Thu, August 6th, 2026

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Columbus, IN

Regional Summit – Midwest

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Hours
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Event Overview

Why Attend

Whether you’re looking to learn, share, or connect, this event offers something for everyone in the material handling community.

Register

Insight

Engaging roundtable discussions with industry leaders and peers.

Expertise

Insightful presentation on a MHEDA business trend to spark learning and innovation.

Knowledge

Guided tour of Toyota Material Handling Customer Center and operations in action.

Network

Opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow industry leaders.

EVENT SPEAKER

Learn From the Best

Brenda Bailey Hughes is a communication and team performance expert, educator, and executive coach. A faculty partner with the Kelley School of Business Executive Education Program at Indiana University, she has spent more than 25 years teaching and coaching business leaders around the world. A sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, and LinkedIn Learning instructor with more than 8 million learners, Brenda helps organizations strengthen empathy, communication, and leadership skills in today’s evolving workplace.

Brenda Bailey Hughes

Faculty Partner, Kelley School
of Business Executive Education

Get Experience

Join Us to Make Valuable Connections at MHEDA's Midwest Regional Summit

This exciting one-day networking experience hosted at Toyota Material Handling will feature engaging roundtable discussions, a dynamic Material Handling Business Trends presentation, a guided tour of Toyota Material Handling’s facility, and numerous opportunities for networking and learning. Don’t miss out on the chance to connect with peers, gain industry insights, and explore new business opportunities.

AGENDA

Event Sessions

Thu, Aug 6
8:30 - 9:00 am
Registration
Registration & Networking
When you arrive, be sure to stop by the MHEDA registration desk to pick up your name badge. Then, grab a cup of coffee and enjoy some morning refreshments to kickstart your day.
Thu, Aug 6
9:00 - 9:15 am
Welcome
Welcome & Introductions
Lauren Reed, CEO of MHEDA, and Brett Wood, President & CEO of Toyota Material Handling, will welcome attendees and set the tone for a day of collaboration, learning, and industry connection. This opening session will highlight the value of sharing ideas, building relationships, and gaining insights from one another.
Thu, Aug 6
9:15 - 10:15 am
Presentation
The Steady Leader: Building Trust & Clarity When the Path is Uncertain
Brenda Bailey Hughes, faculty partner with the Indiana University Kelley School of Business Executive Education Program, will share practical strategies for leading through change and uncertainty. Attendees will learn how to build trust, communicate with clarity, and keep teams engaged so they can move forward with confidence.
Thu, Aug 6
10:15 - 10:45 am
Presentation
Character Before Title
In this session, Brett Wood, President & CEO of Toyota Material Handling North America, will share what characteristics Toyota looks for in great leaders and some simple career advice that is rooted in Respect, Humility and Continuous Improvement.
Thu, Aug 6
10:45 - 11:00 am
Presentation
Maximize Your MHEDA Membership
This brief session explores MHEDA's 2026 Programs and Services. Discover the exciting new offerings designed to support your business and professional growth in the coming years.
Thu, Aug 6
11:00 - 11:45 am
Lunch
Networking Lunch
Take a well-earned lunch break to relax and engage with fellow attendees. Use this time to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy a casual atmosphere before the rest of the day continues.
Thu, Aug 6
11:45 am - 3:15 pm
Tour & Roundtables
Facility Tour & Business Trends Roundtable Discussions
Gain valuable insights into Toyota's world-class operations while engaging with peers on the issues impacting the industry today. Attendees will rotate through three experiences in assigned groups: a Toyota Plant Tour, a Parts Distribution Center Tour, and interactive Business Trends Roundtable Discussions designed to encourage idea sharing and meaningful conversation. Please allow approximately 10 minutes between each session for travel and transitions.
Thu, Aug 6
3:15 - 3:30 pm
Closing
Closing Remarks & Wrap-Up
MHEDA CEO Lauren Reed will close the program by reflecting on the day's leadership discussions, facility tours, and roundtable conversations. Attendees will leave with key insights and practical takeaways to help them lead with greater confidence and impact.
Thu, Aug 6
3:30 - 4:30 pm
Reception
Networking Reception
Join us for a relaxed happy hour reception, perfect for connecting with industry peers, meeting new contacts, and unwinding after a productive day.

What People Are Saying

“The roundtables helped provide insight to what other companies within the industry are seeing. It was beneficial to be a part of.”
"This was my first regional event and I found the intimacy of a small group for networking to be very valuable!"
"Great networking, friendly people, very well-run event!"
"Our keynote was excellent and so was the networking."

Event Sponsors

The Midwest Regional Summit is hosted and sponsored by Toyota Material Handling. Their generous support and partnership help make this gathering of industry professionals possible.

Pricing

Register to Attend

Included in the registration fee is admittance to the event, welcome refreshments, catered lunch, tour of Toyota Material Handling, happy hour beverages and endless networking opportunities. Does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

Early Bird

$199

Per Person Rate Expires
July 21, 2026

Register

Member

$249

Per Person Rate After
July 21, 2026

Register

Non-Member

$299

Per Person Rate For
Non-Members

Register

Location

Toyota Material Handling Inc.

This event will be hosted at Toyota Material Handling located 55 minutes from Indianapolis International Airport (IND).

Address

5559 Inwood Dr.
Columbus, Indiana 47201

LEARN MORE

Residence Inn by Marriott Columbus

MHEDA’s group room block is now sold out. The hotel has limited availability, and attendees are welcome to make reservations at their best available rate.

Located just 5 miles (approximately 10 minutes) from the Toyota Material Handling facility, this all-suite property offers spacious accommodations, complimentary breakfast, and convenient amenities to make your stay comfortable during the event.

Address

4525 West State Road 46
Columbus, IN 47201
BOOK YOUR ROOM

Membership Application

To complete the application, you will need to first login or create a MHEDA account. Click below to get started with your account and application.
Apply Now
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Gene Marks

CPA, National Business Columnist, Author & Speaker

Gene Marks is a past columnist for both The New York Times and The Washington Post. Gene now writes regularly for The Hill, The Philadelphia Inquirer, Forbes, Entrepreneur, The Washington Times, and The Guardian. Gene is a best-selling author and has written 5 books on business management. Gene appears on Fox Business, MSNBC, as well as CBS Eye on the World with John Batchelor and SiriusXM’s Wharton Business Channel where he talks about the financial, economic and technology issues that affect business leaders today. Gene helps business owners, executives and managers understand the political, economic and technological trends that will affect their companies and provides actionable insights.

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