Educational Tracks

EDGE presents a highly rated educational program spanning the end-to-end supply chain with the latest innovations, insights and perspectives shaping the industry.

Curated by our dedicated member volunteers, known as Track Chairs (scroll to the bottom to meet the EDGE 2026 Track Chairs), EDGE delivers up to three sessions each on Monday, October 5th (EDGE Sessions 1-3) and Tuesday, October 6th (EDGE Sessions 4-6). Note that each track is exclusive to either Monday or Tuesday, so plan your schedule accordingly.

The sessions feature diverse formats, including panels, dynamic workshops, and lectures, offering actionable takeaways and best practices. Please stay tuned for updates as Track descriptions may be adjusted to reflect the ever-evolving state of the supply chain. Elevate your knowledge and expertise at EDGE 2026!

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Track Objectives & Track Chairs

Ask the Expert Theater — Presented Monday, 10/5︱Tuesday, 10/6

The Ask the Expert theater will offer panel discussions providing powerful opportunities to discuss and learn new and innovative solutions being offered to solve industry disruptions and demands we face today.

Current Research & Surveys — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

Dive into the cutting-edge realm of supply chain dynamics with a curated collection of groundbreaking research and surveys. Explore the forefront of industry insights, meticulously crafted by seasoned thought leaders armed with powerful metrics and data-driven solutions. Elevate your strategic priorities by immersing yourself in the invaluable knowledge presented at the highly anticipated CSCMP's Annual State of Logistics Report^®, brought to you by Penske Logistics. Don't just stay informed—be empowered to conquer your most critical challenges.

Emerging Trends — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Embark on a journey into the dynamic landscape of the global marketplace, where staying ahead is not just an option but a necessity. Delve into the exploration of imminent trends that are poised to reshape the business landscape. Uncover and understand the emerging forces that will define the near future, ensuring you are not just prepared, but positioned to thrive amidst evolving market dynamics. Stay one step ahead by immersing yourself in the critical insights and foresight presented in this track.

Global Supply Chain — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Co-Track Chair: Temidayo O Akenroye, Associate Professor of Supply Chain & Analytics, University of Missouri-St. Louis
Co-Track Chair: Mike Hamilton, Global Sales Director, Crane Worldwide Logistics
Co-Track Chair: Richard Richardson, Chief Equity Officer, RicheRich LLC

Global supply chains are operating in an increasingly complex environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, shifting trade policies, and evolving sourcing strategies. This track is designed for senior leaders and practitioners who can share practical, real-world insights on how organizations are responding to these challenges at a strategic level.

Sessions in this track should focus on one or more of the following:

The impact of tariffs, trade policies, and regulatory changes on global supply chain strategy
Geopolitical risk and disruption, including rising tensions (e.g., China–Taiwan, Russia–Ukraine)
Sourcing and supplier strategy, such as nearshoring, reshoring, and diversification
Executive- and board-level decision-making in times of global uncertainty
Regional and global perspectives on managing risk and complexity
The use of Generative AI and emerging technologies to strengthen resilience, visibility, and innovation
How people, processes, and technology work together to build agile, future-ready supply chains

Industry Solutions Series I, II, III — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

These immersive educational sessions promise to deliver a panoramic 360-degree view of both current and future advancements in the industry, showcasing groundbreaking solutions from industry leaders and innovative providers. Gain invaluable insights into the latest technologies, strategies, and best practices that are reshaping the landscape of supply chain management. Uncover the nuanced details and strategic approaches adopted by leading companies, providing you with a deeper understanding and a roadmap to navigate the evolving challenges and opportunities in the modern supply chain ecosystem.

Innovation Theater — Presented Monday, 10/5︱Tuesday, 10/6

In a “Shark-Tank” like fashion, exhibitors and sponsors will be given the opportunity to present a 15-minute demonstration to market their innovations and technologies, followed by a 5-minute Q&A.

Leadership & Talent: Young Professionals Academy — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Co-Track Chair: Thomas Clark, America's Supply Chain Recruiter, Direct Recruiters, Inc.

This track examines why organizations carefully plan for the products they deliver, but often fall short when it comes to planning for the people they hire, develop, and retain. Sessions will focus on practical strategies for building and sustaining a workforce equipped for today’s economy, with an emphasis on early-career and emerging leaders.

This track favors interactive, workshop-style sessions, including career-launching and skill-building content for those entering the workforce and those looking to grow in their current roles.

Session topics may include:

Resume, interview, and professional branding skills
Leadership development, communication, and conflict resolution
Salary negotiation and career progression strategies

Network Planning & Optimization — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

Co-Track Chair: Karan Gill, Head of AI for Supply Chain Optimization, Nestle USA
Co-Track Chair: Michael Fernandez, Department Char Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management, Alvin College

Nearshoring, AI, geopolitical disruption, natural disasters, and rising costs have pushed network planning and optimization to the forefront of supply chain strategy. When paired with ongoing structural shifts in global supply chains, the need for intentional, data-driven network design has never been greater. Failure to plan leads to inefficiencies, waste, and slower response to disruption.

Sessions in this track will feature organizations that have successfully redesigned their networks, offering practical insights to help attendees improve resilience, performance, and sustainability.

