2021 AGENDA
The 2021 conference program features an expert-led line-up dedicated to helping you scale, evolve, and find the partners and connections you need to survive this year and beyond. Subscribe below for updates and news.
Michael Anderson
CEO and Co-Founder
Etail Solutions
Speaker: Meeting the 1-2 Day Delivery Challenge: A Strategy to Drive Profitable Fulfillme
Michael Anderson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Etail Solutions, an ecommerce software platform that helps brands and internet retailers drive growth and profitability through automation and operational efficiency. As a software industry entrepreneur, Michael’s background includes extensive experience in ERP development, technology mergers and acquisitions.003C000002O80qVIAR
Matt Barr
Senior Director, Product Strategy
GEODIS
Matt Barr is the Senior Director of Product Strategy for Ecommerce, Americas at Geodis. He is responsible for shaping and delivering ecommerce solutions to meet evolving customer demands around delivering a seamless online shopping experience to their end customers. In his 12 years at Geodis Matt has also served as Senior Director of Product Management, leading the enhancement and positioning of products and services across all lines of business, including warehousing, transportation and freight forwarding. Additionally, Matt has held positions there in sales operations, project management and financial analysis. He has also worked at multiple Fortune 500 companies in a variety of roles.
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Brian Barry
President
F. Curtis Barry & Company
Gina Bernadet
COO
Gardener's Supply Co.
Speaker: Taking a Hammer to the Glass Ceiling: Women in Operations Panel and Reception
Gina Bernadet is the COO of Gardener’s Supply Company, a mission-driven, 100% employee-owned B Corporation with four brick-and-mortar retail locations, a robust ecommerce site and its own manufacturing facility. As COO, Gina oversees all aspects of company operations: Finance, inventory control, the customer contact center, the distribution center and manufacturing. Prior to her pivot to the COO role, she spent 10 years as VP of Direct Marketing, giving her a unique and balanced perspective on the business, which prides itself on using business as a force for good and making the world a better place through gardening.0033b00002eDqEjAAK
Adam Brown
Global Market Development Director
Dematic Corp.
Adam Brown has 20+ years of automated material handling experience, from designing and implementing standalone Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) to fully integrated automated fulfillment solutions. As a Global Market Development Director with Dematic, he has a unique perspective on how end customer buying habits influence not only the retailer’s business needs but also how automation suppliers design solutions that meet those needs. He was formerly Director of Integrator Partner Programs at SSI Schaefer, responsible for developing programs for integrator training. Adam has also served in executive sales and solution development roles, giving him a well-rounded perspective of customers’ needs and how to address them.
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Justin Cramer
Co-Founder
ProShip
Justin is a Co-Founder of ProShip. He has deployed, designed or consulted on over 300 customer shipping solutions on four continents and designed shipping solutions executing more than 1.1 million labels a day. Justin has been on the IT side of shipping since 2001.
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Gareth Cuddy
Chief Revenue Officer
StoryHub.ai
Speaker: In the New Era of Ecommerce, Omnichannel Must Become Unified to Diversify Risk
A serial entrepreneur with over 15 years of founding and scaling high-growth companies in ecommerce, Gareth focuses on helping brands manage and understand their data to increase sales. He has a history of achievement bridging high-growth innovation and startups to large corporations with venture capital and corporate funding, including successes in the U.S. and Europe and 15+ years of complex B2B sales leadership. Gareth has the ability to manage all types of clients and sales processes from startups through multi-billion Fortune 500 companies. He has earned over 40 business and leadership awards and was named to Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 (2015 in Ireland).0033b00002eCXObAAO
Sam Davidson
Co-Founder and CEO
Batch
Speaker: 3PL, 4PL, On Demand: The Evolution of Outsourcing Speaker: Turning Disruption into Opportunity at Batch
Sam Davidson is the co-founder and CEO of Batch, a gift company that sources from small businesses all across the country to offer gifts with a sense of place. Since its founding in 2013, Batch has sold over 1 million small-business made items to its customers all over the world. During COVID-19, Batch shifted away from its brick-and-mortar store to focus entirely on corporate and ecommerce sales, doubling each in less than nine months.0033b00002f9uazAAA
Scott DeGraeve
Head of MFC Solutions
AutoStore Systems Inc.
Scott is head of MFC operations at AutoStore and an experienced practitioner in the online grocery space. He has 20+ years of hands-on experience and continues to be one of the thought leaders in the development of the channel. Scott spent 15 years on the executive team at Peapod and was instrumental in the evolution to its leading position in multiple markets. He held a variety of general management roles there, with particular emphasis on operations, supply chain, and merchandising. Prior to joining AutoStore in 2021, Scott provided consulting to retailers in all aspects of their ecommerce businesses, from road mapping to software deployment.
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Steve DeNunzio
Senior Lecturer
Ohio State University
Speaker: The Boom in Recommerce: Getting Sustainable, Riding the Wave
Steve DeNunzio is Director of Ohio State University’s Master of Business Logistics Engineering (MBLE) degree program, and a Senior Lecturer with the school’s Department of Marketing and Logistics. He previously served as Technical Program Manager for lululemon athletica. Before that Steve served as Senior Project Manager for Bob Evans Foods, and as a Project Manager at DSW Inc. He is a member of the Project Management Institute (PMI), the American Society for the Advancement of Project Management (ASAPM), the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), the American Society for Quality (ASQ) and APICS.003C000002OB4j3IAD
Mike Erickson
President/CEO
AFMS
Speaker: How to Negotiate Best-in-Class Shipping Contracts with UPS, FedEx
With an extensive background in transportation contract negotiations, Mike Erickson, President and Founder of AFMS, has been involved in the transportation industry for nearly three decades. Mike founded AFMS in 1992 after spending many years with Airborne Express as one of its top district managers. He has overseen the growth of AFMS to a nationally recognized logistics consulting organization, with offices in key cities throughout the U.S. and Europe.003C000001Scdx7IAB
Gary Erkavun
CEO, Co-Founder
StoreAutomator
Speaker: In the New Era of Ecommerce, Omnichannel Must Become Unified to Diversify Risk
Gary has over 15 years of experience in ecommerce in various positions, tackling operational and strategic problems of ecommerce retailers. He co-founded StoreAutomator, a provider of ecommerce automation software to help multichannel brands grow online with better product data, listing and order management across every touchpoint from website to warehouse floor.0033b00002f8v1QAAQ
Rob Feiler
CEO
Max Warehouse
Speaker: Meeting the 1-2 Day Delivery Challenge: A Strategy to Drive Profitable Fulfillme
Rob heads up the Max Warehouse team. With a unique array of distributors serving up over 1.2M SKUs, Max Warehouse serves residential and commercial clients across multiple marketplaces including its own Maxwarehouse.com site. With 30% annual growth rates historically and looking forward, the Max team leverages the best technologies and partners to continue its growth.0033b00002eCqruAAC
Drew Forte
Senior Director, Strategic Accounts
Swisslog
Drew Forte is Senior Director, Strategic Account Sales for Swisslog's ecommerce/retail group. He brings more than 25 years of supply chain and material handling industry experience to the role, having served in senior leadership positions for material handling systems suppliers as well as consulting and systems integration firms. Drew's vast experience includes designing machines, processes and systems, as well as implementing ASRS, order fulfillment and manufacturing systems. He has worked with some of the world’s fastest growing retail and grocery companies to help determine and implement their automation strategies. Drew is an active member of a number of industry groups, including WERC and CSCMP.
