Logistics can be tricky and when you consider Georgia companies rely on the State’s logistics infrastructure and services to handle and haul more than $900 billion of cargo each year, it makes sense for state leaders to get the industry’s top professionals together to network and discuss solutions for all the ways we can better transport our goods.

That’s the idea behind the Georgia Logistics Summit, taking place May 16-17 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. Now in its ninth year, the event is hosted by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, whose mission focuses on helping companies take advantage of the state’s world-class logistics industry to improve efficiencies, support growth and increase global competitiveness. Registration for the event is now open. To find out more or to register, go to Summit.GeorgiaLogistics.com.  

Jannine Miller, Director of the Center of Innovation for Logistics, says  “Georgia has the complete set of intermodal transportation that cargo-owning companies need, with a world-class combination of ocean, truck, rail and air.   Because Georgia’s economic success is driven by the unparalleled connectivity and options, this is the natural place for the robust network of companies, associations, and government officials to engage in conversation together.”  

Miller continues, “more than anything, it’s important to provide a forum for companies to learn about cost-effective solutions, reliable connections to suppliers and customers, as well as highlights of the latest logistics technology available.”

According to Miller, “Our Center’s goal is to work with companies to find the right solutions for them, because every supply chain is unique. We look at logistics from all angles and ask, ‘How can we assist companies in Georgia’s key industries to find the logistics solutions that will support their business’s growth?’  That’s what makes the Georgia Logistics Summit different than other types of industry conferences, as a state-supported forum to support economic success here – we aim to serve the industries of the state that rely on logistics for the success of their businesses.”

This year’s event kicks off with a chance for attendees to get to know Team Georgia which will include various representatives from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia Tech, and the University of Georgia, with the sole focus being on how Georgia can support our businesses to make the most of all that Georgia has to offer, from tax incentives to workforce development. Immediately following this unique kickoff session, attendees will hear from Governor Nathan Deal during his annual address to the attendees.  

The remainder of the first day of the Summit, on May 16^th, will be full of high-impact sessions including a panel on the emerging technologies that are predicted to disrupt supply chains all over the world.  “We see this session as a major draw, because we will get a preview of what will be happening in the industry in the next three to five years, and we want Georgia companies to be able to learn today, so they can adjust tomorrow, and excel in the future,” says Miller.  This insightful panel discussion will include UPS, Geodis, Georgia Tech and Bloq, and will be teed-up by an address on the U.S. and Global Economic Landscape by a leading economist and expert in international logistics, trade, and technology, Pete Mento of Ryan Global.

This year’s increased focus on logistics technology led to the creation of a brand-new Summit feature; the Logistics Technology Showcase. Anchored by Georgia start-up firms like Predikto, ThingTech, and SmartGladiator, this showcase allows companies to present the latest logistics innovations to attendees.  The Summit is also bringing back one of the most attended sessions last year, its Success Story Roundtables, where presenting companies like Home Depot, Georgia Power, C.H. Robinson, and Freightliner bring a partner company that helped them solve a problem and collectively they share their success story. 

Day 2 of the Georgia Logistics Summit begins with chief executives of the state’s transportation assets, the Georgia Ports Authority, the Georgia State Road & Tollway Authority and the Georgia Department of Transportation.  This impressive team of transportation leaders will impart their top transportation takeaways for the important work their agencies are doing today and planning for the future, to keep Georgia’s transportation assets performing at their best.  The information here will be relevant for all attendees whose companies operate in Georgia and rely on the state’s logistics infrastructure. 

Another popular feature of the Summit making its second appearance this year is the Logistics College Student Showcase and Networking. Here, various universities and their students from around the state will be on hand to talk about their applied learnings in Georgia’s logistics college programs, about their case studies, research, and internships in the fields of supply chain, operations, procurement, and logistics.  

“We have talented young individuals who have a proven interest in the unique and robust career path that logistics offers,” says Miller. “And this special event at the Summit gives the students a chance to show off the programs at their colleges and for professionals and practitioners to meet the next generation workforce.”

The second and final day of the Georgia Logistics Summit is anchored by a dynamic keynote address from a prominent Supply Chain executive. This year, the Summit keynote will be delivered by Sandra MacQuillan, Chief Supply Chain Officer for Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a Fortune 500 company. Previously a Global Vice President of Supply Chain at Mars Incorporated, Sandra is passionate about Supply Chain and the role in plays in driving sustainable business. Sandra is an expert in creating and implementing customer-focused supply strategies and has wide-ranging experience across many consumer goods segments and technologies. Sandra’s keynote will undoubtedly contain a wealth of valuable information for the many cargo owners attending the 2017 Summit.