Datebook

India 2013 explores global supply chain practices

India is playing an increasingly important role in the global supply chain as both a producer and a consumer. No wonder, then, that CSCMP's India 2013 conference will bring together supply chain executives from such brand-name, global companies as Wal-Mart, Tata, Procter & Gamble, Nestlé, Nokia, Starbucks, and Kraft, among others.

The keynote address will be given by John Phillips, senior vice president of customer supply chain and logistics for PepsiCo Inc. Phillips will share insights into the future of the consumer value chain, including the findings from the Consumer Goods Forum Future Value Chain 2020 Initiative, a study based on input gathered from senior executives of retail and consumer packaged goods companies worldwide.

Other sessions will look at supply chain efficiency and cost management, supply chain strategic planning, infrastructure and technology, sustainability, and challenges in retail logistics.

Event: CSCMP India 2013 Conference
Dates: February 22-23, 2013
Location: Mumbai, India
Info: cscmp.org/annual-conferences/india

Europe conference offers timely advice on cost control

Supply chain managers who are trying to maintain operational excellence amid Europe's atmosphere of fiscal austerity will find plenty of helpful advice at the 2013 CSCMP Europe Conference in Amsterdam. The conference theme: "How to Cut Supply Chain Costs without Paying the Price."

The program will focus on reducing administrative and operating costs, improving sourcing strategies, and using sustainability as a driver of supply chain cost reductions. Sessions will include insights, best practices, and techniques from leading supply chains.

The conference also includes the European Research Seminar, which examines current issues in European logistics and supply chain management.

Event: CSCMP Europe Conference
Location: Amsterdam, the Netherlands
Dates: May 15-17, 2013
Info: cscmp.org/annual-conferences/europe

MSU program combines theory and practice

Since 1967, CSCMP has sponsored executive education courses at Michigan State University that have blended academic rigor and real-world experience. This year's Supply Chain Logistics Management Executive Seminar is no different; it combines thought-leading teachings on supply chain integration, performance measurement, technology, and organizational dynamics with lessons learned from world-class logistics organizations.

The seminar is designed for experienced executives whose firms have begun or plan to implement integrated logistics within the context of an overall supply chain strategy. The seminar faculty consists of academic and industry experts who are thought leaders in supply chain and logistics management.

Program: Supply Chain Logistics Management Executive Seminar
Location: Lansing, Michigan, USA
Dates: May 5-10, 2013
Sponsor: Michigan State University, CSCMP
Info: edp.broad.msu.edu/events/16

ProMat 2013 focuses on the future

ProMat, the biennial tradeshow organized by the Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA), will draw an expected 30,000 visitors to Chicago for a look at 800-plus exhibits showcasing new equipment and technology—everything from driverless forklift trucks, robots, and high-tech storage equipment to the latest in conveyors, pallets, packaging, and more.

The event, scheduled for January 21 to 24, will be held at Chicago's McCormick Place. To help visitors navigate the 300,000 square feet of exhibit space, ProMat's organizers have arranged exhibitors into four "solution centers":

• The Manufacturing and Assembly Solutions Center, which will feature automated assembly support, robotics, ergonomic and safety equipment, work stations, and other equipment and systems for the manufacturing environment.
• The Fulfillment and Delivery Solutions Center, which will feature solutions for traditional and e-commerce order fulfillment, order picking and packaging, third-party logistics, warehousing, distribution, and transportation.
• The Information Technology Solutions Center, which will feature radio frequency identification (RFID), auto ID and data collection, and supply chain software solutions for transportation, manufacturing, logistics, enterprise resource planning, and order management, among other functions.
• The Knowledge Center, which will house nearly 100 on-floor educational seminars.

All three of the show's keynote presentations will look toward the future. Henrik I. Christensen, KUKA Chair of Robotics and director of robotics at Georgia Tech, will talk about a new wave of robots that is revolutionizing manufacturing and distribution. Steve Forbes will draw on his experience as chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media to discuss the economic outlook for the next couple of years. And futurist Edie Weiner and the heads of four influential industry organizations will discuss the future of material handling, logistics, and the supply chain.

CSCMP will have a significant presence at ProMat. On the third day of the conference, CSCMP President and CEO Rick Blasgen will take part in the panel discussion led by Weiner. Additionally, Rich Sherman, director of strategic development, will moderate a panel of senior supply chain executives who will discuss how logistics and supply chain management are evolving to meet future business challenges. Panel members include CSCMP members Heather L. Sheehan, vice president of indirect sourcing and logistics for Danaher Corporation; Jeff Starecheski, vice president of logistics for Sears Logistics Services; and John Caltagirone of Loyola University, Chicago.

Event: ProMat 2013
Dates: Jan. 21-24, 2013
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Organizer: Material Handling Industry of America (MHIA)
Info: www.promatshow.com