Expedite All at CSCMP’s Edge 2024

Expedite All had an exceptional experience attending and exhibiting at EDGE 2024, where we immersed ourselves in the latest advancements and transformative strategies defining the future of supply chain management. This year’s event, hosted by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) at the Gaylord Opryland in Nashville, offered us the unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share our expertise, and gain fresh insights that we’re excited to bring back to our operations.

Key Highlights

1. Educational Tracks and Sessions

• The conference featured over 75 educational sessions across 17 dedicated tracks, offering insights into a wide range of supply chain issues. These tracks were designed to address both the immediate challenges facing supply chain professionals and the long-term trends that will shape the industry.

• "The sessions are invaluable," said Mike Ernst, Expedite All’s Chief Operations Officer. "We are bringing back new ideas to implement, ideas that directly contribute to operational improvements."

(Ask The Expert speaker session presented by Trew's Luther Webb, VP of Data Science.)

2. The Role of Technology and Innovation

• The Supply Chain Exchange was a significant draw, allowing attendees to explore cutting-edge technologies that are set to redefine the supply chain landscape. Innovations showcased included equipment, software systems, and next-gen technologies designed to streamline processes, enhance productivity, and ensure a resilient supply chain.

3. Mattel's Success with Rapid Demand Scaling

• Among the notable speakers was Roberto Isias, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mattel, who shared how the brand’s supply chain adapted to meet surging demand following the massive success of the Barbie movie. This case study highlighted the importance of agile supply chains and strategic planning.

(Roberto Isias, Executive Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer at Mattel)

4. Networking Opportunities and Knowledge Sharing

• Beyond formal sessions, the conference offered numerous networking opportunities for attendees to connect with peers and industry experts. Many, like Mike Ernst, emphasized the value of these interactions: "It's in the conversations between sessions where the real knowledge transfer happens. We learn from each other's experiences, discuss real-world applications, and inspire one another to bring back fresh insights to our teams."

(Alex Winston and Mike Ernst engaging with an attendee at the booth.)

Looking Ahead to EDGE 2025

For those who missed EDGE 2024, the conference will return next year at the Gaylord National in Washington D.C., scheduled for October 5-8, 2025. With each year, EDGE continues to build a reputation as the go-to event for supply chain professionals eager to stay ahead of the curve.

Final Takeaway

EDGE 2024 wasn’t just a conference; it was an incubator for future solutions. The collaboration among academia, industry leaders, and service providers demonstrated a collective commitment to navigating the complexities of the global supply chain. As Alex Winston, president of Expedite All, put it, "Our industry faces immense challenges, but conferences like EDGE remind us that we’re not alone. We’re all in this together, building a better supply chain for tomorrow."