11 Supply Chain Conferences to Attend in 2019

Being an active member of your professional community is integral to success in any field. Attending supply chain events keeps you up to date with the latest advances and developments, builds your professional network, grants the possibility of discovering business or employment opportunities and most importantly, helps to position yourself as an expert. Being at the center of important supply chain discussions and expanding your network increases your credibility, which helps build trust with future partners and employers. There are hundreds of supply chain events to attend this year; we’ve rounded up eleven of the most highly attended conferences and included descriptions in their own words of what they have to offer.

1. CSCMP Edge

Council on Supply Chain Management Professionals
September 15-18
Anaheim, CA

From leading-edge content to cutting-edge supply chain solutions, EDGE reflects the unparalleled resources CSCMP offers today and symbolizes our unwavering commitment to supply chain in the future. At CSCMP, we believe in fostering an environment where attendees can build strong relationships that last a lifetime. And by engaging in provocative discussions and discovering ways to navigate your organization’s future, you’ll move beyond your comfort zone in this rapidly evolving industry.

At EDGE 2019, you can capture a year’s worth of end-to-end supply chain news and best practices in just 3 ½ days. You will hear from senior supply chain executives and academics as they describe their own professional experience, bring valuable insight into the solutions they’ve adopted, and share lessons they’ve learned in their organizations.

2. ASCM

Association for Supply Chain Management
September 16-18
Las Vegas, NV

Supply chain professionals from around the world will come together in Vegas for this exciting, inaugural event from ASCM – the Association for Supply Chain Management. Built on the foundation of APICS certification and training, ASCM is the new, broader-reaching supply chain organization.

At ASCM 2019, you’ll be able to expand your knowledge and skillset to stay in line with the accelerated pace of change in supply chain. Topics range from S&OP, inventory and materials management to robotics, IoT, virtual reality and more. Whether you’re looking to enhance your knowledge on a specific topic, or learn more about current trends, ASCM 2019 will have something for you!

3. Parcel Forum

October 28-30
Dallas, TX

For the past 16 years, PARCEL Forum has been the only conference dedicated to serving the unique and ever-changing needs of professionals who are responsible for the shipping, warehousing, packaging, distribution and delivery of parcels. The industry’s only peer-driven, peer-reviewed and peer-produced conference has helped thousands of parcel shipping professionals learn how to ship more packages, more frequently, more efficiently, and more cost-effectively

4. InterModal Expo

September 15-18
Long Beach, CA

The forum tackles the key issues facing the intermodal supply chain. Members of the intermodal freight community attend presentations on the technologies impacting intermodal and ways to strengthen shipper/drayage partnerships. Discussions also cover trucking regulations and funding—and their intermodal implications.

5. TMSA Logistics Marketing & Sales Conference

June 9-11
Jacksonville, FL

For nearly a century, the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association has been helping its members and their companies make sales, marketing and communications strategies more effective, productive, and profitable. The only professional association of its kind serving the transportation and logistics industry, TMSA delivers value to thousands of members through knowledge, connections, recognition, and solutions.

6. Blockchain Supply Chain Summit

April 9-10
Chicago, IL

The Blockchain Supply Chain Summit offers a strategic understanding of how Blockchain Technology can make your supply chain more secure, efficient and profitable. Executives from leading brands and logistics companies executives alongside the creative technologists driving Blockchain adoption will share specific tactics for how to incorporate Blockchain into your enterprise transformation.

7. Gartner Supply Chain Executives Conference

May 13-19
Phoenix, AZ

The lines between the physical and digital worlds are becoming increasingly blurred. Traditional markets are being redefined; customer expectations are constantly evolving and the very way daily tasks are conducted are being rapidly transformed. Supply chains must now focus on effectively converging their foundational capabilities, with new and emerging digital strategies in order to not only compete, but also prosper and grow in this bold new era. Gartner Supply Chain Executive Conference will demonstrate how supply chains leaders will blend the lessons of the past with their aspirations for the future to deliver sustainable commercial success.

8. ISM

Institute for Supply Management
April 7-10
Houston, TX

Join more than 2,500 global supply chain and procurement professionals at ISM2019, Institute for Supply Management’s (ISM) Annual Conference. This year will “spark” creative thinking with over 70 breakout sessions, conversations with peers, inspiration while listening to thought leaders and solutions while meeting with over 100 leading industry suppliers.

 
9. American Supply Chain Summit

April 25-26
Dallas, TX

The American Supply Chain Summit is a leadership-focused meeting designed around improving supply chain and procurement strategy across the globe. The Supply Chain Summit serves as an annual platform to exchange ideas and collaborate on the impact of market dynamics and new technologies for current and future supply chain & operations leaders. This year’s Summit creates an opportunity to examine key case studies on how workforce management, advanced analytics, process improvement and automation are being rolled out in the world’s best facilities. Join the in-depth discussions on achieving innovation, maximizing supply chain profitability and increasing visibility and flexibility to mitigate risk.

10. RILA Link: Retail Supply Chain Conference

February 24-27
Orlando, FL

Retail has evolved. To succeed, top retailers must master the demands of omnichannel fulfillment. For supply chain executives, this means selectively adopting emerging technologies, rapidly developing urban fulfillment processes, and actively building strategic relationships with logistics service providers. That’s why senior supply chain executives from the top retailers attend LINK, RILA’s Retail Supply Chain Conference.

11. International Warehouse Logistics Association Conference

March 10-12
Savannah, GA

The 2019 IWLA Convention & Expo is the place to be if you are a warehousing leader or want to connect with one. North American warehouse logistics leaders will gather, make connections, learn, and network March 10-12, 2019, in Savannah, Ga. Strong leadership is essential in any successful company. “Your Warehouse Reimagined” is the convention theme and sessions and events focus on giving attendees new ideas to motivate employees for continued growth.

Ready to jump in to a career in supply chain management? Check out the UW Foster School of Business Master of Supply Chain Management Program.