MODEX 2026: Your Guide to Atlanta—and How to Make Every Minute on the Show Floor Count

Every two years, the material handling industry converges at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta at the Georgia World Congress Center. Atlanta has been the home of Modex since 2012, and 2024 was the largest Modex ever.

Whether you’re coming to explore the latest in automation, evaluate storage systems, or connect with partners, a little planning can turn your trip into both a productive business experience and a memorable visit to one of the Southeast’s most dynamic cities.

Here’s how to make the most of your time—both inside and outside the show.

What to Do in Atlanta During MODEX

Walkable Attractions Near the Show

The location of Modex—at the Georgia World Congress Center—sits in downtown Atlanta, surrounded by some of the city’s top attractions—all within walking distance.

• Georgia Aquarium – One of the largest aquariums in the world—ideal for client outings or a unique evening break. A must see if you’ve never been.
• World of Coca-Cola – A quick, interactive experience that’s uniquely Atlanta.
• Mercedes-Benz Stadium – There’s no event happening during the show, but the architecture alone is worth seeing—and its right next door.
• SkyView Atlanta – 20-story Ferris wheel in Centennial Park providing scenic views from climate-controlled gondolas.
• College Football Hall-of-Fame – Sleek modern museum offers exhibits on famous college football players & an indoor field for events.

Where to Eat & Entertain Clients near the Hall

Atlanta’s food scene is diverse, energetic, and constantly evolving. Fortunately, many standout options are just steps from the show. Popular spots within walking distance of the convention center include:

• Max’s Coal Oven Pizzeria – A reliable choice for casual dinners and group-friendly meals
• Der Biergarten – Great for relaxed networking with a lively atmosphere
• Ted’s Montana Grill – Old West-style steakhouse chain known for its burgers & chops made from bison.
• STATS Brewpub – Huge sports bar with high-def TVs, built-in beer taps at the tables & pub grub
• Atlanta Breakfast Club – A must-visit for starting your day right

10 Great Dinner Spots (10–15 Minute Uber from MODEX)

While there are solid walkable options around the Georgia World Congress Center, many of Atlanta’s best dining experiences are just a short rideshare away. A quick 10–15 minute Uber opens up access to some of the city’s top restaurants—ideal for client dinners, team outings, or unwinding after a long day on the show floor.

Here are 10 standout options worth the short trip:

Elevated Client Dinner Experiences

• Bacchanalia – One of Atlanta’s most acclaimed fine dining restaurants, known for seasonal tasting menus and an exceptional wine program. Ideal for high-value client dinners.
• Marcel – A modern steakhouse with a high-end feel—perfect for traditional business dinners with a polished atmosphere.
• The Optimist – A nationally recognized seafood restaurant with a coastal vibe and standout oyster selection—great for memorable group dinners.

Trendy & Modern Atlanta Dining

• The Consulate – A unique, globally inspired concept with a rotating country theme—great for a more experiential client outing.
• Poor Calvin’s – A favorite blending Asian and Southern flavors, consistently recommended for both food quality and atmosphere.
• Gypsy Kitchen – Mediterranean small plates in a lively setting—ideal for sharing and networking-style dinners.

Classic Atlanta & Southern Favorites

• Paschal’s – A historic Atlanta institution serving classic Southern cuisine—perfect if you want an authentic “taste of Atlanta.”
• South City Kitchen Midtown – Elevated Southern fare (think shrimp & grits and fried chicken) in a refined but approachable setting.

Relaxed Group & Team Dinners

• Fox Bros. Bar-B-Q – One of the city’s most popular BBQ spots—casual, energetic, and great for larger groups.
• West Egg Café – A West Midtown staple known for comfort food and a laid-back vibe—perfect for informal team dinners.

Pro Tip: Make Dinner Part of Your MODEX Strategy

The show doesn’t have to end when the exhibit hall closes each day. The right dinner setting can turn a quick conversation into a lasting business relationship. When planning your show schedule, consider:

• Booking reservations in advance (MODEX week fills up fast)
• Choosing restaurants that match your meeting goals (formal vs. relaxed)
• Using dinner as a continuation of your show-floor conversations

Adding a few intentional off-site dinners to your MODEX plan ensures you’re not just attending the show—you’re maximizing every opportunity it creates.

How to Get the Most Out of MODEX

1. Go in With a Plan (Not Just a Badge)

MODEX is massive. Without a strategy, it’s easy to spend hours wandering. Before you arrive in Atlanta:

• Identify must-see exhibitors
• Schedule meetings in advance
• Prioritize technologies relevant to your operation (automation, ASRS, racking, etc.)

Treat the show like a series of targeted appointments—not a casual walk-through.

2. Focus on Solutions, Not Just Technology

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest robotics or software demos. But the real value comes from understanding how solutions integrate into your operation. Ask:

• How does this scale with my growth?
• What infrastructure (like racking) is required?
• How flexible is the system over time?

For example, automation decisions often depend heavily on storage system design—something Steel King helps customers evaluate every day.

3. Leave Time for Education Sessions

MODEX offers a wide range of seminars and educational tracks that help you evaluate what you see on the floor—and often highlight trends that will shape your next capital investment or career.

Steel King is part of two educational sessions at Modex:

• Modex Women in Supply Chain 2026 (link), Tuesday, 8:00 – 11:00 AM, Georgia Ballroom
  Steel King Chairwoman Stacy Atherton is part of this dynamic and inspiring workshop designed exclusively for women in the supply chain industry. In just two hours, you’ll gain fresh perspectives from accomplished leaders, explore diverse career paths, and uncover practical strategies to accelerate your own professional journey.

• Rethinking Racking: Exploring alternatives to traditional selective racking to optimize warehouse operations (link), Wednesday, 2:30 – 3:15 PM, Supply Chain Resiliency Theater
  In this session, Steel King’s Craig Heil and Ryan Wachsmuth will discuss various storage options to consider for new warehouses or as an alternative to traditional racking that can create space out of your existing footprint and offer key advantages like denser storage, improved efficiencies, safer operations and lower costs.

4. Network With Purpose

Some of the most valuable conversations don’t happen in booths—they happen:

• At dinners
• During coffee breaks
• Walking between halls

Set goals for:

• New partner connections
• Peer benchmarking
• Follow-up meetings post-show

5. Document What You Learn

After a full day at MODEX, everything can start to blur together.

Simple tactics:

• Take photos of the booths and products you saw that you liked
• Record quick voice notes
• Capture key vendor differentiators

This makes post-show evaluation far more effective—and helps justify decisions internally.

Make Atlanta and Modex Work for You

MODEX isn’t just a trade show—it’s an opportunity to step back, evaluate your operation, and connect with the future of material handling.

By combining a clear show strategy with time to experience Atlanta’s top attractions, dining, and networking opportunities, you’ll return not just with ideas—but with actionable insights.

And if pallet racking, storage optimization, or safety are a part of your plan, be sure to connect with Steel King on the show floor in booth B15127. We’re here to help you build smarter, stronger, and more scalable storage solutions.