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Patrick Gill
Co-Founder, CEO
eCommerce Outdoors
Speaker: Hitting a Last-Mile Home Run (If You’re Not a Big Box)
Patrick Gill is a co-founder and CEO of eCommerce Outdoors and has over 24 years of business experience in ecommerce, retail and marketing management with a range of startups, established businesses and nonprofits. Beginning with one online storefront in 1997, TackleDirect has evolved into an international multi-brand and multichannel specialty retailer that has ranked among top ecommerce companies for several years and is in a growing number of outdoor niches. It operates multiple online stores and marketplaces, two physical stores and has sold outdoor gear to customers in 190 countries. Previously, Patrick held internet and marketing management positions with several successful startups and consulted with Fortune 100 companies.003C0000029Nba7IAC
John Hennessy
Senior Sales Director
Alert Innovation Inc
John has been connecting brands and retailers with innovative technology for over 25 years. This includes decision support software and analytics at IRI, personalized marketing at Concept Shopping, wireless shipment monitoring for perishable goods at Locus Traxx, shopper research using virtual stores at Kantar Consulting and now robotics and automation to support profitable grocery ecommerce order fulfillment at Alert Innovation.
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Scott Hennie
President
MH Engineered Solutions
Speaker: Balancing Workforce and Automation in a Disruptive Time
Scott Hennie is a veteran material handling systems integrator. He has worked with clients throughout the U.S. for more than 30 years designing and implementing automation, material handling and storage systems. Hennie and his firm work with clients to develop solutions for their order fulfillment operations goals, strategies and challenges. Solutions have been developed for “greenfield” facilities, existing operation expansions and retrofits, from concept design through project execution and management. Tools implemented include WMS, AS/RS, conveyors and sortation systems, static storage systems and warehouse controls software. Hennie served on the MHEDA board of directors from 2007-2017 and as president in 2014.003C000002FJeiZIAT
Matthew Hertz
Co-Founder
Second Marathon
Matt is the Co-Founder of Second Marathon, an advisory practice he founded in 2017 as a way to support emerging and high-growth ecommerce startups solve the same complex supply chain challenges he faced as Head of Operations at Birchbox, Rent the Runway and Shyp. Second Marathon has supported the operations at such startups including Away, Haus, Barkbox, Milk Bar, Open Farm and many others. Matt has spent his career building, scaling, and managing complex ecommerce supply chain operations. He began his operations career in New York as part of the founding teams at Rent the Runway and Birchbox where he led logistics operations.
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Martin Hickey
Senior Manager, Direct to Consumer Team
Fruit of the Loom
Mark Irvin
Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Officer
Best Buy
Mark Irvin is responsible for Best Buy’s strategy for creating and sustaining an inclusive work environment for its 125,000 employees, overseeing all programs aimed at attracting, retaining and growing diverse talent and perspectives. Mark has spent most of his 30-year career in supply chain leadership but has always had a passion for people and leadership development, dating back to his time as a captain in the U.S. Army. Most recently, Mark served as Best Buy’s SVP of supply chain, overseeing all of the company’s distribution centers. He was instrumental in realigning its supply chain structure to drive innovation and efficiency, resulting in exceptional customer experiences. Prior to joining Best Buy in 2013, Mark held a variety of supply chain leadership roles at Target for 11 years.
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Deanna Kaufman
Vice President, Sales
enVista
Speaker: Taking a Hammer to the Glass Ceiling: Women in Operations Panel and Reception Speaker: Software Selection: Fulfillment Tech Considerations for the Non-Technical
Deanna is Vice President of Sales at enVista, focusing on bringing supply chain solutions to major clients in retail and ecommerce. Previously she was at FedEx for over 20 years where she was a managing consultant in its Customer Solutions’ Design and Implementation global team focused on retail and ecommerce. Deanna worked with FedEx’s marketing team to bring new services to market and facilitated an Ecommerce Executive Customer Advisory Board. Before that FedEx Deanna spent nine years in international business, software globalization and localization with major corporations including AT&T and small consulting firms.003C000001mHDFwIAO
John Kinsella
Partner
Red Banks Consulting
Speaker: Software Selection: Fulfillment Tech Considerations for the Non-Technical
John Kinsella is a 30+ year executive and advisor to high-profile retailers in creating differentiated customer experiences, omnichannel retail management, strength-based strategic execution and facilitating organizational change. John has held executive-level positions at Lowe’s Home Improvement, Urban Outfitters, Williams-Sonoma and Smith & Hawken. He has also consulted with over 80 brands and omnichannel retailers. As a senior executive or advisor, John has succeeded in creating customer-centric strategies for brands to increase customer loyalty and drive sustainable growth. He combines strategy development with omnichannel retail knowledge and industry best practices to ensure practical, effective solutions that incorporate the organization, processes and enhanced technology.0033b00002f8qxeAAA
Katie Langrock
Vice President, Operations
Vermont Teddy Bear
Speaker: Taking a Hammer to the Glass Ceiling: Women in Operations Panel and Reception Speaker: Beyond the Go Live: Managing Your Latest Implementation
Since August 2017 Katie has been Vice President of Operations for Vermont Teddy Bear, returning to the company she worked with for 16 years. Prior to that, she was COO at Commando, where she oversaw everything from R&D and production to distribution, IT and accounting. Katie joined Vermont Teddy Bear in 1997 as retail and tour manager, rising to VP of Operations in 2003 and to COO in 2010. In that role she managed the Global Sourcing team, responsible for developing, producing and importing apparel for sister company Pajamagram; a 150-seat contact center and a 120,000-square-foot final assembly and distribution center.003C000001dCbynIAC
Tim Marker
Managing Director
AFMS
Speaker: How to Negotiate Best-in-Class Shipping Contracts with UPS, FedEx
Tim Marker has 30 years of experience in transportation and 27 years as an Account Manager with FedEx. He held several positions including field sales, major sales, worldwide sales and specialty sales (private equity). Tim understands this space very well and is entirely familiar with FedEx, UPS, DHL and niche regional carrier pricing strategies and agreements.0033b00002eE2LkAAK
Israel Maynard
Senior Director, International Logistics and Fulfillment
Burton
Speaker: Getting Your Shipping Plans Buttoned Up Heading Into Peak
Israel has been with Burton for 14 years and is the Senior Director of Operations. He oversees the company’s supply chain from origin through final mile, and is actively engaged in its transition and strategy shift to service its growing direct-to-customer (DTC) channel. Additionally, Israel has extensive experience in APAC, especially mainland China. His tenure has included a 3.5-year expat assignment setting up a WFOE (aka Burton China) in Beijing.0033b00002WCrKWAA1
Michael Miller
Deputy Director of Engineering
Virginia Tech Applied Research Corp.
