Conference Educational Sessions

Tuesday Sessions

Global Trade Management 1: Visibility & Risk

Visibility of partner operations, as well as your own, is crucial for effectively and efficiently moving both goods and finances in the global arena. But you can’t manage what you can’t see. That’s why companies employ technology—the lens through which you gain visibility of the operations affecting your business, both internally and externally. Companies are increasing supply chain visibility to gain flexibility in their sourcing decisions, synchronize their physical and financial supply chains and optimize inventory.

In this session you will learn:
  • How to gain visibility of your internal and partnered operations
  • Ways to integrate physical movements & financial transactions
  • New generation technology tools for managing the movement of goods

Global Trade Management 2: Trading Regions & Compliance

It’s not all made in China. The global pipeline is connected to multiple resource-rich regions that are major contributors to the production of international goods. Each global trade region has a unique set of customs, business practices and government & trade regulations that affect sourcing decisions in the supply chain.

In this session you will learn:
  • Which trading regions are major players in the global supply chain
  • Ways that multiple sourcing options can offset offshore risk
  • How compliance software facilitates international commerce

How Globalization Is Expanding Your Role

Roles are being expanded and redefined for all segments of the supply chain. Domestic carriers are developing a presence at our nation’s ports, and crossing the oceans to establish their operations in resource and production rich countries. Logistics service providers are growing both their transportation services and technology offerings to meet the needs of the global pipeline. Shippers are mastering the skills of risk and resource management to avoid breaks within the multi-link supply chain and at the same time satisfy shifts in customer demand.

In this session, you will learn:
  • Ways businesses are expanding their service offerings to gain customer advantage
  • Methods to evaluate your opportunities for expansion
  • How broadening service provider roles will enhance & simplify the supply chain

“This conference ranks as one of the best I’ve attended. The information received was valuable and informative. I appreciate the focus on the global supply chain & economy. Thanks SMC³!”

– Damon Cooner, supply chain manager, Best Manufacturing Company

Wednesday Sessions

Industry Update

Jon A. Langenfeld, director and senior research analyst, Robert W. Baird & Co.

Major shifts are occurring throughout the global pipeline as service providers expand the scope of their offerings to meet their customers’ requirements. Langenfeld will offer a macro perspective of the most influential factors driving these shifts, take an in-depth look at the trends that are developing in the industry, and examine how these changes are impacting the bottom line.

In this session, you will learn:

  • How service providers are evolving their business plans
  • The financial health of the transportation industry

Legislative & Regulatory Update

John R. Bagileo, Principal, The Law Office of John R. Bagileo

A number of associations and organizations are actively involved in proceedings that affect 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 affect your daily operations.

In this session, you will learn:

  • The pros and cons surrounding the latest transportation industry regulation and legislation initiatives.
  • How government actions affect your business

Economic Update

Alan Gayle, senior investment strategist and director of asset allocation, Trusco Capital Management

It’s no doubt that energy costs affect your company’s bottom line. But what are the other outside factors impacting financial growth? Hear Alan Gayle, our featured economic update speaker, present his thoughts and predictions on how economic trends, affected by energy costs and political factors, will impact consumer spending and company profit margins. This session will offer a comprehensive view of the economy and how recent and future shifts will impact the transportation industry.

In this session, you will learn:

  • What economic trends are forecasted for the next 12 months
  • How global, national and regional economic trends will impact the transportation industry and your business

Energy Update

Michael J. Economides, Ph.D., Professor, Cullen College of Engineering, University of Houston

The cost of energy and geopolitical concerns continue to affect consumer spending habits and business operations. Energy expert Michael Economides will discuss the trends affecting various sources of energy. His comments will cover the cost, supply and geo-political factors of energy, and how they relate to the economy—and ultimately consumer prices and corporate profits.

In this session, you will learn:

  • The most recent trends relating to the various types of energy we consume.
  • How production efficiencies and world politics affect energy costs and ultimately impact the transportation industry.

Panel Discussion—Energy Panel Discussion/Debate and Q&A

Facilitator: Bob Rosenbaum, publisher, Penton Media

Global warming, pollution, carbon footprint, going green and “the price of oil” have become part of today’s lexicon. The Energy Panel Debate will give you the facts you need to understand global warming, the value of alternate energy sources, how you can reduce your carbon footprint and the problems we face in creating an energy policy for the United States...and the world.