Educational Sessions

Thursday Sessions

Emerging Supply Chain Technology Panel

Technology continues to shape the supply chain as new developments radically improve processes, increase margins and facilitate better planning. Businesses of varying sizes and processes benefit from different technologies—and there's no standard solution for all organizations. This panel session will examine the technologies, applications and IT models to determine which solution(s) can best optimize your business operations. Come away from this session with a well-rounded perspective of existing supply chain technology trends and the next generation of supply chain management tools.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Stay current on how on-demand, on-premises and service oriented architecture (SOA) are relevant to your IT solutions
  • Determine which application(s) will best improve your supply chain operations
  • Learn the pros and cons of using enterprise vs. best-of-breed applications
  • Discover how to use technology to make better supply chain decisions

Greening the Supply Chain

As corporate America’s interest in global warming begins to focus on combining their civic and cost reduction initiatives, senior managers are looking for ways to “green” the supply chain and reduce their vendor’s carbon footprint. The surprising benefit: greening the supply chain actually reduces costs. This session explores how reducing energy consumption, packaging and other innovative methods will lean out costs while greening your supply chain.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand how to quantify and reduce your company’s carbon footprint
  • Gain insight on the greening methods that have been most effective for other organizations
  • Find out how reducing your carbon footprint can increase your operational efficiency
  • Explore the new generation of “green” software

Infrastructure Panel

On January 15, 2008 the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission submitted its report to Congress after 18 months of intense analysis of America’s transportation network, challenges and future funding. New developments will be funded by both the government and private sector, and prioritized by the new President’s infrastructure agenda. Both providers and consumers of transportation will fund the private sector portion – come and learn what your spending options are and how your political action can influence the 2009 Highway Authorization Bill.

Learning Outcomes:
  • Understand how the Commission’s recommendations impact your bottom line
  • Get informed on emerging bipartisan Congressional support and how the new President’s priorities will likely affect the 2009 Highway Reauthorization Bill
  • Identify the infrastructure solutions within your reach through political action

“Information for industry, economy and fuel and political update exceptional.”

– Joy Latta, Logistics Manager, SELEE Corporation

Friday Sessions

Geopolitical Update Sessions

The geopolitical update sessions are an SMC³ signature conference event. These sessions are led by renowned experts in the fields of economics, politics, energy and transportation legislation. Each presentation will give you an understanding of the external factors that are profoundly affecting the industry. You will gain great insight into the “why’s” behind the “what’s” that are occurring in transportation.

Political Climate

Larry Sabato, Ph.D.

The political climate is heating up as we approach the election of a new President this year. Each candidate has different priorities for the nation and transportation infrastructure. A remarkably accurate political forecaster, Larry Sabato will delve into the what-if scenarios for the different contests and politicians and give his predictions of what is likely to happen in the pending election.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Get informed on the presidential candidates and their priorities
  • Learn how your operations will be impacted by the upcoming election
  • Hear a political guru's predictions for what’s likely to unfold in the election and during the new President’s term

Economic Conditions

Donald Ratajczak, Ph.D.

In 2007 we witnessed a tumultuous economy, with both the housing market and U.S. dollar value plummeting. Will 2008 prove to be a more stable and prosperous year? Acclaimed economic forecaster, Donald Ratajczak, Ph.D., will present his thoughts and predictions on how the economy, affected by energy costs and political factors, will impact spending and company profit margins. Ratajczak will also give a comprehensive view of economic shifts and trends and how they will impact transportation.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Get reliable forecasting information on the domestic and international economic conditions for the next 12 months
  • Learn how current economic conditions are directly impacting transportation
  • Understand how the value of the dollar affects U.S. domestic and global competitiveness, as well as your operation

Legislative Update

John R. Bagileo

A number of associations and organizations are actively involved in proceedings that will have an effect on new safety, security and environmental regulations in the transportation industry. Nationally-recognized transportation attorney John Bagileo will explain the latest regulatory initiatives and legislative actions taking place in Washington, D.C., and how they will likely affect your daily operations.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Investigate national legislation including the 2009 Highway Reauthorization Bill, the latest Hours-of-Service regulations and other pressing issues
  • Hear the pros and cons surrounding the latest transportation industry regulation and legislation initiatives
  • Understand how government actions affect your business

Energy Developments

Michael J. Economides, Ph.D.

The increasing cost of energy is common knowledge, but the reasons for the inflation and what the future holds is information privy to those who seek it. Michael J. Economides, Ph.D., one of the most instantly recognizable names in energy, will present the “why's" behind energy cost and consumption. He will discuss the condition of the global energy market and forecast its influence on the transportation industry.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Explore the cost and viability of new energy sources for transportation and the nation
  • Understand the nature of the energy crisis and its projected longevity
  • Find out how production efficiencies and world politics affect energy costs
  • Get informed on your energy options and start planning now