ATTENDEE FAQS

Q: What is the WERC Annual Conference?

A: The WERC Annual Conference is an event that brings together warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment professionals for educational sessions, social networking events, and facility tours. The content is designed to enhance industry knowledge of emerging technologies, best operational practices, and leading trends.

Q: Do I need to be a WERC or MHI member to attend the conference?

A: No, the conference is open to everyone, but there is a significant discount on registration fees for WERC and MHI members.

WERC is a professional organization focused on warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment and its role in the supply chain. You can sign up to become a WERC member at werc.org/join. There are options to join WERC as an individual, corporation, or as an academic. For questions, reach out to membership@werc.org. 

Corporations are eligible to join MHI, the only trade association in North America that brings together the material handling, logistics and supply chain industries. You can sign up for a membership at mhi.org/join. For questions, reach out to membership@mhi.org.

Q: Is my hotel price included in the conference registration fee?

A: No, you must book and pay for your hotel room separately. 

Q: Do I need a REAL ID to attend WERC 2026?

A: The REAL ID is needed if you are flying to the conference. Effective as of May 7, 2025, a state-issued driver's license or ID that is not REAL ID compliant will no longer be accepted as a valid form of identification for airline travel.

Q: How long should I plan to stay at the event?

A: There is an optional "Effective Networking 101" session at 4:00 PM Sunday, May 17. It's followed by a kickoff networking reception from 5:00 – 7:00 PM at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Hotel. The general conference session officially starts at 8:15 AM on Monday, May 18. View the schedule at a glance.

If you are planning on taking a facility tour, they will conclude at 12:00 PM on Wednesday, May 20. If you are not attending a facility tour, the final social event ends at 9 PM on Tuesday, May 19. 

Q: Can I also attend the MHI Spring Meeting?

Yes, The WERC Annual Conference is co-located with the MHI Spring Meeting in 2026. You are welcome to attend both; however, each event requires a separate registration and fee. Registration for the MHI Spring Meeting will open in January 2026.

Q: Why is the WERC Annual Conference co-located with the MHI Spring Meeting?

WERC is a divison of MHI, whose mission is to be the authoritative resource for the material handling industry. Co-locating MHI's suppliers and solution providers with WERC's logistics practitioners creates a powerful environment for connection, collaboration, and shared knowledge across the entire industry. 

Q: What is the dress code for sessions and events?

A: Meetings are "business casual," which includes pants, slacks, dresses, skirts, as well as short-sleeved polo shirts and long-sleeved shirts. T-shirts and sweatshirts are discouraged. Sunday and Monday's networking events are "resort casual," which includes polo-style shirts, sundresses, pants, skirts, button-up tops, nice shorts, and dresses. Please no t-shirts, cutoffs, or tank tops. For Tuesday night's baseball game, casual attire is acceptable.

Q: Do I need to register for any of the educational sessions in advance?

A: No. Please just show up to the session early to ensure a seat. We do turn people away once the room is at capacity. Peer-to-peer sessions tend to fill first. 

Q: Can minor children accompany me to the conference?

A: The conference events and activities are geared toward adults. Please contact the hotel directly for information on kid activities.

Q: Can I get a refund if I cancel my registration?

A: If you cancel before May 4, you will receive a refund, minus a $100 administrative fee. Cancellations between between May 4-10 will result in a 50% refund. If you cancel on May 11 or later, no refund is issued. Please communicate your cancellation in writing to events@mhi.org.

Q: How can I sponsor the event?

A: Please view our sponsorship information to learn more about the opportunities available. Contact sales@werc.org with any questions.

Q: Can I hand out items to attendees?

As part of our code of conduct, attendees will not be allowed to handout any informational or branded items. Only paid sponsors will be allowed to bring handout items to the conference and those handouts will be pre-approved by MHI before shipping.

Any company who gives handouts to other attendees without being a paid sponsor will receive a reprimand and further consequences if the action continues.