Starbucks, Amazon executives to headline annual conference

The hallmark of the CSCMP Annual Conference has always been the access it provides to information about leading companies' supply chain best practices and innovations. The 2015 CSCMP Annual Conference in San Diego will be no different. This year's event, which runs September 27-30, will feature general session presentations by top executives from two of today's most innovative companies: Starbucks and Amazon.

Howard Schultz, chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Starbucks, will kick off the conference with a presentation on Monday. Schultz not only heads the world's best-known coffee chain but also has authored several books, including the recent For Love of Country: What Our Veterans Can Teach Us About Citizenship, Heroism, and Sacrifice.

Dave Clark, senior vice president of worldwide operations and customer service at Amazon, will speak at Tuesday's general session. Clark is responsible for the e-commerce giant's ever-growing supply chain, transportation, and fulfillment networks in North America, Japan, and Europe.

Over the course of three-and-a-half days, the conference will provide more than 90 sessions across 16 different tracks grouped in five "Cornerstone" subject areas that cover all aspects of the end-to-end supply chain, from manufacturing, planning, and sourcing to transportation, distribution, and warehousing. Presentations will be made on new research, surveys, and economic forecasts as well as real-world case studies from innovative companies. Attendees will also have a chance to learn how the profession itself is changing and about supply chain's role at the executive level of their companies.

Just as important as the conference sessions themselves are the many opportunities to connect with CSCMP's global community of successful businesses, thought leaders, and innovators. Last year's conference, for example, drew in thousands of supply chain professionals from 40 countries. The conference includes meals, coffee breaks, receptions, and other networking events that allow attendees ample opportunity to meet with peers.

Special events abound at the annual conference. For example, the Supply Chain Exchange will feature exhibits by more than 50 vendors showcasing their supply chain products and services. The annual Educators' Conference will provide a forum for academics and students from around the world to learn about the latest in supply chain management and logistics research. Other don't-miss events include the "Women at Work" and "CSCMP & You: Stop Hunger Now" programs on Sunday, CSCMP Veteran Recruitment Day on Monday, CSCMP Student Recruitment Day on Tuesday, and the presentation of prestigious annual recognitions, including CSCMP's Distinguished Service, Emerging Leader, Supply Chain Innovation, and U.S. EPA SmartWay awards.

The cost of the conference is US $1,895 for members, $2,490 for nonmembers, $995 for educator members and young professional members, and $450 for student members.

For more information, go to cscmp.org/annual-conference.