Riding the Waves of Change: How an Innovation Keynote Speaker Helped MHEDA Embrace the Future
In the speaking world, some partnerships are fleeting, while others become lifelong relationships. This sentiment rings especially true for my journey with MHEDA (Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association), an organization that has become a cherished part of my professional story.
I had the distinct honor of returning to MHEDA to deliver my keynote, “Riding the Waves of Change,” during their remarkable 70th-anniversary celebration. As an innovation keynote speaker, this milestone event represented more than just a speaking engagement—it was a testament to MHEDA’s unwavering commitment to embracing change and driving progress in the material handling industry.
Key Takeaways
- Innovation begins with communication and mindset—not just technology.
- MHEDA models what it means to lead change intentionally, at every level.
- As an innovation keynote speaker, Sylvie helps organizations embed innovation by shaping behavior, relationships, and culture.
- Human connection remains the greatest driver of transformation—even in high-tech industries like material handling.
- Embracing innovation means empowering people to choose curiosity, adaptability, and ownership of the future.
Adapting to a Changing Landscape
The material handling industry is a dynamic landscape, where the only constant is change. As technology advances, automation becomes more prevalent, and customer expectations continue to shift, organizations in this sector must be agile, innovative, and resilient to thrive.
MHEDA has consistently proven itself to be a leader in this regard, providing its members with the tools, knowledge, and resources they need to adapt, grow, and lead. Through its robust educational programs, networking opportunities, and industry advocacy, MHEDA has empowered material handling professionals to navigate the waves of change and emerge stronger than ever before.
As an innovation keynote speaker, my role in supporting organizations like MHEDA is not to introduce new innovations, but to help teams embrace innovation as a mindset—one rooted in behavior, communication, and connection.
Embracing Innovation at MHEDA’s 70th Anniversary
As I stepped onto the stage at MHEDA’s 70th-anniversary celebration, I was struck by the palpable energy and excitement in the room. This was not just another industry event—it was a testament to the power of innovation, collaboration, and community.
What made this occasion truly remarkable was the presence of MHEDA’s new CEO, who embodied the spirit of innovation from the moment she took the stage. Rather than simply talking about the importance of embracing change, she fully embodied it, collaborating with me to create a transformative experience that pushed the boundaries of traditional keynote presentations.
Together, we crafted a captivating and immersive experience that highlighted the power of adapting and thriving in times of uncertainty. Jeannette Walker stepped into the 3D immersive world as a holographic avatar, and we were able to create a truly mesmerizing and unforgettable experience for the MHEDA audience.
For me, as an innovation keynote speaker, this was a perfect example of how organizations can move beyond theoretical discussions of change and instead model what the future of engagement looks and feels like.
When You Say You Value Innovation—Mean It
MHEDA could have chosen any keynote speaker. A traditional presentation. A well-researched deck. A mix of facts, figures, a little storytelling, a few laughs, and a tidy wrap-up. But they didn’t.
Instead, they chose to model what so many organizations only preach: if you say you value innovation, then show it—especially in the moments that matter most.
By inviting a holo speaker, by reimagining the keynote format, by crafting an experience that pushed boundaries rather than simply filling a time slot, MHEDA made a statement. They reminded their members—and the entire material handling industry—that innovation doesn’t just happen in product design labs or C-suite brainstorming sessions. It happens in how we communicate, where we take creative risks, and when we choose to disrupt the expected.
Innovation isn’t a topic. It’s a tone. It’s a culture. And it starts the moment your audience walks into the room.
MHEDA proved that embracing innovation means being innovative—at every level, in every detail. They are a role model for organizations that want to stop talking about the future and start demonstrating it, one bold choice at a time.
The Power of Human Connection
As I stood on stage, surrounded by the passionate and dedicated members of MHEDA, I was reminded of the importance of human connection in an increasingly digital world. While technology and innovation are undoubtedly crucial to the success of any organization, it is the human element that truly sets organizations apart.
Throughout my keynote, I emphasized the importance of intentionally connecting with others on a personal level, using the tools and resources at our disposal to create meaningful and lasting relationships. In an industry that is often dominated by automation and efficiency, it is the human touch that can make all the difference in the eyes of customers and employees alike.
MHEDA’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and collaboration was evident in every aspect of the 70th-anniversary celebration. From the warm welcome I received to the genuine enthusiasm and engagement of the attendees, it was clear that this organization values the power of human connection as much as it does technological innovation.
