What to Look for in 2019: A Survey of Supply Chain Trade Shows

When you’re looking to network with professionals in your industry, hear inspiring keynotes, and attend thought provoking technical sessions, a supply chain trade show is definitely the place to be. So, with the new year upon us, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to provide you with a guide on the most popular and worthwhile conferences in the supply chain world for 2019 so you can find the best-fit for your company.

NRF Big Show (January 13-15, New York City)

The world’s largest retail conference and expo isn’t just a supply chain trade show, it’s a community. With over 25 sessions and 3 full-day workshops, NRF is the ultimate marketplace for ideas and relationships. It’s a chance to forge new partnerships, try out best-in-class experiences, and learn from some of the biggest players transforming retail today. Want to learn more? Watch the preview video here.

IBM Think (February 12-15, San Francisco, CA)

The first-of-its-kind business and technology event is IBM’s flagship conference. THINK is designed to deliver technical training, strategic expertise, and impactful lessons that organizations need to compete in today’s changing world. The supply chain trade show includes thought leadership from over 2,000 business strategy sessions, technical deep dives, and professional development opportunities from hundreds of hands-on labs and certification exams.

FMI TPA Supply Chain Conference (April TBD, Orlando, FL)

The TPA Supply Chain Conference provides retailers and manufacturers a forum which brings both sides together to drive efficiencies, build relationships, and foster collaborative initiatives throughout the supply chain. Learn, network, and collaborate during two full days of progressive education and interactive, collaborative roundtables and discussion panels.

NEECOM Spring (May 22, Westborough, MA) & NEECOM Fall (October 17, Westborough, MA)

The New England Electronic Commerce Users’ Group (NEECOM) is a nonprofit organization established in 1990. They hold two conferences each year to provide a forum for technical and business presentations, inform and educate the business community, share information and new ideas, increase the opportunity for personal contacts and networking, and expand the regional scope of Electronic Commerce/EDI.

GS1 Connect (June 18-21, Denver, CO)

GS1 US is a not-for-profit information standards organization with over 300,000 members. Their annual conference provides the opportunity for attendees to meet face-to-face with trading partners and solution providers and experts from a wide range of industries. Topics include Data Quality & Data Management, Blockchain, Supply Chain Innovation & Emerging Technologies, Inventory Accuracy, Traceability & Visibility, Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, IoT & Digital Disruption, Unique Identification and E-Commerce.

RVCF (November 3-6, Scottsdale, AZ)

The Retail Value Chain Federation (RVCF) is a neutral, independent retail organization that facilitates trading partner collaboration to enable industry wide growth and profitability. They promote best practices, industry initiatives and collaborative solutions that make it possible for retailers and suppliers to optimize supply chain operations and meet the ever-increasing expectations of the end consumer. Their annual conference provides training and topic specific sessions, retailer one-on-one meetings, retailer specific breakouts, and networking opportunities.

Tableau Conference 2019 (November 12-15, Las Vegas, NV)

Tableau Conference brings together data people to learn, collaborate, and network through a variety of workshops, lectures, and hands-on training sessions. This is where data people gather to learn, collaborate, and network, building a lasting community with the power to make a difference. With more than 400 sessions of every level and focus, you’ll learn more in one week than you ever thought possible. From keynotes to breakouts, hands-on training to hands-in-the-air parties, you’ll be in the company of Tableau experts, partners, and customers: it’s data people paradise.

Whichever ones you decide to attend, there’s no doubt that 2019 is shaping up to be a great year for supply chain trade shows. And be sure to find us in attendance at all of the conferences listed above. We can’t wait to see you there!