Level up: CSCMP EDGE keynote speakers will inspire attendees to improve their supply chains, work environment

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) has finalized its list of general session speakers for the CSCMP EDGE annual supply chain conference. Drawing from their diverse backgrounds in technology, e-commerce, and entrepreneurship, the speakers will shed light on what the future holds for supply chain management and how to promote a positive work environment.

The conference will open on Monday, October 1 with a panel discussion among supply chain leaders from IBM, Nike, and Amazon. David Bozeman, vice president of transportation services at Amazon.com; Joanne Wright, vice president of supply chain at IBM; and Mike Brewer, vice president of global operations and logistics at Nike, will share how they are reimagining their supply chains to deliver a better customer experience. Kevin F. Smith, president and chief executive officer of Sustainable Supply Chain Consulting will moderate the panel and lead discussions on how these iconic companies are betting on the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, and blockchain to create and seize opportunities.

On Tuesday, Keller Rinaudo, founder and chief executive officer of Zipline, will address the 4th industrial revolution, a time in which consumer will see a huge shift toward automation in logistics and technology.

Rinaudo has made an impact on healthcare by utilizing drones in a rather unconventional way. Today, Zipline uses autonomous aircraft to deliver over 40 percent of the national blood supply of Rwanda outside the capital. His idea to use drones to deliver blood to remote areas illustrates the need for companies to rethink the current uses of technology while building small, elite teams that can move quickly.

The final keynote speaker, Alexander Kjerulf, founder and chief happiness officer of Woohoo Inc. will share ways in which companies can promote a positive work environment. Studies have shown that people who feel unhappy at work experience more stress and conflict, are less productive, and tend to get sick more often. While on the flip side, research shows that happy work environments lead to better collaboration, creativity, motivation, and happiness amongst employees. Kjerulf will focus on the key to being happy at work, what happiness is, why it matters, and most importantly, how to get it.

The conference runs from September 30 to October 3 in Nashville, Tenn. More than 3,000 supply chain professionals are expected to attend the annual event, which will feature more than 100 education sessions and over 25 hours of networking opportunities. For more information about the conference program or to register, go to cscmpedge.org.