Michael S. Miller is the Deputy Director of the Engineering, Test & Evaluation Division at Virginia Tech Applied Research Corporation (VT-ARC) where he leads the development of applied research projects in the areas of aerospace, defense, wireless communications, 4G/5G applications, unmanned platforms, autonomous systems and cyber security. Prior to joining VT-ARC, Michael was the Director of Operations for a midsized defense contracting company. He also spent six years as a Senior Advisor on the Secretary of Defense’s ISR Task Force, where he provided oversight in advancing and accelerating the development of over $900M in innovative capabilities for global military operations.
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Mike O'Brien
Senior Content Manager
Multichannel Merchant
Speaker: Developing a Successful Multi-Carrier Strategy Speaker: Hitting a Last-Mile Home Run (If You’re Not a Big Box) Speaker: At the Bar: The Case for MFC Beyond Grocery
Mike has worked in journalism and communications for more than 30 years. In his current role at Multichannel Merchant he is responsible for producing and managing editorial content across website, e-letters, reports, webinars and podcasts covering all aspects of ecommerce. As lead programmer for Ecommerce Operations Summit he is also responsible for all aspects of the event’s agenda, including speaker recruitment. Prior to MCM he was a public relations senior account executive working with clients in marketing and advertising services. Mike has also worked as a media relations consultant for a startup nonprofit concert promoter, a research analyst covering corporate training and a daily newspaper reporter on a variety of city beats.003C000001maykOIAQ
Michael Pakula
CEO
BoxC Logistics, Inc.
Speaker: Winning at China Fulfillment: Going DTC from Origin
Michael Pakula is the CEO of BoxC, a global logistics startup that simplifies the complexity of international parcel shipping, as well as bringing together logistics and compliance resources from around the world into a single platform. Michael’s experience covers international logistics, retail, both online and bricks, and mortar as well as product sourcing. He has extensive business and operational experience in China, Hong Kong and Asia in general and has been involved in DTC shipping from the country of manufacture for over 10 years, including fulfillment in China and Hong Kong.0033b00002XDON4AAP
Kate Pienpuck
President and COO
Beauty Bridge INC
Speaker: In the New Era of Ecommerce, Omnichannel Must Become Unified to Diversify Risk
Kate is a co-founder of Beauty Bridge, a leading multichannel marketplace for prestige beauty, and an industrial and operations research engineer turned entrepreneur. She previously worked in R&D and operations research with several international companies including Honda, Hamamatsu Japan, Bayer Leverkusen, EGAT (Electrical Generating Authority of Thailand), Pfizer and Purdue Pharma. She has more than 15 years experience specializing in operations, business and data analytics strategy, brand relations, buying, marketing and technology in omnichannel retail.0033b00002f9r5QAAQ
Steve Reade
Senior Director of Supply Chain Strategy
DSW
Speaker: Software Selection: Fulfillment Tech Considerations for the Non-Technical Speaker: Balancing Workforce and Automation in a Disruptive Time
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Chris Richter
Founder and CEO
FloorFound
Speaker: The Boom in Recommerce: Getting Sustainable, Riding the Wave
Chris Richter is the founder and CEO of FloorFound, which is focused on bringing new levels of sustainability and reuse to the oversized ecommerce space through its industry-leading circular commerce platform. He has spent 25 years in technology including key go-to-market roles with leading enterprise SaaS businesses Bazaarvoice, Edgecase (aquired by GroupBy, Inc.) and Convey, where he was VP Revenue. Chris was also founder and CEO of Socialware (aquired by ProofPoint), a leader in social media compliance and auditing. Chris has a deep background in retail/ecommerce and operations and has been passionately building companies and teams over the course of his career.0033b00002eCGmpAAG
Laura Ritchey
COO
Radial
Speaker: Taking a Hammer to the Glass Ceiling: Women in Operations Panel and Reception
As Chief Operating Officer, Laura Ritchey leads Radial’s business units: customer care, fulfillment, transportation and omnichannel as well as the operational excellence function. She is responsible for executing and implementing Radial’s day-to-day operational plans with a strategic mindset and client-centric focus. Laura has more than 20 years of experience leading retail, manufacturing, distribution and business operations with a successful track record of steering strategic initiatives resulting in business process enhancements. She previously held the COO position at Centric Brands, FullBeauty Brands and served in senior leadership and executive operations roles at L Brands.0033b00002eD8RhAAK
Michael Ryan
VP, Parcel Solutions
Flat World Global Solutions
Speaker: The Ins and Outs of International Shipping for SMBs
Michael Ryan has an extensive background in the small parcel business and global supply chain arena. He has held executive positions with DHL Express, GENCO/FedEx and Visible Supply Chain Services. Michael has worked with many global organizations in developing integrated small parcel shipping programs and complex supply chain solutions. He also has worked with many SMBs in developing parcel optimization solutions for organizations that don’t have the resources or buying power of enterprise shippers. Michael has a passion for developing parcel solutions that meet or exceed a shipper’s customer delivery expectations at a competitive cost.0033b00002S6D8MAAV
Saheb Sabharwal
Chief Logistics Officer
Cart.com
Speaker: Lunch & Learn: Pain Point to Strategic Advantage: You Don’t Have to Hate Your 3P
Saheb Sabharwal is Chief Logistics Officer of Cart.com, the first end-to-end Ecommerce-as-a-Service (ECaaS) company. Previously, he was Managing Director at CSL, a VCl and PE fund that raised $2 Billion in capital. Prior to that, he was an Engagement Manager at McKinsey & Company, where he focused on operations, strategy and M&A engagements for Fortune 500 companies including UPS and AT&T.0033b00002gel8SAAQ
Jay B. Sauceda
Co-Founder, VP of Logistics
Cart.com
Speaker: Lunch & Learn: Pain Point to Strategic Advantage: You Don’t Have to Hate Your 3P
Jay B. Sauceda is VP of Logistics and co-founder at Cart.com, the first end-to-end Ecommerce-as-a-Service (ECaaS) company. He previously co-founded and served as CEO of Sauceda Industries, a fulfillment and logistics specialist dedicated to helping ecommerce businesses to rapidly scale their operations. Sauceda also founded TexasHumor.com, turning the popular Twitter account into a thriving ecommerce business, and Public School, an Austin-based design and photography studio.0033b00002gelCRAAY
Sender Shamiss
President and CEO
goTRG
Speaker: The Boom in Recommerce: Getting Sustainable, Riding the Wave
