Students get hands-on experience on the MODEX 2022 show floor

Students spoke and the associations behind this year’s Student Day listened. “We learned that students really want to be right on the show floor,” said JoAnna Leon, manager of WERC’s membership and chapter relations for MHI and WERC’s membership and chapter relations coordinator.

“In response to that request, we shortened the amount of ‘educational’ time spent talking to students upfront and then extended the amount of time that they spend on the show floor,” Leon added. The day’s meal schedule was also altered to allow students to drop in for lunch when they’re hungry, versus having to adhere to a specific dining time.

“They can stop in and grab a bite while they listen to the Shaquille O’Neal keynote, which everyone is going to want to attend,” said Leon. After the keynote, O’Neal will spend some time with students, who will get their own private one-on-one time with this basketball legend and successful business leader.

Presented by MHI, the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA), and the Material Handling Education Foundation (MHEFI), Student Day will take place at Modex 2022 on Wednesday, March 30 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

This interactive event for college, university, trade, technical, specialty and high school students connects them with the best in the industry through real-world discussions with industry experts, a guided tour of the show floor and networking with professionals who can support their career growth.

Over the last few months, MHI has also been collecting information from exhibitors that are hiring, with a specific focus on submitting resumes for those positions. “Students will basically have a directory to refer to,” said Leon, “filled with companies that accept resumes from students and the best ways to submit those documents.”

Students 16 years and older may attend Student Day (due to insurance requirements, there is a student age minimum). A faculty member is required to attend with students under the age of 18. Students are required to dress and act professionally.

MHI awarded a limited number of schools with travel grants or school stipends to help offset the cost of travel to the show. Funds were awarded on a first-come, first-served basis for schools that met the requirements.