As warehouse operations evolve to support higher throughput, automation, and more complex storage strategies, rack safety and system design have become even more important. To address both sides of that equation, the Rack Manufacturers Institute (RMI) will present two free, on-floor educational seminars during MODEX 2026. The show runs April 13-16, 2026, at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.
The first RMI education session explores how racking systems must adapt for automated environments. The second reinforces essential safety practices. Together, the presentations reflect RMI’s ongoing commitment to education, standards, and practical guidance for warehouse operators, engineers, integrators, and suppliers.
Open to all MODEX 2026 participants as part of their free registration, the sessions are in Knowledge Center Theaters located throughout the exhibit halls. RMI members present each topic, discussing the latest developments and trends. Attendees are encouraged to bring questions.
Pallet Racking Systems & Design for an Automated Future
RMI’s first seminar, “Pallet Racking Systems & Design for an Automated Future,” examines the increasing role automation plays in storage environments and what that means for rack design. Scheduled Monday, April 13 from noon – 12:45 p.m. Eastern time, the session is in Theater C on the right-hand side of Hall C.
The seminar will feature insights from:
- Rob Kafka, Automation Account Executive, Interlake Mecalux
- Tommy Sinclair, CEO of Engineered Products
- Dan Middendorf, Sales Support Manager at Nedcon
The speakers will examine specific design requirements for storage rack systems intended to support automation technologies, such as automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), automated forklifts, and robotic handling systems. The focus will be on real-world design considerations rather than theoretical automation concepts.
The seminar will explore how factors like load consistency, tolerances, rack stiffness, anchoring, and long-term durability influence automated system performance. It will also address why early collaboration between rack manufacturers, automation providers, and engineers is essential when designing systems intended for automated operation.
Importantly, the session reinforces that automation does not eliminate the need for good rack design fundamentals. Instead, it raises the stakes. Automated systems depend on predictable rack behavior, precise geometry, and adherence to applicable RMI ANSI standards to operate safely and reliably.
Storage Rack Safety 101: Building a Proactive Safety Culture
The second session, “Storage Rack Safety 101,” will present a comprehensive overview of how rack damage occurs, what to inspect, and how to reduce risk through proactive maintenance and awareness. Held on Tuesday, April 14 from 10:30 – 11:15 a.m. Eastern time, the presentation is in the MHI Industry Groups Theater on the right-hand side of Hall B.
The session’s presenters are:
- Brian Boals, Sales Manager for National Accounts at Ridg-U-Rak
- Marc Rousseau, Vice President of National Accounts and Strategic Partnerships at Damotech
Boals and Rousseau will walk attendees through common rack damage scenarios. These include column impacts, frame bracing damage, anchor failures, disengaged connections, and decking issues. All of these conditions—often caused by forklifts—can quietly compromise structural integrity if left unaddressed.
The presentation will further highlight how safety accessories play a critical role in protecting rack systems and minimizing costly downtime, product loss, and injury risk. Examples such as column protectors, row-end guards, connection locks, pallet supports, and decking will be discussed. Additionally, the pair will explain how proper decking selection supports fire protection performance under NFPA 13 and FM Global guidance.
A key focus of the session is rack inspection as part of a proactive warehouse safety plan. Attendees will learn about different inspection types, including installation inspections, system inspections, reconfiguration inspections, and repair inspections. The seminar outlines key factors in determining inspection frequencies. These include traffic levels, aisle conditions, and operating environments, and risk factors.
The session will also connect inspection practices back to building code and ANSI requirements. It will explore the importance of documentation, load application and rack configuration (LARC) drawings, and proper use of load capacity plaques.
Recordings of Education Sessions Available After MODEX
Can’t participate in RMI’s MODEX sessions? Both presentations and their accompanying audio recordings will be available online after the show concludes. Registration for the entire event—including all education seminars—is free.
Learn More About Rack Safety and Automation Integration
Both MODEX 2026 seminars tie directly back to RMI’s broader mission to promote the safe and effective use of industrial steel storage racks. RMI publishes and maintains ANSI standards for industrial storage rack, cantilever rack, and rack decking, and supports industry education through technical resources, guidance documents, and certification programs such as R-Mark. Learn more about these sessions and explore additional rack safety resources at mhi.org/rmi.