Sender Shamiss is the co-founder and CEO of goTRG, a global returns management platform that helps retailers and manufacturers mitigate financial and environmental waste from returns. goTRG connects technology with supply chain and recommerce opportunities and intelligently dispositions returned or overstock inventory to its most profitable path. He is a lifelong entrepreneur, and since the 1990s has built multiple successful companies in the space of ecommerce and supply chain.0033b00002f9r5RAAQ
Michael Shaughnessy
EVP, Operations, Supply Chain and Emerging Markets
Balsam Brands
Speaker: Getting Your Shipping Plans Buttoned Up Heading Into Peak
Mike is responsible for ensuring that Balsam Brands shipments get to their destinations around the world, whether a warehouse or a customer’s home. He has had multiple careers all relating to operations, from flying things that go fast, to running a manufacturing startup to his current role at Balsam.0033b00002f8JMUAA2
Sachin Shetty
Associate Director, Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC)
Old Dominion University
Sachin Shetty is an Associate Director in the Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center and holds a joint appointment as an Associate Professor with the Department of Computational Modeling and Simulation Engineering at Old Dominion University. Previously, Sachin was an Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Tennessee State University. His research interests lie at the intersection of computer networking, network security and machine learning. Within the last 10 years, Sachin completed many large-scale projects with multiple collaborators and institutions and served as the PI/Co-PI on various grants and contracts totaling more than $16 million, funded by various military and federal government departments and private businesses.
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Nate Skiver
Founder
LPF Spend Management
Speaker: Getting Your Shipping Plans Buttoned Up Heading Into Peak
Nate Skiver has 18 years of retail supply chain and ecommerce experience, with a focus on parcel transportation management. He is the founder of LPF Spend Management, a consultancy that helps ecommerce companies compete on shipping. Previously Nate was Senior Manager, Parcel Network Design with Gap Inc. He was also Director of Logistics for Stella & Dot, leading its North American outbound transportation, global inbound transportation and trade compliance. Prior to that, Nate held various roles at Abercrombie & Fitch managing its global parcel transportation and order fulfillment operations.003C000001rFUVsIAO
Andrew Smith
Vice President
AFMS
Speaker: How to Negotiate Best-in-Class Shipping Contracts with UPS, FedEx
Andrew is an expert in global small parcel freight negotiation. During Andrew's tenure with UPS as a sales manager, his strategic negotiating skills resulted in over $100 million in new business. He was consistently ranked in the top 5% of sales performance and repeatedly achieved the Chairman’s Circle Award. As a Managing Director at AFMS Logistics Management Group, Andrew has utilized his experience to recapture tens of millions in freight expenses for his clients. His results are not limited to savings as they cover a wide gamut of supply chain initiatives, including customs compliance, invoice auditing, strategic sourcing, contract implementation, global logistics management and more.0033b00002eE2MEAA0
Douglas Smith
Vice President, Supply Chain and Logistics
Boot Barn
Speaker: Balancing Workforce and Automation in a Disruptive Time
Douglas Smith is a multifaceted supply chain and operations executive with over 30 years’ experience in a wide range of industries including military, retail, ecommerce, manufacturing and repair support. He has used his experience to improve operations at companies such as PetSmart, Guitar Center and Sony Electronics. At Boot Barn, Doug leads the logistics, operations and customer experience groups. He builds teams that focus on exceeding customer expectations while reducing costs through innovative process improvement. In addition to supply chain, Doug also has worked in inventory planning, strategic business development and system integration project management. He is also involved with industry organizations and speaks at various supply chain events annually.003C000001XVA1UIAX
Kara Soulia
Director of Operations
Vermont Country Store
Speaker: Beyond the Go Live: Managing Your Latest Implementation
Kara Soulia is responsible for all aspects of customer service and distribution at The Vermont Country Store, as well as the company’s bakery and operations center facility. The operations center services all the company’s direct-to-consumer order fulfillment (catalog and web) and provides inventory restocking for its retail business. Kara began her career in the hospitality industry, and joined The Vermont Country Store fulfillment team in 2000, serving in a variety of management roles within operations throughout her tenure.003C000002FJv2VIAT
Matt Troy
Global Ecommerce Manager
House of Cheatham, Inc.
Matt Troy has more than 35 years of experience growing and leading iconic national and international brands, launching innovative startups and consulting with fast-growing companies and nonprofits to help them focus and succeed. With a unique blend of problem-solving creativity and attention to detail, Matt’s passion for new challenges and opportunities drives innovative and strategic utilization of owned resources and scalable third-party partners in retail, ecommerce, DTC, B2B, IT, marketing, contact centers, and manufacturing/distribution/fulfillment operations.
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Aaron Turk
SVP, Operations and Corporate Development
Floyd
Speaker: The Boom in Recommerce: Getting Sustainable, Riding the Wave
Aaron is the SVP of Operations and Corporate Development at Floyd, a direct-to-consumer furniture brand based in Detroit and focused on creating products of lasting quality for how people live today. He is responsible for all supply chain activity from sourcing through last mile delivery, as well as customer experience and business operations. Aaron previously worked as a management consultant for BCG where he advised clients in the automotive/mobility, consumer goods, and public sectors. Prior to BCG, Aaron served as an officer in the U.S. Navy for nearly a decade, which included several combat deployments as an aviator and a staff tour at the Pentagon.0033b00002eClzLAAS
Letitia Webster
SVP, Ecommerce, Omnichannel and Master Data Management
Tractor Supply Company
Speaker: Keynote: Meeting Evolving Customer Needs in a Growth Mode
Letitia Webster is the SVP of Ecommerce, Omnichannel and Master Data Management for Tractor Supply, responsible for building a seamless omnichannel customer experience. She joined the company in 2014 as the Divisional Merchandise Manager for Omnichannel, moving up to VP of Omnichannel in March 2015. Previously Letitia spent 27 years at Sears Holdings Corp., most recently as Senior Director and General Manager of Online. She has been recognized as one of the “Women Changing the Retail World” as well as one of the “Top Women in Retail Tech.” With over 1,900 stores across 49 states, an ecommerce website at TractorSupply.com and annual sales of $10.62 billion, Tractor Supply Company is the largest rural lifestyle retailer in the United States.0033b00002eQlU4AAK
Brittany Whitenack
Founder
Antique Candle Co.
