Conference Overview
Join MHEDA and your industry peers on Thursday, October 24, 2024 for a one-day event to learn an easier and more resource-efficient way to start your automation journey beyond the warehousing and distribution sector.
This comprehensive program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the evolving automation landscape. Gain practical knowledge on providing exceptional support and setting realistic expectations.
Who Should Attend?
The Automation Solutions Conference is designed for organizations who want to learn more about expanding their business offerings to include automated products and services. Please note: All MHEDA Members who are interested in learning more about Automation Solutions are welcome to register and participate!
Registration Fees
$495 pp – Early Bird MHEDA Member Rate (Expires September 27)
$695 pp – Regular MHEDA Member Rate (After September 27)
$1095 pp – Non-Member Rate
Included in the registration fee is admittance to the event, all handout material, continental breakfast, networking luncheon, refreshment breaks. Also includes networking with other material handling professionals who face similar material handling business challenges. Does not include travel or hotel accommodations.
Event Takeaways
- Learn how to select the best smart automation for scalable industries to kickstart your automation journey such as palletizing systems, conveyor and advanced robotics.
- Discuss the importance of strong supplier partnerships.
- Master industry terminology.
- Review pre-visit preparation, observing operations, engaging with key personnel, documenting findings, and crafting compelling proposals.
- Identify the right talent for selling automation.
- Discuss managing finances and insurance.
- Enjoy a tour of local manufacturer Thogus and see automation demonstrations.
- Take a tour of MHEDA Member Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry.
- Endless networking with your industry peers.
Conference Location
Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry
29570 Clemens Rd.
Westlake, OH 44145
The event will take place at the offices of MHEDA Member, Conveyer & Caster – Equipment for Industry. They are a fourth-generation, family-owned, solutions provider of material handling and storage products based in Northeast Ohio. The company is driven by a simple mission to provide storage and handling solutions that improve material flow and safety for each customer. To support this Conveyer & Caster has developed expertise in almost all areas of material handling, including casters and wheels, conveyors, pallet racking, shelving, mezzanines, in-plant offices, carts, pallet jacks, hand trucks, and loading dock equipment. Conveyer & Caster also provides installation, custom fabrication, solution design and engineering, and service and repair.
Hotel Accommodations
Hyatt Place Cleveland Westlake
2020 Crocker Road
Westlake, OH 44145
MHEDA has reserved a block of rooms at the discounted rate of $230. For reservations, call (440) 871-3100 by October 2 and mention MHEDA to receive the discounted rate or make your reservations online using the link below.
Detailed Agenda
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8:00 am - 8:30 am
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8:30 am - 8:45 am
Welcome & Introductions
Presented by Conference Moderator, Jordan Frank, EVP and Co-Founder, Zion Solutions
You will have the opportunity to introduce yourself and get to know fellow conference attendees, a great way to start the day! -
8:45 am - 9:30 am
Transitioning from Static Storage Solutions to Dynamic Automation Systems + Q&A Opportunity
Presented by Darin Boik, President of Advanced Equipment Company
Join Darin Boik as he shares insights from his extensive experience in the material handling industry, focusing on transitioning from a distributor to an integrator. This presentation addresses the challenges of starting automation journeys in warehousing and distribution plants and proposes a more accessible path for companies to begin integrating automation systems.Takeaways:
- Discover easier and resource-efficient ways to start your automation journey beyond the warehousing sector.
- Learn which industries are ideal for initiating automation projects, including manufacturing, packaging, and food & consumer goods.
- Understand the importance of the right talent, partnerships, and products in becoming a successful automation integrator.
- Get practical advice on managing finances, insurance, and marketing new capabilities to build a trusted reputation in automation.
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9:30 am - 10:00 am
Table Discussions and Report Out
Your opportunity to discuss what you learned with fellow attendees, followed by a group report-out of takeaways. -
10:00 am - 10:15 am
Break
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10:15 am - 12:00 pm
Facility Tour of Thogus and Automation Demonstrations
Conference attendees will enjoy a tour of Thogus (www.thogus.com), a custom plastic injection molding company located in Avon Lake, Ohio.
You will see:- 36 Molding Machine Cells, features 3-axis and 6-axis robotic arms.
- Robotic part insertion for insert molding, robotic drilling post molding.
- 3 axis robotic part extraction delivering parts to conveyor belts.
- A full toolroom that maintains and repairs customers’ tools.
- Their ERP system (IQMS) will be on full display which manages every cycle and tracks all materials, labor, quality and finished goods.
- Conveyors!
Bonus: You will also see their other company’s Rapid Prototype & Manufacturing (www.rpplusm.com), which is a production 3D printing company.
Note: MHEDA will provide transportation to this facility tour.
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12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Lunch as a Group
Return to Conveyer & Caster for a delicious lunch while networking with fellow attendees. -
1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Manufacturer-Distributor Collaboration: Essential Elements for Automation
Presented by Stacey Stowell, Director of Channel Sales, QC Conveyors, Chris Thompson, Sr. Marketing Communications Manager, Duravant Material Handling Solutions and Charlie Wood, Regional Sales Manager, FMH Conveyors.
This session provides insights on what manufacturers are seeking in a distributor and the critical information needed for successful automation projects. Review what is essential for distributors aiming to build stronger partnerships and deliver outstanding value to manufacturers and customers alike.Takeaways:
- Learn about key factors manufacturers consider, such as reliability, technical expertise, and support capabilities.
- Discover the essential details you should provide, including project specifications, timelines, and integration requirements.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative process that ensures efficient, effective automation solutions.
