MHI Solutions Improving Supply Chain Performance
With the theme “Advancing Warehousing,” WERC’s marquee event invites participants to explore the human side of logistics innovation. Plus, both MHI and WERC members now have expanded access to resources and networks.
EACH YEAR, THE Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), a division of MHI, gathers warehousing, distribution and logistics professionals at the industry’s only event focused solely on their challenges and opportunities—the WERC Annual Conference. Along with WERC Annual Conference chair Melissa “Mel” Alwood, regional vice president of operations at Neovia Logistics, I’m delighted to invite you to join us in Jacksonville, Florida, May 17‑20, 2026. This year’s event is conveniently colocated with MHI’s Spring Meeting, giving participants more opportunities to connect, network and learn.
Alwood and her colleagues on the WERC Annual Conference Committee—comprised of member volunteers—have planned a variety of educational and networking opportunities in support of the event’s theme: Advancing Warehousing.
“Adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation throughout our industry is growing every day,” Alwood said. “Those technologies are obviously key topics for the WERC Annual Conference. However, the Conference Committee feels strongly that the human side of our operations remains an essential component of supply chain success. Therefore, we specifically chose topics that focus on the evolving role of the workforce in driving logistics innovation.”
Among the biggest draws at the WERC Annual Conference are the thought leader presentations and peer‑to‑peer discussions, noted Alwood. She attributes that popularity to the industry insiders who lead those sessions.
“There’s nothing hypothetical or theoretical about the content they share,” she explained. “Rather, they bring an insider’s perspective on implementing emerging technologies, recruiting and developing talent and making measurable improvements to operational efficiency. Attendees hear unvarnished, ‘boots on the ground’ experiences and lessons learned.”
In addition, the WERC Annual Conference will again offer multiple formal and informal networking opportunities, facility tours, technology and solutions provider kiosks, a Women @ WERC gathering (open to everyone) and two keynotes.
On Monday, May 18, the first keynote features Savannah Bananas head coach Tyler Gillum explaining how to “Score a Culture Home Run the Savannah Bananas Way.” As the architect behind the most successful sports team in America, Gillum will share his secret to creating a culture of excellence—not by focusing on baseball, but on buy‑in. His leadership approach?
Emphasize commitment over compliance. He’ll detail the team’s journey from the creation of “Banana Ball” to becoming the greatest show in sports by nurturing an environment where teams both thrive and achieve the extraordinary. Attendees will hear about Gillum’s approach to energy, mindset and servant leadership, including how to define and build culture from the top and how to ensure that dedication to the mission flows through every level. Don’t miss this opportunity to collect actionable strategies to help create a championship‑level culture.
Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics, chairman of the Futurist Institute, and author of MHI’s economic market analysis reports, presents the second keynote on Tuesday, May 19. In “From Strategy to Execution: How Economic and Technology Trends are Reshaping Material Handling and Warehouse Operations,” Schenker will connect global events to the realities impacting today’s supply chains. His presentation will unpack the latest developments in AI, automation, labor markets and geopolitics, translating them into practical insights for both the material handling industry and professionals leading warehouse and distribution operations. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how economic shifts and emerging technologies are influencing investment priorities, supply chain resiliency and operational performance—and how to turn those trends into a lasting competitive advantage.
If you haven’t already, I urge you to register both yourself and your team to participate in the WERC 2026 Annual Conference. It’s an excellent chance to immerse yourself in what I like to call WERC’s special sauce of knowledge and collaboration: practitioners sharing wins and missteps, so others don’t have to learn the hard way. For complete details about each session and to register, visit werc.org/conference. Have questions? Reach out to the WERC team at [email protected].
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