Classroom Day: College students supplement classroom time at Modex 2012

Tomorrow at the show, students of engineering, technology, manufacturing, operations, supply chain and logistics will experience first-hand the latest technologies and solutions as they tour the Modex show floor as part of the Material Handling Logistics Classroom Day. Accompanied by professors, the students are from four-year higher education programs.

The program is in its ninth year, explained Carmen Murphy, Classroom Day coordinator for the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA). The event is put together by MHIA’s College Industry Council on Material Handling Education (CICMHE) in conjunction with the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA).

“The opportunity to spend time at the show offers students a better understanding of the latest industry developments by giving them a chance to see the variety of solutions that support the flow of materials throughout the supply chain for manufacturing and distribution operations, all in one place,” said Murphy.

Classroom Day is so important to MHIA’s Board of Governors, added Murphy, they set aside $15,000 in grants to be awarded among attending schools on a first-come/first-served basis to help defray travel and lodging costs. “Because of these grants, more than 175 students are expected to participate,” she said. CICMHE contributes an additional $5,000 toward the grants.

The day will kick off at 9:30 a.m. with breakfast in rooms C208-210 on the second level of the Georgia World Conference Center Building C. Students and faculty receive “Academic VIP” ribbons to affix to their badges.

From 10 to 10:30 a.m., a brief presentation will provide an overview of how materials handling and logistics solutions make goods flow, how solutions are developed, current and future trends, people and jobs in the industry. Students also receive educational materials from CICMHE, MHIA and MHEDA, as well as information detailing a new student competition to be held during the day.

“Intended to be a mini-design competition, teams of students will be given a problem before heading out on their tours of the show floor from 10:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. to see the latest materials handling and logistics technologies,” explained Murphy. “While on the floor, they will look for solutions to the problem. When they return for lunch, each team will write up a brief solution based upon the knowledge they gleaned while on their tour. The most creative solution will win a prize.”

To help students with their competitive assignment, industry experts at selected show booths will be on hand to discuss the materials handling industry, solutions, technologies and careers.

In addition to finalizing their competitive entries, Classroom Day participants will learn more from young professionals and other industry groups about career opportunities and financial aid.

Schools Participating in Classroom Day
Alabama A&M University
Arizona State
Cal Poly-SLO
Clemson University
Georgia Southern
Georgia St. University
Georgia Tech
Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Montana State
North Carolina A&T State University
Oklahoma State
Rotterdam School of Management, Erasmus University
Tennessee Tech
Texas State University - San Marcos
Texas Tech
University of California-Berkeley
University of Arkansas
University of Louisville
University of Missouri
University of Oklahoma
University of Southern Mississippi
Virginia Tech

Modex 2012 is scheduled to be held February 6-9, 2012 in Atlanta’s Georgia World Congress Center. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the material handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete Modex 2012 coverage.