Speaker: Building a CX Strategy That Boosts Reorders and AOV
Brittany Whitenack is the CEO and founder of Antique Candle Co. Over a period of seven years, she has grown the business, which manufactures and sells farmhouse soy candles, from $200 worth of candle-making supplies to a thriving operation employing 70+ and annual revenue of $10M. Brittany is active in community revitalization and local nonprofits, and her alma mater is Purdue University, where she speaks to various groups about entrepreneurship and management.0033b00002eQlMAAA0
Ryan Zelnis
Consultant Manager, Supply Chain Strategy
Blue Horseshoe
Speaker: Balancing Workforce and Automation in a Disruptive Time
Ryan Zelnis is a supply chain strategy consulting manager at Blue Horseshoe with 10 years of experience helping businesses meet their complex logistic and supply chain needs. He leverages industry best practices and the latest trends in automation and technology to guide clients through process improvement, greenfield/brownfield facility design and material handling equipment concepting and implementation.0033b00002f9u8yAAA
Monday | August 16
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Badge Pick-Up Party
Room: Tennessee Ballroom Lobby
Let the networking begin! Stop by registration, pick up your badge, grab a cocktail and say hi to your peers to kick off Ecommerce Operations Summit 2021 the right way. Food and beverage are complimentary, and we look forward to starting the event with you on a high note!
2021-08-16
Tuesday | August 17
7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Registration Open
Room: Tennessee Ballroom Foyer
In Ryman Exhibit Hall, Foyer B
2021-08-17
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
Room: Tennessee Ballroom Lobby
Sponsored by Logistyx
2021-08-17
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Keynote: Building a Workforce for the New Era
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
The world, and the world of work along with it, has been turned upside down – and not just by the pandemic. The up-and-coming generations that will continue to fill the ranks of your workforce look a lot different than even in the recent past. What drives and motivates them? What are their core values and what’s important to them? How does the imperative of inclusivity resonate with them, and how is that reflected in your organization, including its leadership? In this keynote presentation, Mark Irvin, Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Talent Officer at Best Buy and formerly its SVP of distribution, will cover the major retailer’s workforce management journey, from associates to management. He’ll share how demographic, economic, cultural and industry changes are impacting his mission, and how they’re being addressed today with an eye to the future.
Speaker:
- Mark Irvin, Chief Diversity, Inclusion and Talent Officer, Best Buy
2021-08-17
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
Room: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by ProShip
2021-08-17
02
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Balancing Workforce and Automation in a Disruptive Time
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Ecommerce fulfillment operations are being challenged to attract and retain adequate labor to meet fluctuating demands. Market conditions, including unemployment benefits and stimulus payments, as well as COVID fears, are dis-incenting many who would normally work as floor associates. Rising wages and fierce competition are additional headwinds. This has led to a surge in adoption of automation and robotics to fight against “labor dependency.” But how do you strike the right balance? How much automation, and what kinds to invest in, and how much labor do you need? This session will address the factors involved in this important calculus.
You will learn:
• About the unsustainability of throwing more labor at the problem
• How automation can help you level out variations in throughput
• How the ROI calculus of automation and robotics is changing
• The evolving nature of the automation/workforce equation
You will learn:
• About the unsustainability of throwing more labor at the problem
• How automation can help you level out variations in throughput
• How the ROI calculus of automation and robotics is changing
• The evolving nature of the automation/workforce equation
Moderator:
- Ryan Zelnis, Consultant Manager, Supply Chain Strategy, Blue Horseshoe
Panelists:
- Scott Hennie, President, MH Engineered Solutions
- Douglas Smith, Vice President, Supply Chain and Logistics, Boot Barn
- Steve Reade, Senior Director of Supply Chain Strategy, DSW
2021-08-17
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Winning at China Fulfillment: Going DTC from Origin
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
Brands and sellers sourcing their products in China and Southeast Asia have always been intrigued with the idea of ecommerce fulfillment at origin and shipping direct to consumer. This strategy gives you a fast, cost-effective distribution network to support your global marketing strategies. It enables low-cost fulfillment in the country of origin and DTC global shipping. There have been many challenges, including cultural differences, concerns about Intellectual Property rights, IT and generally, “How do we do that?” We’ll show you how these can be overcome to create an effective ship-from-origin program.
You will learn:
• The costs and possibilities for brands and sellers
• The benefits of DTC shipping from origin
• Potential pitfalls for shippers to be aware of
• Key things to consider when preparing for DTC from origin
You will learn:
• The costs and possibilities for brands and sellers
• The benefits of DTC shipping from origin
• Potential pitfalls for shippers to be aware of
• Key things to consider when preparing for DTC from origin
Speaker:
- Michael Pakula, CEO, BoxC Logistics, Inc.
2021-08-17
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
3PL, 4PL, On Demand: The Evolution of Outsourcing
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
As market conditions and shipper demands continue to shift moving out of the pandemic and lockdown phase, the outsourcing space is evolving to meet the dynamic needs of ecommerce shippers. Both 3PL and 4PL providers have their pluses and minuses, depending on whether you need more flexibility or are able to cede some control to your partner. At the same time, warehouse on demand solutions have been steadily gaining traction, and can be a great option for temporary spikes if you meet the profile. This session will break down the various outsourcing options, when they make sense and how to get the most value out of the relationship.
You will learn:
• How market conditions have shifted the economics of outsourcing
• How pricing and other key factors fit into the decision matrix
• When it makes sense to consider an on-demand solution
• About the elements of a successful outsourcing partnership
You will learn:
• How market conditions have shifted the economics of outsourcing
• How pricing and other key factors fit into the decision matrix
• When it makes sense to consider an on-demand solution
• About the elements of a successful outsourcing partnership
Moderator:
- Matthew Hertz, Co-Founder, Second Marathon
Panelists:
- Matt Troy, Global Ecommerce Manager, House of Cheatham, Inc.
- Sam Davidson, Co-Founder and CEO, Batch
- Matt Barr, Senior Director, Product Strategy, GEODIS
2021-08-17
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
How to Negotiate Best-in-Class Shipping Contracts with UPS, FedEx
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
It’s no secret that the major carriers have been playing hardball with shippers in the pandemic era, including unforgiving volume caps and left-behind trailers. And their rates are through the roof, with no letup in sight. Hear tips from former FedEX and UPS executives, including how to negotiate better discounts in this challenging environment. Learn how to establish critical shipping cost benchmarks prior to beginning any carrier negotiations. This presentation will also cover the impact of new accessorials and peak season surcharges, and share strategies for reducing these fees.
