Conference Overview

SMC³ Summer Conference Explores the New Supply Chain

Annual Conference Builds Upon its Reputation as a Leading Event for Industry Education and Networking

Attendees at the SMC³ 2008 Summer Conference investigated the latest trends and developments emerging in the domestic and global supply chain. The conference, themed “The New Supply Chain: Global Trends, Technology and Infrastructure,” highlighted the geopolitical climate, green technology, infrastructure developments, emerging technology, and more of today’s most relevant supply chain topics.

Specialized conference sessions and subject matter experts were chosen to inspire forward thinking by exploring methods for shippers, carriers and supply chain partners to adapt and grow their businesses in the next era of technology, policy and economic change.

Featured sessions included the National Surface Transportation Policy and Revenue Study Commission’s recommendations for resolving and funding infrastructure issues, the pros and cons of various proposals, and provided attendees with ways to get involved in the 2009 Highway Authorization Bill through political action. In addition, a panel of technology experts explored next-generation supply chain technologies and how they can radically improve processes, increase margins and facilitate better planning.

A special feature session on greening the supply chain presented innovative methods for organizations to reduce their carbon footprint while increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The presentation took an in-depth look at emerging green technologies, methods that have been most successful for other organizations and ways to increase profitability through reducing consumption.

Shining a spotlight on the 2008 elections, SMC³ hosted a remarkably accurate political forecaster, Larry Sabato, Ph.D., who explored what-if scenarios for the different political contests, discussed the priorities of each candidate for the nation and its transportation infrastructure, and gave his predictions of what is likely to happen in the pending election.

SMC³’s geopolitical update speakers detailed the most current economic trends, energy costs, political factors and legislative enactments that affect the transportation industry. Speakers included transportation attorney John R. Bagileo, principal, The Law Office of John R. Bagileo; Michael J. Economides, Ph.D., professor, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston; and economic forecaster Donald Ratajczak, Ph.D.

Individuals representing every area of the transportation industry, as well as service providers and customers, attended the SMC³ conference offering a well-proportioned representation for collaborating with all members in the industry. Business networking opportunities were plentiful, including a Tuesday evening networking reception, a Wednesday and Thursday evening formal dinner, daily lunches and ample session breaks.