Schedule


10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Virtual Networking Opportunities: Direct Connect

Direct Connect
Say hello and seek advice from your peers through Direct Connect—all contained in the virtual platform with no additional emails. Have questions or need feedback on an idea? Struggling with a strategy? Seeking to solve operations issues? Want to check in with a friend? Getting to know a new partner?

This complimentary tool facilitates quick and easy virtual meetings.

12:00 PM - 12:50 PM

Opening General Session: Call to Action on Frictionless, Resilient Supply Chains

At the FMI Midwinter Executive Conference in January the industry’s senior executives called for a reimagined supply chain and a reset of trading partner collaboration to eliminate friction and get products to consumers in our new marketplace. In this session we discuss ways to heed the call to action through consumer demand planning, assortment optimization, seamless collaboration alignment and omnichannel supply chain management. And, we’ll explore the industry pillars that will drive real and profitable growth.

Sponsored by CHEP and Introduced by Dan Ahrens, Director, Customer Solutions, CHEP

CHEP A Brambles Company
Speakers:
  • Thom Blischok - Chairman and CEO at The Dialogic Group, LLC
  • Mark Baum - Chief Collaboration Officer & Senior Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

On Shelf Availability: Opportunities Ahead

Bring your ideas to this problem-solvers caucus of industry partners ready to address on-shelf availability and interruptions in perpetual inventories. Our discussion leaders will tee up the conversation on how they have made adjustments in collaboration, planning, and supply chain execution/store operations to improve in-stock positions as well as some practical tips.
Speakers:

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Supply Chain Performance Metrics

 

This session will feature the release of critical supply, delivery and labor metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from the anomalous year that was 2020. Get the metrics on on-shelf availability, on-time performance, cost per case, and inventory on-hand as well as labor insights related to COVID.
Speakers:

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Retail Spotlight on Supply Chain Transformation

In the “X Games” of Supply Chain, Ahold Delhaize USA has undertaken some ‘extreme’ corporate supply chain transformation initiatives. Join this session to hear the rationale behind the conversion to self-distribution, the role technology plays in streamlining business operations, the anticipated benefits and how this move is transforming supplier collaboration. 

Sponsored by RELEX Solutions and Introduced by Mikko Kärkkäinen, CEO and co-founder, RELEX Solutions

Relex Solutions Sponsor Logo (500x200)
Speakers:
  • Chris Lewis - Executive Vice President, Supply Chain, Retail Business Services, an Ahold Delhaize USA company
  • Lee Nicholson - SVP, Procurement, ADUSA Procurement, an Ahold Delhaize USA company

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Addressing Labor Challenges Through Distribution Center Automation

Given population trends and industry dynamics in the U.S., existing labor challenges at the DC will only be compounded going forward. Learn what other countries with high cost of land and labor have turned to and what distribution automation systems to consider to stay ahead of the competition.  Hear the rationale for investing in distribution center automation and why North American companies are increasingly moving in this direction.  Explore why this is about business continuity more than financial return.
Speakers:

2:30 PM - 3:15 PM

Solution Spotlight Session

This Solution Spotlight Session features 4 quick-fire presentations filled with solutions to supply chain needs and details the latest and greatest in supply chain.

Featured Partners:

Afresh Technologies Inmar Intelligence Sponsor Logo Relex Solutions Sponsor Logo (500x200)Stradigi AI Sponsor Logo (500x200)
Speakers:
  • Marjorie DePuy - Sr. Director, Supply Chain & Sustainability, FMI
  • Tom Langdale - Senior Product Marketing Manager, Stradigi AI
  • Matt Schwartz, MBA - Co-founder & CEO, Afresh Technologies
  • Rob Small - Senior Director, Supply Chain Performance Analytics, Inmar Intelligence
  • Greg Wilson - North American VP of Sales & Field Strategy, RELEX Solutions

3:30 PM - 4:15 PM

General Session: Managing Global Supply Chain Risk in Uncertain Times

Managing supply chain risk in today’s volatile times requires a knowledge of the economic environment, current and expected challenges in strategic sourcing and logistics and the geopolitical dynamics impacting trade and global supply chains. This session will leverage findings from the EPIC Global Supply Chain Risk Assessment Report to provide a foundation for informed decision-making.
Speakers:
  • Paul Bingham - Director, Transportation Consulting, IHS Markit Economics and Country Risk

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Networking Activity

Remember how in person, we'd gather in a ballroom at the end of the day and network, laugh and share stories from the day? We get to do that virtually! Join us in the Supply Chain Networking Lounge. You'll be able to scan the room, see who's in the various video rooms, join the rooms of your choice, and pop in and out of video rooms at your leisure. It's easier than in person, we promise! Talk shop or just be social! Start networking!

10:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Virtual Networking Opportunities: Direct Connect

Direct Connect
Say hello and seek advice from your peers through Direct Connect—all contained in the virtual platform with no additional emails. Have questions or need feedback on an idea? Struggling with a strategy? Seeking to solve operations issues? Want to check in with a friend? Getting to know a new partner?