And that’s the heart of what I bring as an innovation keynote speaker—reminding professionals that sustainable change doesn’t come from tools alone. It comes from how we use them to create trust, alignment, and shared purpose.
The Waves of Change Ahead
As I reflect on my experience at MHEDA’s 70th-anniversary celebration, I am filled with a sense of optimism and excitement for the future of the material handling industry. While the waves of change that lie ahead may present challenges and unexpected obstacles, I am confident that organizations like MHEDA will continue to lead the way, empowering their members to adapt, innovate, and thrive.
Whether it’s embracing new technologies, fostering collaborative partnerships, or cultivating a culture of continuous learning, MHEDA has consistently demonstrated its ability to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the material handling industry. And as the organization looks towards the next 70 years, I have no doubt that it will continue to be a beacon of innovation, education, and community for material handling professionals around the world.
In my work as an innovation keynote speaker, these are the kinds of organizations I’m proud and blessed to support—those that understand that innovation is not a destination, but an everyday discipline.
Becoming the Architects of Change
One of the key messages we conveyed during my keynote at MHEDA’s 70th-anniversary celebration was the idea of becoming the “architects of change” within our respective organizations. Rather than passively reacting to the waves of change, we encouraged the audience to take an active role in shaping the future of the material handling industry.
Embrace the Power of Choice: I emphasized that the power of choice is not about changing who we are, but about becoming more of who we are. By making intentional decisions and connecting with others on a human level, we can create a lasting impact on our customers, employees, and the industry as a whole.
Leverage Existing Tools and Resources: In an era of rapid technological advancement, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the sheer number of tools and resources available. However, I encouraged the MHEDA audience to focus on leveraging the tools they already have at their disposal, using them to their fullest potential to drive innovation and growth.
Embrace the Unknown: While the waves of change can be daunting, I reminded the audience that there is beauty in the unknown. By approaching the future with a sense of curiosity and adaptability, we can unlock new opportunities and create our own unique paths to success.
As an innovation keynote speaker, it’s my mission to guide professionals through this very mindset shift—helping them transform uncertainty into opportunity, and inertia into intentional action.
A Lasting Legacy of Innovation
Over the course of seven decades, MHEDA has consistently proven itself to be a driving force in the material handling industry, providing its members with the tools, resources, and support they need to navigate the waves of change.
From its robust educational programs to its industry-leading networking opportunities, MHEDA has been a steadfast partner to material handling professionals, empowering them to adapt, grow, and lead. And as the organization looks towards the future, I have no doubt that it will continue to be a beacon of innovation and progress, inspiring its members to push the boundaries of what’s possible.
If you’re a material handling professional looking to elevate your organization’s approach to change and innovation, I highly recommend exploring the resources and opportunities available through MHEDA. Whether it’s attending one of their industry-leading events, participating in their educational programs, or simply connecting with their vibrant community of members, MHEDA is poised to help you and your team navigate the waves of change and emerge stronger than ever before.
And if you’re searching for an innovation keynote speaker to help your team think, communicate, and act differently in times of change, I’d be honored to explore that conversation with you.
Innovation Isn’t a Department—It’s a Decision
Too often, organizations treat innovation like a department to fund or a trend to chase—when in reality, it’s a daily decision made by individuals at every level. It’s the frontline employee who questions the old process. It’s the leader who chooses transparency over tradition. It’s the team that dares to ask, “What if we didn’t do it that way anymore?”
You don’t need to invent the next big thing to be innovative. You need to give people permission to think differently, speak courageously, and act with intention. The most future-ready organizations aren’t built on ideas alone—they’re built on a culture that rewards curiosity, values communication, and embraces discomfort as the birthplace of growth.
Because in the end, innovation doesn’t trickle down from strategy decks. It rises up from the decisions people are empowered to make.
Sylvie di Giusto is an innovation keynote speaker who helps organizations communicate change more effectively, shape innovation-ready cultures, and make intentional choices about how they lead into the future. Known for her immersive keynote experiences and the use of tools such as holographic presentations, Sylvie partners with organizations to ensure innovation is not just something they talk about—but something they live.
Learn more about her 3D Immersive Experiences here.
The Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) is the premier trade association dedicated to serving all segments of the material handling business community. For more than 70 years, MHEDA has provided education, networking, benchmarking, and resources to help organizations thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
Learn more at mheda.org.
