Thu, September 10th, 2026

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Covington, KY

2026 Automation Solutions Conference

Days
Hours
Minutes
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Register

Event Overview

Why Attend

Discover practical strategies and emerging opportunities to grow your automation business, strengthen your sales approach, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Register

Insight

Engage with like-minded peers looking to expand their business in automation.

Expertise

Hear from industry experts who inspire, educate, and empower others.

Knowledge

Gain practical strategies to strengthen your sales approach and grow your business. 

Network

Connect with industry peers to gain insights and expand your network.

Event Speakers

Learn From the Best

Jordan Frank

EVP & Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group

Jason Effing

Chief Revenue Office at Systems in Motion

Sheldon England

Sales Process Trainer & Consultant 
The Experience

Join industry peers for this one-day conference dedicated to the future of warehouse automation!

Explore emerging business models, strengthen your consultative sales approach, exchange ideas with fellow professionals, and experience automation in action during a live facility tour. Whether you’re growing your automation business or looking to stay ahead of industry trends, this conference delivers practical strategies and valuable connections you can put to work immediately.

AGENDA

Featured Sessions

Thu, Sep 10
8:00 - 8:30 am
Registration
Registration & Breakfast
When you arrive, be sure to stop by the MHEDA registration desk to pick up your name badge. Then, grab some breakfast to kickstart your day.
Thu, Sep 10
8:30 - 9:00 am
Welcome
Welcome & Introductions
Kick off the day with a warm welcome, introductions, and an overview of what to expect as we explore the latest trends, technologies, and opportunities shaping the future of warehouse automation.
Thu, Sep 10
9:00 - 9:45 am
Presentation
The Recurring-Revenue Shift: Service & Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS)
Presented by Jordan Frank, EVP & Co-Founder, Zion Solutions
Explore how the warehouse automation industry is shifting from traditional capital purchases to recurring-revenue models through Robotics-as-a-Service (RaaS). Learn why subscription- and performance-based agreements are gaining momentum, how they reduce barriers to automation, and the long-term value they create for both end users and systems integrators.
Thu, Sep 10
9:45 - 10:00 am
Break
Morning Break
Take a moment to relax and recharge with light refreshments during the morning break.
Thu, Sep 10
10:00 - 11:30 am
Presentation
Selling Outcomes, Not Equipment: Consultative Selling for Complex Automation
Presented by Sheldon England, Sales Trainer, and Jason Effing of Systems in Motion
Explore a proven sales process for selling complex material handling automation solutions. Through practical strategies and real-world examples from experienced industry leaders, you'll gain techniques to strengthen consultative selling, build customer trust, and close more complex opportunities.
Thu, Sep 10
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch
Lunch Break
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, Sep 10
12:30 - 1:45 pm
Roundtables
Roundtable Discussions
Gain valuable insight while engaging with peers on issues impacting the industry today in interactive roundtable discussions designed to encourage idea sharing and meaningful conversation.
Thu, Sep 10
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Facility Tour
UPS Supply Chain Solutions Facility Tour
Take advantage of this unique opportunity to tour a UPS Supply Chain Solutions facility and see material handling automation operating in a live customer environment. Attendees will see Locus Origin and Locus Vector robots supporting LTL and small-parcel order fulfillment, along with an AmbiStack robotic palletizing system in action. MHEDA will provide round-trip transportation between the conference venue and the UPS facility.
Thu, Sep 10
4:00 - 5:00 pm
Reception
Networking Reception at the Hotel Covington
Join us for a relaxed happy hour reception, perfect for connecting with industry peers, meeting new contacts, and unwinding after a productive day.

Pricing

Register to Attend

Included in the registration fee is admittance to the event, all handout material, continental breakfast, networking luncheon, and refreshment breaks. Does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

Early Bird

$595

Per Person Rate Expires
August 16, 2026

Register

Member

$695

Per Person Rate After
August 16, 2026

Register

Non-Member

$1,400

Per Person Rate For
Non-Members

Register

Interested in Sponsoring?

MHEDA Members have the exclusive opportunity to sponsor this event, gaining valuable visibility and demonstrating their support for the industry while connecting with key decision-makers and influencers.

Get Started

Location

SparkHaus

Located in the heart of Northern Kentucky, SparkHaus is a modern collaborative space designed to inspire connection, innovation, and growth. With flexible meeting spaces and a vibrant atmosphere, it provides the perfect setting for this year’s conference.

Travel is easy, with Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) located just 15–20 minutes away by car.

Address

727 Madison Ave
Covington, KY 41011

LEARN MORE

Hotel Covington

MHEDA has reserved a block of rooms at Hotel Covington at the discounted rate of $189 per night. Located just a 3-minute walk from SparkHaus, the hotel offers convenient access to all conference activities. Reserve your room by August 19th using the booking link below to receive the discounted rate.

Address

638 Madison Avenue
Covington, KY 41011
(859) 905-6600

Book Your Room

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Jordan Frank

EVP and Co-Founder of Zion Solutions Group

Jordan Frank 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.

Jason Effing

Chief Revenue Office at Systems in Motion

Jason Effing serves as Chief Revenue Officer at Systems in Motion, where he helps organizations improve warehouse performance through automation, software, and systems integration solutions. With more than 30 years of experience in the material handling industry, Jason has held leadership roles spanning engineering, sales, and business development, giving him a unique perspective on solving complex customer challenges. He currently serves on the MHEDA Board of Directors and is passionate about helping organizations drive operational excellence through innovative automation solutions.

Sheldon England

Sales Process Trainer & Consultant | Objective Based Selling

Sheldon England is a sales process trainer and Objective Based Selling instructor with more than 30 years of experience in sales and marketing across multiple industries. A frequent speaker and seminar leader within the material handling industry, Sheldon has delivered sales training for leading automation organizations, including Ferag UK Ltd. and SDI Industries (now Element Logic). He is based in the United Kingdom.

John Doe

Director of Awsome, ABC Corporation

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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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