You will learn:
• Tips to negotiate better carrier shipping discounts
• Strategies to protect your peak season volumes from being capped
• Tips on how to cut peak season and residential fees in half
• Domestic and international parcel shipping solutions across carriers
You will learn:
• Tips to negotiate better carrier shipping discounts
• Strategies to protect your peak season volumes from being capped
• Tips on how to cut peak season and residential fees in half
• Domestic and international parcel shipping solutions across carriers
Speakers:
- Mike Erickson, President/CEO, AFMS
- Andrew Smith, Vice President, AFMS
- Tim Marker, Managing Director, AFMS
2021-08-17
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Lunch & Learn: Pain Point to Strategic Advantage: You Don’t Have to Hate Your 3PL
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Logistics and fulfillment are a key pain point for both up-and-coming and established ecommerce brands — but companies that find the right partners and leverage new technologies effectively can turn logistical prowess into a key differentiator for their brands. With intelligent inventory management, strategically distributed fulfillment locations and robust people-centric management, it’s possible to get shipments to customers faster and turn logistics into a strength instead of a liability.
In this Lunch & Learn session, learn how Cart.com stood up 8 new fulfillment centers with over half a million square feet of logistics space in just 8 months, and how they’re using best-of-breed infrastructure and analytics to drive scalable success for ecommerce brands.
You will learn:
• How to drive agile and effective fulfillment based on regional customer clusters
• How Cart.com is scaling a people-first approach to logistics and how you can assess the culture of a 3PL
• How to select the right partners for your ecommerce fulfillment plans and hold them accountable
• How to implement a scalable fulfillment strategy tailored to the maturity of your ecommerce business
In this Lunch & Learn session, learn how Cart.com stood up 8 new fulfillment centers with over half a million square feet of logistics space in just 8 months, and how they’re using best-of-breed infrastructure and analytics to drive scalable success for ecommerce brands.
You will learn:
• How to drive agile and effective fulfillment based on regional customer clusters
• How Cart.com is scaling a people-first approach to logistics and how you can assess the culture of a 3PL
• How to select the right partners for your ecommerce fulfillment plans and hold them accountable
• How to implement a scalable fulfillment strategy tailored to the maturity of your ecommerce business
Speakers:
- Jay B. Sauceda, Co-Founder, VP of Logistics, Cart.com
- Saheb Sabharwal, Chief Logistics Officer, Cart.com
2021-08-17
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Software Selection: Fulfillment Tech Considerations for the Non-Technical
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
As you go through the selection process for new software to improve your fulfillment, supply chain logistics or shipping/delivery capabilities, is the process viewed through the lens of the fulfillment technology model capabilities and limitations? Are you activating the optimal technology features and data integrations to drive an enhanced fulfillment experience and internal efficiencies? What do you as an executive, manager or project team member need to understand? For example, what are your customer experience and business effectiveness goals for the software? Specifically, what key data processing solution elements and data formats will support your enhanced operations? In some cases, middleware may be required to bridge between systems for data transfer.
This expert-led session will walk through various considerations and scenarios to prioritize key selection considerations and help you make a smart decision that is best aligned with your unique business needs.
You will learn:
• How to prioritize technology and data solutions to support better CX and internal efficiencies
• The importance of documenting technology and data requirements to meet future needs
• A better understandings of data flows to articulate system requirements
• How to more easily identify the TCO to better align with strategic objectives
This expert-led session will walk through various considerations and scenarios to prioritize key selection considerations and help you make a smart decision that is best aligned with your unique business needs.
You will learn:
• How to prioritize technology and data solutions to support better CX and internal efficiencies
• The importance of documenting technology and data requirements to meet future needs
• A better understandings of data flows to articulate system requirements
• How to more easily identify the TCO to better align with strategic objectives
Moderator:
- John Kinsella, Partner, Red Banks Consulting
Panelists:
- Deanna Kaufman, Vice President, Sales, enVista
- Steve Reade, Senior Director of Supply Chain Strategy, DSW
2021-08-17
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
Turning Disruption into Opportunity at Batch
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Like many others in 2020, Batch, a gift company specializing in artisan-made goods from around the U.S., pivoted away from brick-and-mortar fully into ecommerce, as well as corporate gifting. Doing so during a global pandemic allowed the company to double its fulfillment center space and triple its ecommerce customers and sales. The Batch operations team also managed to quadruple its parcel shipping volume by setting up processes that scale. Each operational improvement resulted in better customer satisfaction and increased revenue, all during the massive disruption of COVID-19.
You will learn:
• How to place and measure small bets that can have a large impact
• How adding a charitable component to your sales channel increases reach and results
• How to empower your team to look for ways to increase profits
• How unplanned events can help you plan big things
You will learn:
• How to place and measure small bets that can have a large impact
• How adding a charitable component to your sales channel increases reach and results
• How to empower your team to look for ways to increase profits
• How unplanned events can help you plan big things
Speaker:
- Sam Davidson, Co-Founder and CEO, Batch
2021-08-17
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
At the Bar: The Case for MFC Beyond Grocery
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
The use case for micro fulfillment center (MFC) technology to fulfill local online grocery orders has become well-established in recent years, with companies from Ahold Delhaize and Albertsons to Walmart implementing solutions. But what about its use for other types of orders across the spectrum of categories in ecommerce? Beyond the size limitations of the shuttles used in an MFC, what other restrictions are there? When and where does an implementation make sense, and what are the economics? This expert-led session, featuring two top MFC providers, will dive into these questions and give you insights as you consider your last-mile fulfillment options.
You will learn:
• All about MFC and how the technology works
• About its integration with other systems
• How MFC can fit into different network/inventory models
• The pluses and minuses of an MFC implementation
You will learn:
• All about MFC and how the technology works
• About its integration with other systems
• How MFC can fit into different network/inventory models
• The pluses and minuses of an MFC implementation
Moderator:
- Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager, Multichannel Merchant
Panelists:
- John Hennessy, Senior Sales Director, Alert Innovation Inc
- Scott DeGraeve, Head of MFC Solutions, AutoStore Systems Inc.
- Drew Forte, Senior Director, Strategic Accounts, Swisslog
2021-08-17
2:30 PM – 3:15 PM
Getting Your Shipping Plans Buttoned Up Heading Into Peak
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
After a wild and wooly ride through the worst stages of the pandemic and lockdowns, things have calmed down somewhat in the world of ecommerce shipping – or have they? With duopoly capacity still an ongoing issue, and charges heaped atop charges, how do you ensure you’ll have what you need at crunch time, without getting killed? How about SLA expectations and parcel audits to ensure you’re getting your money’s worth? Our expert panel will look into these critical issues to give you their honest assessment of where things stand entering peak 2021.