This complimentary tool facilitates quick and easy virtual greetings.

12:45 PM - 1:30 PM

General Session: All Eyes on Infrastructure - Policy Outlook in the Biden Administration

Modernized infrastructure will be a key to a more resilient and responsive supply chain. Join this session to hear how American’s Infrastructure ranks currently as well as a policy outlook for the new administration, covering potential infrastructure investment and coordination among departments that will help improve America’s competitiveness and ability to keep goods moving.  
Speakers:
  • Emily Feenstra - Managing Director of Government Relations and Infrastructure Initiatives, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)
  • Ed Mortimer - Vice President of Transportation and Infrastructure, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Jon Samson - Exec. Director of the Agricultural & Food Transporters Conference, American Trucking Associations

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Transportation Market Dynamics: Three Factors Driving Historic Capacity Metrics

We have seen record fluctuations in the numbers that tell a story about the transportation marketplace. Hear the latest insights on the truckload volume forecast and spot market indicators as well as practical commentary on how that translates to fleet planning and movement for industry partners.
Speakers:
  • Brent Hutto - Chief Relationship Officer, Truckstop.com
  • Gary Kinneer - Director of Managed Transportation, Weis Markets, Inc.
  • Jody Sandy - Senior Vice President, Supply Chain/Transportation, Hy-Vee, Inc.

1:45 PM - 2:15 PM

Carbon Emissions and Freight Efficiency: A Case Study

We’re often told to focus on what we can control. This is more challenging when it comes to carbon emissions. Scope 3 emissions are the result of activities from assets not owned or controlled by the reporting organization, but that the organization indirectly impacts in its value chain. Scope 3 emissions, also referred to as value chain emissions, often represent the majority of an organization’s total GHG emissions. Explore how companies are evaluating their transportation networks as part of an overall focus on reducing cost, empty miles and emissions.
Speakers:
  • Huong Duong - Air Quality Planner, North Central Texas Council of Governments, Transportation Department
  • Jim Hartzfeld - Head of Sustainability – North America, Brambles
  • Kathleen A. Martz - National Regions & Affiliate Program Manager, US EPA SmartWay & Supply Chain Programs Center
  • Patrice Thornton - Marketing and Outreach Manager, US EPA

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

All Eyes on the Micro-Fulfillment Marketplace

While the industry has been laser-focused on keeping goods flowing and anticipating consumer needs throughout the pandemic, there have been a myriad of moves in the micro-fulfillment space. Since FMI’s series on the topic last summer, companies have continued to pivot and learn what works best in fulfillment. Get a read on the current landscape in this 30-minute dive into MFCs. Walk away with a better understanding of the differences between vendor solutions and what to consider when evaluating the choices.
Speakers:

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM

Removing Friction in Distribution: Electronic Bills of Lading Pilot Results

During the height of COVID response, industry leaders in manufacturing and retail/wholesale studied ways to keep drivers and warehouse staff (guards, shipping clerks, loader/unloaders) physically separate to execute a contactless pickup and delivery in the distribution centers, without negatively impacting the performance of their facilities. Hear how the companies in these industry pilots defined success criteria and learnings around In/Out times for drivers, visibility into exceptions, and electronic Bill of Lading (eBOL). Learn how you can get involved in developing the industry standard.
Speakers:

3:15 PM - 4:00 PM

Solution Spotlight Session: Micro-fulfillment Focus

This Solution Spotlight Session features 4 quick-fire presentations filled with solutions to supply chain needs and details the latest and greatest in supply with a focus on micro-fulfillment. Moderated by Marc Wulfraat, we'll hear insights from four different companies and close out the session with a robust Q&A with our panelists. 

Featured Partners:

Alert Innovation AutoStore Dematic Logo Takeoff Sponsor Logo (500x200)
Speakers:

4:15 PM - 5:00 PM

Closing General Session: Executive Leadership Panel

On February 24 President Biden signed an Executive Order aimed at encouraging Supply Chain Resilience. While the food industry is already engaged in significant federal agency relationships that support supply chain activities, this new presidential priority will likely start a multi-year process of sustained strategic engagement in supply chain resilience across the whole of government. Join this panel of industry executives as they share their perceptions on the resilience, we seek in our shared supply chains and the private sector collaboration needed to help us do what we do best.
Speakers:
  • Doug Baker - Vice President, Industry Relations, FMI
  • Matt Ludwig - Executive Vice President, Chief Supply Chain Officer President, PDI
  • Phil Palin - Principal, Private Practice
  • John Phillips - Senior Vice President, Customer Supply Chain and Go-to-Market for PepsiCo, Inc.

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Virtual Networking Opportunities: Direct Connect

Direct Connect
Say hello and seek advice from your peers through Direct Connect—all contained in the virtual platform with no additional emails. Have questions or need feedback on an idea? Struggling with a strategy? Seeking to solve operations issues? Want to check in with a friend? Getting to know a new partner?

This complimentary tool facilitates quick and easy virtual meetings.