Session topics may include:

Network optimization for cost, service, and sustainability, including carbon reduction and ESG goals
Predictive analytics, real-time data, and AI for smarter inventory positioning and network decisions
Digital and cyber risk as supply chain networks become more connected and data-driven

S&OP in a VUCA World: from Planning to Performance — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

Co-Track Chair: Joe Bozzo, Sales Director CPG, Blue Yonder
Co-Track Chair: Igino Colella, CEO, IES
Co-Track Chair: Hariharan Sivaprakasam, President & CEO, Sunland Logistics Solutions

Today’s supply chains operate in a persistent VUCA environment — volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity, where the challenge is no longer creating only one plan but acting on change. This track explores how organizations are modernizing S&OP and inventory planning to move from reactive planning cycles to proactive decision making and execution resulting in increased performance.

Sessions focus on aligning people, processes, and technologies to proactively manage exceptions, improve agility & resilience, and connect planning decisions to near real time business outcomes. Attendees will learn from leaders of varying company sizes in different industries on how effective organizations use AI, analytics, and continuous planning to align demand, supply, inventory, customer expectations, and profitability while strengthening collaboration across sales, finance, human resources, and supply chain.

Session topics may include:

AI-driven S&OP and proactive exception management
From VUCA to Visibility: effective and agile scenario planning
Trustworthy collaboration among intra-organization functions and partners across the end-to-end supply chains.
Improved profitability and cash flow by aligning demand, supply, inventory, and service levels

Spotlight Series I, II, III, IV — Presented Monday, 10/5︱Tuesday, 10/6

These sessions boldly showcase the world-class products and services our sponsors have to offer. Immerse yourself in an unparalleled exploration of cutting-edge solutions, providing you with an insider's view of the transformative possibilities that lie ahead. Don't miss this unique opportunity to engage with industry leaders and discover the future of supply chain excellence in a setting that breaks free from convention. The spotlight is on – are you ready to be captivated?

Supply Chain Future Focus — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Peer into the future of supply chain through forward-thinking sessions designed to challenge assumptions and spotlight what's next. From transformative technologies to shifting global dynamics, this track brings together visionaries and strategists to explore what supply chains must do today to prepare for tomorrow.

Supply Chain Insights — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

Unlock timely, data-driven perspectives on the evolving supply chain landscape. These sessions feature actionable insights from top analysts, researchers, and practitioners who break down what’s happening now—and what it means for your business going forward.

Technology & Innovations — Presented only on Tuesday, 10/6

Co-Track Chair: Jonathan Smith, Senior Business Consultant, Tata Consultancy Services
Co-Track Chair: Nicole Miara, Global Head of Supply Chain Planning & SC Development, Huber & Suhner AG

This track explores how emerging technologies drive business outcomes. Sessions will demystify buzzwords to show how AI, predictive analytics, cyber risks and AI in Education are being applied in real-world supply chains. Attendees will gain practical insight into where to start, where the greatest impact lies, and how to deploy these technologies in ways that create value and accelerate adoption.

Session topics may include:

The real business case of Artificial Intelligence in supply chain (interactive formats encouraged, including live simulations)
The value of innovation: Predictive analytics — where to begin and how to identify & prioritize high-impact use cases
Cyber risk in supply chain networks
How LLMs are used in supply chain education and upskilling

Transportation & Logistics — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Co-Track Chair: Heather Dohrn, Executive Vice President & Chief Commercial Officer, Dohrn Transfer Company
Co-Track Chair: Geoff Muessig, Chief Marketing Officer/Executive VP, PITT OHIO

In today’s rapidly evolving transportation landscape, nearshoring and technological innovation are reshaping how freight moves across supply chains. As market forces shift, transportation has become a critical pivot point — absorbing upstream and downstream pressures while driving resilience and performance.

In this session, shipper, carrier, and 3PL executives will share how they’ve responded to recent disruptions and how they’re preparing for what’s next.

Session topics may include:

Nearshoring’s impact on freight flows and network design
Transportation’s role in managing supply and demand volatility
Strategies for navigating disruption, cost pressure, and capacity shifts
Leveraging technology and data to strengthen resilience

Warehousing & Distribution: Operating the Physical Network in a Volatile Economy — Presented only on Monday, 10/5

Co-Track Chair: Megan Smith, Managing Director, Packgistics of Florida
Co-Track Chair: Adam Basson, CEO, FlexChain Holdings
Co-Track Chair: Jorge Duarte, VP Sales Mexico Cross Border U.S. Domestic, Fountain City Logistics

Today’s supply chains operate in an environment defined by disruption, cost pressure, and shifting global trade patterns. Warehousing and distribution are no longer static infrastructure; they are active decision points affecting customer experience, working capital, and profitability. As nearshoring accelerates and North American networks become more interconnected, organizations must manage cross-border complexity, labor instability, automation risk, and unpredictable demand.

This track explores how companies are redesigning distribution networks to move from reactive operations to adaptable execution. Sessions examine how leaders align facility strategy, workforce models, inventory placement, and fulfillment processes across regional and international networks to improve speed, resilience, and margin performance.

Attendees will learn from operators and decision-makers how organizations evaluate trade-offs between cost, service, and capital investment while maintaining flexibility in changing market conditions. The focus is on practical approaches, operational realities, and measurable outcomes: not theory.

Session topics may include:

Cross-border distribution and nearshoring network strategies across North America
Automation decisions: where it delivers value, and where it doesn’t
Workforce models and labor planning in constrained markets
Facility strategy, capacity planning, and real estate trade-offs

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