This session will cover:
• All aspects of peak season planning and execution
• Dealing with capacity limits and delivery predictability
• Navigating the labyrinth of charges and surcharges
• Working early to nail down SLAs and capacity guarantees
This session will cover:
• All aspects of peak season planning and execution
• Dealing with capacity limits and delivery predictability
• Navigating the labyrinth of charges and surcharges
• Working early to nail down SLAs and capacity guarantees
Moderator:
- Nate Skiver, Founder, LPF Spend Management
Panelists:
- Israel Maynard, Senior Director, International Logistics and Fulfillment, Burton
- Michael Shaughnessy, EVP, Operations, Supply Chain and Emerging Markets, Balsam Brands
2021-08-17
3:15 PM – 3:45 PM
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
Room: Ryman Exhibit Hall
Sponsored by SupplyOne
2021-08-17
02
3:50 PM – 4:35 PM
Hitting a Last-Mile Home Run (If You’re Not a Big Box)
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
There’s a steady drumbeat of news about the latest and greatest in fulfillment and delivery innovation from the likes of Amazon, Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Best Buy, etc. The deep-pocketed majors continue to pour millions (even billions) into technology, facilities, personnel and strategies to shrink the last mile, tap vast networks, get it there yesterday and deliver an outsized experience. But what about the rest of the market? What kind of solutions and practices can be put in place to optimize the last mile and bedazzle your customers? This session will explore practical tips and solutions that will enable mid-market players to punch above their weight.
You will learn:
● About last-mile players and solutions entering the market
● How they are geared to the particular needs of SMB shippers
● The pluses and minuses of various last-mile strategies, and how they impact the customer experience
● Insights and examples from shippers about their last-mile approach
You will learn:
● About last-mile players and solutions entering the market
● How they are geared to the particular needs of SMB shippers
● The pluses and minuses of various last-mile strategies, and how they impact the customer experience
● Insights and examples from shippers about their last-mile approach
Speakers:
- Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager, Multichannel Merchant
- Patrick Gill, Co-Founder, CEO, eCommerce Outdoors
2021-08-17
3:50 PM – 4:50 PM
Taking a Hammer to the Glass Ceiling: Women in Operations Panel and Reception
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
While diversity and inclusion initiatives have been top-of-mind for organizations this past year, Gartner says women make up only 17% of chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and less than 40% of the total supply chain/logistics workforce. Many organizations are working to shrink this gender gap and encourage more women to pursue careers in the industry. The world relied on successful supply chain operations during the pandemic, and the industry needs innovative thinkers and diverse leadership in order to see continued momentum and growth. This session will address ways that organizations are working to increase representation and opportunity, and include a look into some personal journeys.
You will hear:
• How women are rising up the chain in the industry, and advice for up-and-comers
• How businesses can support female development in supply chain and logistics
• Why gender barriers discourage women from pursuing a career in the industry
• How women make supply chain programs more successful, from a business and employee perspective
You will hear:
• How women are rising up the chain in the industry, and advice for up-and-comers
• How businesses can support female development in supply chain and logistics
• Why gender barriers discourage women from pursuing a career in the industry
• How women make supply chain programs more successful, from a business and employee perspective
Moderator:
- Laura Ritchey, COO, Radial
Panelists:
- Deanna Kaufman, Vice President, Sales, enVista
- Gina Bernadet, COO, Gardener's Supply Co.
- Katie Langrock, Vice President, Operations, Vermont Teddy Bear
2021-08-17
Wednesday | August 18
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
5G, IoT and the Smart Warehouse of the Future
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Fast 5G wireless connectivity, combined with Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks, will profoundly change logistics management in next-gen smart warehouses. A massive network of 5G connected sensors can track every object in real time, too expensive with current technology, slashing the time required to manage and restock items. Smart warehouses will also enable an autonomous vehicle network, including vehicle-to-vehicle communication for automated trucks and warehouse robots. Beyond that, this technology can provide insights into the location of trucks and drivers at a facility, optimizing assignments to maximize loading/unloading and dynamic routing.
Speakers:
- Sachin Shetty, Associate Director, Virginia Modeling, Analysis and Simulation Center (VMASC), Old Dominion University
- Michael Miller, Deputy Director of Engineering, Virginia Tech Applied Research Corp.
2021-08-18
9:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Meeting the 1-2 Day Delivery Challenge: A Strategy to Drive Profitable Fulfillment
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
Ecommerce shoppers demand one, two or even same day delivery. That creates massive logistics and profitability challenges that often can only be met by placing inventory in multiple locations for fulfillment, closer to customers to cut delivery time and expense. It’s called distributed logistics and it’s moved from something only large companies could consider to table stakes for all ecommerce brands. This session examines how any size brand can leverage distributed logistics and new fulfillment models like 3PL networks, marketplace fulfillment, BOPIS and others to profitability meet the 1–2-day delivery challenge, improving margins while minimizing risk and upfront investment.
You will learn:
• How to distributed logistics can reinvent your 1–2-day fulfillment capabilities
• The 5 critical functions of distributed logistics you need to understand and address
• How a focus on yield management and an iterative strategy lets you get started with what you have today
• How to future proof your fulfillment strategy – for a future no one can predict
You will learn:
• How to distributed logistics can reinvent your 1–2-day fulfillment capabilities
• The 5 critical functions of distributed logistics you need to understand and address
• How a focus on yield management and an iterative strategy lets you get started with what you have today
• How to future proof your fulfillment strategy – for a future no one can predict
Speakers:
- Michael Anderson, CEO and Co-Founder, Etail Solutions
- Rob Feiler, CEO, Max Warehouse
2021-08-18
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Beyond the Go Live: Managing Your Latest Implementation
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
You spent months preparing for implementation of a major piece of hardware or software for your ecommerce fulfillment operations, training your teams and working diligently to ensure proper integration with your other systems and processes. Then came the successful go live, and there were handshakes and high fives all around. But now it’s months later, and you find yourself dealing with issues that have arisen since the “shakedown cruise” period, all while hustling to not skip a beat in the order flow, keeping your customers happy. This session will address common pain points that surface in years one and two post go-live, and how to address them.
