The evolution of CSCMP

The idea of a professional organization for distribution managers was first conceived in May 1962. The goal was to meet an urgent need for continuing education and to provide a forum for supply chain management professionals to exchange ideas. One year later, the National Council of Physical Distribution Management (NCPDM) was founded.

Over the years, NCPDM evolved into CSCMP, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and now serves more than 6,000 individual members, 130 corporate members, and 100,000 engaged followers worldwide. Over the last 55 years, CSCMP has reinvented itself again and again, creating new educational offerings, networking opportunities, cutting-edge content, and other resources—all of which have helped to establish and guide the supply chain discipline. As the profession evolves, we continue to change with it, seeking to better serve the industry and the professionals working within it. One of the ways we are evolving this year is by committing to a strategic partnership with NASSTRAC, National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council, a shippers' group based in the United States. We are excited about the possibilities of this new partnership as we focus on the future of the discipline and continue to emphasize the importance of unbiased research, education, and the sharing and execution of modern-day best practices. 

Additionally, to celebrate our 55th anniversary and highlight the professionals who work within the supply chain industry, CSCMP designated Monday, May 21, 2018, as the first-ever Supply Chain Professionals Appreciation Day. Who better to create a holiday than the professional association that has been serving the supply chain industry and the professionals who work within it for the last 55 years? The event featured an online photo campaign and generated hundreds of posts and images that celebrated the faces of the supply chain industry. Supply Chain Professionals Appreciation Day will occur annually the third Monday of May.

Finally, we just finished our European conference in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It was attended by more than 200 individuals—a large percentage of whom were from outside Europe—demonstrating the global nature of supply chains today. Many of the sessions discussed innovations that are sure to further establish supply chain management as a force in modern business. The sharing, networking, and interaction were superb. We are already planning our next European conference for May 2019 in Poland. 

We've come a long way since our beginnings 55 years ago. Today, our main event is our annual EDGE conference, which draws more than 3,000 attendees from all over the world. This year's event is scheduled for September 30 to October 3, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee. With more than 100 educational sessions, keynote addresses, and networking opportunities providing cutting-edge content and ideas, EDGE offers something for everyone. Take advantage of a US $300 discount off your registration with the code EDGE18-SCQ2 at cscmpedge.org. (This offer is only valid for professional members and expires July 31, 2018, at midnight. Other restrictions apply.)