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1:45 pm - 2:00 pm
Break
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2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Crafting Winning Proposals
Presented by Brad Pearson, Advanced Equipment Company
Join Brad Pearson as he delves into essential strategies for establishing credibility and crafting winning proposals in the material handling industry. With over two decades of experience, Brad shares actionable insights to help you engage clients effectively and deliver compelling solutions.Takeaways:
- Explore key terminology in the industrial automation space.
- Learn how to make a strong first impression, tell compelling stories, and use industry language to build trust and authority quickly.
- Discover the importance of thorough research and preparation before client visits to understand their needs and challenges better.
- Understand the significance of capturing accurate details through photos, measurements, and CAD files to support your proposals.
- Get practical advice on creating proposals that clearly outline benefits, ROI, and detailed solutions, ensuring they resonate with clients.
- Recognize the challenges of building a customer base, managing long sales cycles, and setting transparent expectations for clients.
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2:45 pm - 3:15 pm
Table Discussions and Report Out
Your opportunity to discuss what you learned with fellow attendees, followed by a group report-out of takeaways. -
3:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Break
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3:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Automation Demonstrations and Tour of Conveyer & Caster
Tour Conveyer & Caster’s recently updated operations/demo areas, and see examples of automation and semi-automation in-works and on display.Takeaways:
- View work and pack station safety and semi-automation/automation.
- Enjoy demos of new Hytrol 24-volt accumulation conveyor with HMI (human-machine-interface) touch panel; additional conveyor automation solutions; a vertical lift module (VLM) for high-density vertical storage and picking efficiency; storage and flow rack solutions; guarding for safety around automation equipment.
- Learn about warehouse and fulfillment efficiency and safety enhancements.
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4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Happy Hour Networking Reception
End the day with a relaxing Happy Hour, giving you more time to discuss what you learned with your fellow attendees. -
5:00 pm -
Conference Ends
Thursday, October 24
Conference Moderator and Speaker
Jordan Frank
Jordan Frank is the EVP and Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group. He is a sales executive specializing in system design. Using his experience and background, he guides senior leaders on the right mix of technology to complement any facility. He has led projects ranging in size from $1M upwards of $85M. Areas of expertise include: robotics and technology, ROI and labor modeling, software design and integration, data analytics, high speed sortation, conveyor design and system development.
Conference Speakers
Darin Boik
Darin Boik is the President of Advanced Equipment Company. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and has pursued a dynamic career encompassing engineering, technical sales, and strategic leadership. With a foundation in programming, electrical design, and project management, Darin transitioned to a technical sales role at Advanced Equipment Company (AEC). Here he played a key role in designing automated conveyor solutions encompassing packaging line integration, ASRS, sortation, and more. As President of AEC, Darin’s commitment to innovation and customer collaboration has solidified the company’s position as a solutions provider. His role on the board of directors for MHEDA further highlights his dedication to industry growth.
Brad Pearson
Brad Pearson is a territory sales engineer at Advanced Equipment Company. He holds a degree in Electrical Engineering from UNCC and has enjoyed a rewarding, 27-year career encompassing manufacturing engineering, industrial automation, consulting engineering, and technical sales. With this foundation, he transitioned to a technical sales role at Advanced Equipment Company (AEC) in 2017. Here he has played a key role in designing automated conveyor solutions encompassing packaging line integration, ASRS, sortation, and more. Often serving as the designer and presenting face of a technically complex proposal, Brad has refined his ability to communicate complex technical topics to customers with wildly varying technical skill levels. This personable and tailored customer collaboration has solidified the company’s position as a reliable solutions provider.
Stacey Stowell
Stacey Stowell is the Director of Channel Sales at QC Conveyors. She is a seasoned professional with 27 years in conveyance and industrial automation, is renowned for her impactful contributions. As a trailblazer at QC Conveyors, she established the customer service and tech support departments, elevating the overall customer experience. Stacey’s visionary leadership extended to founding the Channel Network Department, driving the company’s expansion into new markets. In her latest endeavors, she revamped the application support department’s structure and crafted a comprehensive sales plan for QC Conveyors’ RSM program. Throughout her career, whether in operational or customer-facing roles, Stacey has consistently championed the belief that operational excellence fuels a robust customer experience, resulting in sustained revenue growth.
Chris Thompson
Chris Thompson is the Sr. Marketing Communications Manager at Duravant Material Handling Solutions. He began his career in 2005 as a Graphic Designer/Marketing Coordinator at QC Conveyors and was promoted to Marketing Manager in 2012. In 2022, Chris transitioned within the Duravant family to his current role, where he contributes his expertise to the broader material handling team.
Charlie Wood
Charlie Wood has over 30 years of experience in the U.S. and Canadian Material Handling markets, after beginning his career in public health. He’s worked for industry leaders like Magline, UNEX Mfg., and Sentry Protection Products, and is now with FMH Conveyors. Born in Harbor Beach, MI, he now residing in Bay City, MI.
Conference Reviews
“You gave us information from a few different perspectives about how the projects work, and what it takes to manage those projects. It allowed me to see where our companies fit in and how we would have to organize and plan to move further into this sector.”
“The networking was excellent, content was extremely informative, and event was well-organized!”
“Gained knowledge on many topics.”
“It made me feel like we aren’t too late to the game for automation and it’s not as scary to start as I thought.”
“Great event. Keep them coming.”
“The organization of the day was done very well. The facility and the facility tour itself was invaluable to me. It allowed me to show my younger staff member that came with me something to work for as far as building, a company and taking care of your employees. We are just getting into, this field from a installation point of view, and this will help us as we work towards becoming a rack provider and continuing installations in this sector.”