Some 318 exhibitors attended the first ProMat 2011 exhibit spacedraw, reserving 180,000 net sq ft of floor space for the event. This, MHIA said, was the second largest first day exhibit spacedraw for any ProMat event, and represents nearly two thirds of the predicted final floor plan.

“While some continue to struggle, others are beginning to sense positive economic change, and this successful spacedraw bodes very well for both ProMat 2011 and our industry,” said Hal Vandiver, MHIA executive vice president.

“It gives everyone something very positive to point to as an indicator of good things to come.”

ProMat 2011 is to be held at Chicago’s McCormick Place on 21-24 March, 2011. It will be collocated with the International Robots, Vision and Motion Control Show.