focus is automation, safety, compliance, or operational efficiency, planning your schedule ahead of time will help you prioritize what matters most.
Be sure to review the exhibitor list and education agenda in advance so you can balance learning, discovery, and networking without feeling rushed.
2. Expand your skill set with MODEX on-floor seminars
MODEX features nearly 200 educational sessions and four keynote presentations, offering insights across the supply chain landscape. If warehouse safety, compliance, and rack integrity are on your radar, the following sessions are worth adding to your agenda.
Damotech presents Warehouse Safety Mistakes: Lessons From 35 Years of Pallet Rack Inspections
After 35 years of inspecting pallet racks across North America, one thing is clear: most warehouses don’t intend to be unsafe, but many become that way over time. Under daily pressure to keep operations moving, temporary fixes and workarounds often turn into permanent solutions. These decisions may seem harmless at first, but they can quietly undermine compliance and put workers at risk.
In this session, Charles Carbonneau, Chief Engineer at Damotech, shares real-world lessons from decades of inspections, illustrating how small choices can lead to significant consequences and how to prevent them.
Dates & Times
- Wednesday, April 15 | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | Theater I
- Thursday, April 16 | 10:15 AM – 11 AM | Theater G
You’ll learn
- Why common shortcuts create hidden safety risks
- The most frequent mistakes that make warehouses unsafe by accident
- How to spot early warning signs of unsafe modifications
- Practical ways to replace workarounds with compliant solutions
- How to prevent small risks from compounding over time
Damotech presents Never Fear Another OSHA Visit: 5 Must-Dos to Make Your Warehouse Safer
In a typical 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse, more than 10% of rack issues are considered high priority, and some may require immediate unloading due to the risk of collapse.
In this session, Marc Rousseau, rack safety expert at Damotech, breaks down the five actions that have the biggest impact on warehouse safety. You’ll learn how everyday practices can quietly increase risk and how a proactive, structured approach can reduce incidents, downtime, and unnecessary costs.
Date & Time
- Tuesday, April 14 | 2:30 PM – 3:15 PM | Theater A
This seminar will help you:
- Focus on the five actions that matter most for rack safety
- Identify hidden risks before they escalate
- Use planning and technology to simplify compliance
- Understand how safety shortcuts increase long-term costs
- Build a safety culture that protects people and assets
RMI of MHI presents Pallet Rack Safety 101
Every warehouse operator is responsible for employee safety—but what does that responsibility really involve?
This session covers the fundamentals of a safety-focused warehouse, including pallet rack design for life safety, engineering documentation, best practices for inspections, load capacity signage, and rack maintenance programs.
Date & Time
- Tuesday, April 14 | 10:30 AM – 11:15 AM | MHI Industry Group Theater
Topics include:
- Resources for rack designers and warehouse operators
- Recommended inspection frequency and methods
- Rack safety accessories and protective solutions
- How to assess rack damage
- When to repair versus replace racking
3. Discover useful products and services from MODEX exhibitors
With more than 1,100 exhibitors and a show floor exceeding 100,000 sq. ft., MODEX 2026 is an ideal venue for exploring solutions and speaking directly with industry experts.
Use MODEX’s online tools to:
- Filter exhibitors by product category, industry, or business interest
- Build a personalized agenda
- Navigate the show floor efficiently
Visit Damotech at MODEX — Booth B15146, Building ABC
Stop by the Damotech booth to connect with rack safety experts and receive complimentary tools designed to help you manage rack safety more effectively.
With more than 35 years of expertise, Damotech supports warehouses of all sizes with:
- Engineered rack repair solutions
- Rack protection products
- Professional engineering services
- Rack inspection and maintenance software
Damotech is trusted by more than half of the Fortune 500 for rack safety expertise across North America.
4. Build meaningful connections at MODEX
MODEX attracts thousands of professionals from around the world, making it a prime opportunity to build relationships and exchange ideas.
Students from high school, trade school, college, or university can sign up for Student Day on April 15 from 8 AM to 4 PM. The day includes a guided tour of the MODEX show floor, led by industry experts, and opportunities to connect with companies looking to hire. It’s a great way to see firsthand how supply chain products, services, and technologies are used in the real world.
In addition to informal networking on the show floor, MODEX offers several dedicated events:
Women in Supply Chain Forum: Navigating Career Paths in Supply Chain
Tuesday, April 14 | 8 AM – 11 AM
An interactive workshop featuring industry leaders, practical career strategies, and meaningful networking opportunities.
MHI Keynote: Richard McPhail, CFO, The Home Depot
Monday, April 13 | 9 AM
An engaging discussion on leadership, strategy, and operational excellence, with insights on trends such as nearshoring and digitization from the front lines of the supply chain.
MHI Industry Night with Jim Gaffigan
Wednesday, April 15 | 4:30 PM – 7 PM
An evening of food, drinks, and entertainment with five-time Grammy-nominated comedian Jim Gaffigan.
5. Pace yourself—and enjoy the experience
MODEX is designed for professionals like you. Wear comfortable shoes, get enough rest, and give yourself time to absorb what you learn.
You’ll meet people who can help improve safety, optimize operations, and support long-term success in your warehouse.
Register today—admission to exhibitions and seminars is free.
And don’t forget to visit Damotech at Booth B15146. Our team looks forward to answering your questions and helping you make MODEX 2026 truly worthwhile.
Final thoughts: Make MODEX 2026 count
MODEX 2026 is more than a tradeshow—it’s an opportunity to bring back ideas, insights, and connections that can make a real difference in your warehouse or distribution operation.
By planning ahead, choosing sessions that matter, and taking the time to connect with the right people and vendors, you’ll get far more value from your time on the show floor.
If warehouse safety, compliance, and operational efficiency are priorities for your organization, be sure to stop by Damotech’s booth (B15146). Our team of rack safety experts will be happy to answer your questions and help you identify practical next steps for your facility.
Frequently Asked Questions About MODEX 2026
Is MODEX 2026 free to attend?
Who should attend MODEX?
What types of educational sessions are offered at MODEX?
How can I plan my time at MODEX more effectively?
Are there sessions focused on warehouse safety and rack compliance?
How many exhibitors attend MODEX?
Where can I find Damotech at MODEX 2026?
Is MODEX worth attending if I manage only one warehouse?
