A supply chain conference at its worst may headline a one-hit wonder 2000’s band as a performer.
However, supply chain conference at its best can be a hub for exchanging innovative ideas. From fleet routing optimization to automating procurement processes, thousands of like-minded stakeholders can network with each other over tomorrow’s industry advancements.
With an uncertain economic landscape expected in 2023, these conferences are not just idealists patting each other on the back. Now more than ever, there’s practical takeaways for businesses to rethink their operations and workflows while also keeping costs down.
That said, our experts at Commerce Express Inc. encourage our readers to mark the following supply chain conferences on their calendars. It may be worth the time and investment to check them out.
MARS Winter Meeting
Lombard, IL – Well, this is awkward. The Midwest Association of Rail Shippers’ annual winter meeting already happened. Two weeks ago, CEOs of Class I railroads, including Norfolk Southern and BNSF, gave attendees the rub on the future of rail service. Of all matters in logistics, rail’s murky outlook is one of the pressing anxieties supply chain stakeholders exude going into 2023.
Aside from rail bosses, the Surface Transportation Board’s Chairman Marty Oberman also provided an update on the federal board’s agenda, such as new rules around rate relief.
While we passed the date of this winter conference, MARS will be having a summer installment July 10 and 11 in Lake Geneva, WI. Details are still in the works. For a closer look.
Manifest
Las Vegas, NV – Tomorrow, Manifest kicks off its second annual conference running through February 2. After a well-received inaugural event last year, industry leaders are flocking back to this tech and logistics showcase to share more about the latest supply chain innovations.
This year, all the chatter seems to be about AI. From self-driving trucks to warehouse robots, all Manifest needs is a surprise Styx appearance for the cherry on top. Domo arigato misuta Robotto. For a closer look.
LINK2023
Orlando, FL – Next month (Feb 19-22), the Rail Industry Leaders Association’s annual conference calls on the country’s top names in retail to dissect a laundry list of industry topics, including inventory management and sustainability. While the conference has its keynote addresses, LINK2023 also makes room for more intimate conversations. Small roundtable discussions will be available for attendees to ask questions to top supply chain leaders, including execs from Best Buy and Gap.
Oh, and Peyton “The Sheriff” Manning will be there. We’re not sure why the Hall of Fame quarterback will be there, but that’s certainly a plus. For a closer look.
ISM World 2023
Grapevine, TX – The Institute for Supply Management’s annual conference is the one stop shop for procurement professionals. From May 7 to the 10, supply chain executives will open up on the new opportunities in critical areas such as supplier management.
Oh, and former President George W. Bush will be there. We’re not sure why the 43rd president of the United States is scheduled as the event’s opening speaker, but that’s certainly a plus? For a closer look.
ASCM Connect
Louisville, KY – The Association for Supply Chain Management’s annual event kicks off September 11 through the 13.
Certainly a big-picture theme resides for this conference, as attendees can expect an immersive learning experience into the challenges impacting sustainability and resilience. Top leaders of the industry will steward these powerful conversations. For a closer look.
Final Thoughts
As we return to larger in-person conferences, once sidelined during the pandemic, there’s a jubilant feeling that all stakeholders must sense. While 2023 is uncertain, rallying all supply chain aficionados under one roof helps break the ice a little bit.
Conferences, if done right, have an infectious energy to them. They prime attendees to exchange innovative ideas and network with each other. The supply chain remains recovering and it’ll take novel ideas and industry collaboration to ensure that when it does reach full-strength, it’ll be even more resilient and sustainable than it was pre-pandemic.
Please contact us if you have any questions regarding this topic or any others in domestic logistics.
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