MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
Attendees can expect inspiring guidance to help address today’s warehousing and logistics challenges, plus a fun venue in host city Dallas.
BY , EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT OF MHI’S KNOWLEDGE VALUE CENTER AND WERCIf you’ve got whiplash from the continuous and rapid supply chain changes that seem to happen daily, you’re not alone. Warehousing, distribution and logistics professionals have taken more quick spins than a tilt-a-whirl in the past three years. That’s why now is an excellent time to take a deep breath and refocus. Join the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC)—a division of MHI—for the 47th Annual Conference, held June 2-5, 2024, in Dallas, Texas.
Guided by this year’s theme, Inspiring Action, the event will serve up a variety of new ideas, tools and techniques to help attendees discover new ways to navigate perpetual change. It features industry leaders and operations experts sharing insights into the latest developments across three primary tracks: People, Processes and Systems & Data. Plus, the Hilton Anatole Resort and Spa hosts the Conference, with fun and energizing amenities—including an outdoor pool complex with a lazy river—to help participants unwind.
Session Content Packed with Inspiring, Actionable Insights
Every year, in addition to abundant networking opportunities, the WERC Annual Conference features motivating keynote speakers, thought leader presentations, peer-to-peer discussions and a supplier showcase. Topics directly address WERC members’ current challenges, such as ongoing workforce issues, supply chain disruption and rising costs. Best practices for corporate, professional and personal growth are a perennial draw.
I’m often asked what content is covered in the thought leader and peer-to-peer sessions. Both are jam-packed with useful insights. Thought leaders generally share a presentation and invite discussion at the end of their session. Peer-to-peers feature a facilitator who guides a highly interactive conversation among participants.
While every year is different, of course, the best way for me to illustrate what you can expect is by sharing some of the highlights of 2023 Annual Conference sessions.
Thought Leader Sessions Illustrate Practical Solutions to Universal Challenges
In “Rethinking Logistical Leadership in the Digital Transformation Era,” Dianne Pottinger, director of logistics and distribution at Unicomer (Jamaica) Limited, explained that companies adopting new technologies must simultaneously leverage change management principles to ensure success. She outlined how to best manage such a transition to avoid employee resistance. In addition to sharing seven key steps, Pottinger advised attendees to ensure that managers and corporate leaders embrace change, continuously communicate the merits of the transformation, and create a culture that values learning, compassion and understanding.
During their thought leader presentation, Kitchen Cabinet Distributors’ Seth Hayes, director of operations; KDL Logistics’ Mike Hammel, vice president of logistics; and Eric Elter, director of IT, shared how shippers can best leverage communication and technology in their third-party logistics (3PL) partnerships. The trio discussed the strategic benefits of frequent interaction, open communication, trust and a shared sense of purpose. Hayes also noted that his company has leveraged KDL Logistics’ technologies to automate multiple processes, reducing the potential for error and supporting growth.
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