You will learn:
• About dealing with inevitable “after math” issues that crop up
• About the critical role of an empowered project manager
• About creation of specification documents for program changes
• About post-implementation audits to address incomplete items
You will learn:
• About dealing with inevitable “after math” issues that crop up
• About the critical role of an empowered project manager
• About creation of specification documents for program changes
• About post-implementation audits to address incomplete items
Moderator:
- Brian Barry, President, F. Curtis Barry & Company
Panelists:
- Katie Langrock, Vice President, Operations, Vermont Teddy Bear
- Kara Soulia, Director of Operations, Vermont Country Store
2021-08-18
10:30 AM – 11:15 AM
Building a CX Strategy That Boosts Reorders and AOV
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
With the average American receiving 10,000 ad impressions each day, how do you maintain and expand a loyal customer base? The answer is a consistent, spectacular customer experience! In this informative session loaded with practical tips, hear from the founder and CEO of a successful DTC brand about how they have implemented their CX strategy, helping to boost reorder rates while increasing AOV. Stop spinning your wheels trying to cut through the CX hype, and gain helpful insights on how to optimize product packaging, draw customers into your story and exceed their fulfillment expectations.
You will learn:
• About the power of customized, branded packaging
• How things like offering samples help grow customer retention
• About creative ways to tell your brand story with authenticity
• About creating a “beyond wow” unboxing experience
You will learn:
• About the power of customized, branded packaging
• How things like offering samples help grow customer retention
• About creative ways to tell your brand story with authenticity
• About creating a “beyond wow” unboxing experience
Speaker:
- Brittany Whitenack, Founder, Antique Candle Co.
2021-08-18
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Developing a Successful Multi-Carrier Strategy
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
Given perpetually rising shipping costs and current market conditions that seem to favor carriers, more and more ecommerce shippers are considering bringing in one or more additional carriers to gain leverage and more flexibility. Before doing so, there are many factors that you as a shipper need to consider. This session will provide insights on how to develop a winning multi-carrier strategy and ways to effectively implement it in order to maintain healthy partnerships and meet service and cost goals.
You will learn:
• When it makes sense to use secondary or regional carriers
• How to make a multi-carrier strategy work for you
• How to quantify the service and cost benefits
• Use case examples demonstrating success factors
You will learn:
• When it makes sense to use secondary or regional carriers
• How to make a multi-carrier strategy work for you
• How to quantify the service and cost benefits
• Use case examples demonstrating success factors
Moderator:
- Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager, Multichannel Merchant
Panelists:
- Justin Cramer, Co-Founder, ProShip
- Martin Hickey, Senior Manager, Direct to Consumer Team, Fruit of the Loom
2021-08-18
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
The Boom in Recommerce: Getting Sustainable, Riding the Wave
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Now that buying secondhand goods has become hip and popular, especially among younger values- and budget-conscious shoppers, many retailers and brands are jumping onboard. It neatly accomplishes a number of things: Becoming more sustainable by keeping returns out of landfills; putting more product back on the shelf and recapturing sales; and meeting growing consumer demand. If you’re considering taking the plunge, what’s involved from a logistics and operations perspective? Our expert panel will discuss the trend, the opportunity and how to take advantage of it.
You will learn:
• How recommerce brings in new customers and increases brand equity
• How it’s affecting everything from product design to inventory management
• The hot categories for resale of returned goods
• How to get yourself set up with recommerce operationally
You will learn:
• How recommerce brings in new customers and increases brand equity
• How it’s affecting everything from product design to inventory management
• The hot categories for resale of returned goods
• How to get yourself set up with recommerce operationally
Moderator:
- Steve DeNunzio, Senior Lecturer, Ohio State University
Panelists:
- Sender Shamiss, President and CEO, goTRG
- Chris Richter, Founder and CEO, FloorFound
- Aaron Turk, SVP, Operations and Corporate Development, Floyd
2021-08-18
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
In the New Era of Ecommerce, Omnichannel Must Become Unified to Diversify Risk
Room: Tennessee Ballroom D/E
Omnichannel post-COVID requires an orchestrated effort between various elements of ecommerce operations. From the suppliers to the fulfillment center and everything in between, you need a unified platform and unified data flow. Product data from suppliers to sales channels and orders from sales channels to the FC are all part of this unified approach. In the new era of ecommerce, omnichannel means diversification of risk while keeping everything unified, all while being flexible enough to eliminate supply shortages or fulfillment backlogs.
You will learn:
• About omnichannel strategy redefinition in the new era
• About reducing risk and diversifying operations
• About the tech stack needed to achieve these objectives
• A case study example of this approach from an omnichannel merchant
You will learn:
• About omnichannel strategy redefinition in the new era
• About reducing risk and diversifying operations
• About the tech stack needed to achieve these objectives
• A case study example of this approach from an omnichannel merchant
Moderator:
- Gareth Cuddy, Chief Revenue Officer, StoryHub.ai
Panelists:
- Gary Erkavun, CEO, Co-Founder, StoreAutomator
- Kate Pienpuck, President and COO, Beauty Bridge INC
2021-08-18
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM
The Ins and Outs of International Shipping for SMBs
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
There are many cross-border options available for enterprise retailers, but limited options for smaller shippers. The characteristics of your shipping profile will drive the best options. This session will dig into these specific areas: Transit, product value, commodity and product margin. It is critical to gain an understanding of all of these in order to know the best way to ship globally.
You will learn:
• About services that are available to all shippers
• About the key drivers of your international shipping profile
• What global consumers are looking for on their cross-border orders
• How to write an effective shipping policy for international orders
You will learn:
• About services that are available to all shippers
• About the key drivers of your international shipping profile
• What global consumers are looking for on their cross-border orders
• How to write an effective shipping policy for international orders
Speaker:
- Michael Ryan, VP, Parcel Solutions, Flat World Global Solutions
2021-08-18
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Keynote: Meeting Evolving Customer Needs in a Growth Mode
Room: Tennessee Ballroom C
You may have read somewhere that the world of retail and ecommerce was turned upside down last year. Rural lifestyle retailer Tractor Supply, deemed an essential business, found itself pivoting to meet these new demands. Even as other stores initially locked down, the company saw demand spike for essential products within its bread-and-butter categories like pet and animal, home, lawn, garden and small farm equipment and supplies, as many city dwellers, particularly millennials, flocked to suburban and rural areas. In this keynote presentation, Tractor Supply Company’s Letitia Webster, Senior Vice President of Ecommerce, Omnichannel and Master Data Management, will talk about how the company met the operational challenges of quickly scaling up omnichannel capabilities like BOPIS, curbside pickup and contactless payment. She’ll also share how Tractor Supply has laser focused on cross-channel inventory visibility while creating a seamless physical/digital experience and staying flexible to meet the evolving expectations of customers old and new as its growth trajectory continues.
Speaker:
- Letitia Webster, SVP, Ecommerce, Omnichannel and Master Data Management, Tractor Supply Company
2021-08-18