They may be on the sidelines right now watching their peers scramble to adopt RFID technology, but most manufacturers know they'll be pulled into the action before long. Recognizing that interest in RFID tags will hit an all-time high in January 2005—as the early adopters begin shipping RFID-compliant cases and pallets to Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense—the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA) has announced that it will devote 25,000 square feet of space near the center of ProMat 2005's show floor to RFID. Attendees at MHIA's semi-annual conference and trade show in Chicago will be able to drop by the special exhibit anytime during the show's run from Jan. 10 to 13.

The ProMat RFID presentation area will showcase state-of-the-art RFID applications, provide space for demonstrations and host discussions of implementation considerations. The area will include a theater pavilion for RFID multi-media presentations and display space immediately adjacent to the theater for the program's sponsors and partners.