Tue, June 23rd, 2026

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Warrendale, PA

Regional Summit – East Coast

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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 Hänel Storage Systems’ operations and headquarters in action.

Network

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

EVENT SPEAKER

Learn From the Best

Cherie Shepard is a Managing Partner and Practice Leader at Direct Recruiters, Inc., where she leads the Material Handling, Packaging, Processing, Food, and Hospitality Technology practice. She partners with manufacturers, automation companies, and equipment providers across North America to build strong teams that support growth and long-term success. Known for her relationship-driven, consultative approach, Cherie brings deep industry insight from ongoing conversations with clients and candidates, focusing on workforce trends, evolving talent expectations, and improving hiring outcomes through better processes and candidate experience.

Cherie Shepard

Managing Partner,
Direct Recruiters, Inc.

Get Experience

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

This exciting one-day networking experience hosted at Hänel Storage Systems will feature engaging roundtable discussions, a dynamic Material Handling Business Trends presentation, a guided tour of Hänel Storage Systems’ headquarters, 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

Tue, Jun 23
9:00 - 9:30 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.
Tue, Jun 23
9:30 - 9:45 am
Welcome
Welcome & Introductions
Let’s begin a productive day filled with collaboration and connection as we come together to share ideas and learn from one another.
Tue, Jun 23
9:45 - 10:15 am
Presentation
Host Presentation from Hänel Storage Systems
This session will provide an overview of the innovative solutions Hänel Storage Systems offers in the industry.
Tue, Jun 23
10:15 - 11:15 am
Presentation
Closing the Skills Gap: Improving Hiring Process and Candidate Experience to Secure Future Talent
Presented by Cherie Shepard, Managing Partner, Direct Recruiters, Inc.
As more experienced employees approach retirement, many organizations are facing a widening skills gap. This presentation explores how companies can proactively address that challenge by refining their hiring process and creating a candidate experience that attracts and secures the right talent more effectively.
Tue, Jun 23
11:15 - 11:30 am
Break
Break
Take a quick 15-minute break to recharge, stretch, and connect with fellow attendees before we dive back into the next session. Refreshments will be available, so feel free to grab a snack and network!
Tue, Jun 23
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Roundtable Discussions
Material Handling Business Trends Roundtable Discussions
Explore key industry trends and take the opportunity to discuss what’s happening in your organization and the industry as a whole. The roundtable discussions offer an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from peers, and gain valuable insights to apply to your business.
Tue, Jun 23
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Lunch
Networking Lunch - Sponsored by Hänel Storage Systems
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.
Tue, Jun 23
1:30 - 1:45 pm
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.
Tue, Jun 23
1:45 - 2:45 pm
Tour
Facility Tour of Hänel Storage Systems
Enjoy a guided tour of Hänel Storage Systems' operations and headquarters in action.
Tue, Jun 23
2:45 - 4:00 pm
Reception
Networking Reception - Sponsored by Hänel Storage Systems
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 East Coast Regional Summit is hosted and sponsored by Hänel Storage Systems. Their generous support and partnership helps 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 Hänel Storage Systems, happy hour beverages and endless networking opportunities. Does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

Early Bird

$199

Per Person Rate Expires
June 8, 2026

Register

Member

$249

Per Person Rate After
June 8, 2026

Register

Non-Member

$299

Per Person Rate For
Non-Members

Register

Location

Hänel Storage Systems

This event will be hosted at Hänel Storage Systems located 40 minutes from Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).

Address

195 Thorn Hill Rd. Ste. 100
Warrendale, Pennsylvania 15086

LEARN MORE

DoubleTree by Hilton Pittsburgh Cranberry

A room block has been secured just 2.5 miles or 7 minutes from Hänel Storage Systems. The special group rate is $129 per night. Conveniently located at the intersection of I-79 and the Pennsylvania Turnpike and about 25 minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, the property offers easy access for travelers from surrounding states. Guests can enjoy an indoor/outdoor pool, sauna, fitness center, and a warm cookie at check-in. Reservations must be made by June 8 or until the block is full.

Address

910 Sheraton Drive
Mars, PA 16046

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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