Supply Chain Forward theme at 5th Cargo Logistics Canada makes good on its promise

The 5th Cargo Logistics Canada Expo + Conference provided previews of what’s to come for global supply chains with conference topics and showfloor features that focused on how a new generation of oncoming technologies will impact the movement, and distribution of freight in the near-to-far terms, including: Blockchain, Autonomous Transport, “Moneyball” Analytics for e-commerce shippers, and even printing your own tires.

The Supply Chain Forward theme of technological advancements, and in some cases, disruptions, was addressed by a variety of speakers representing companies like Fedex and Michelin on the transportation and shipper side of the equation, with well-known tech sector representatives like Salesforce, IBM, and even a noted tech entrepreneur from Silicon Valley.

Technology’s impacts, and opportunities for the supply chain workforce was another popular topic presented by DHL, Go99, and the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council, while the “Amazon Effect” was an oft-discussed phrase, most notably in a panel based on a recent Wall Street Journal story about distribution warehousing becoming the new shopping centers.

This year’s show debuted the interactive Tech Hub and Tech LIVE! area on the showfloor, while exposition main stages for Distribution Logistics and the Shippers Summit were also featured.

Delegates were treated to a wealth of keynotes and a high-level plenary featuring the leaders of companies like the aforementioned Michelin and Fedex, along with Maersk, JB Hunt, CH Robinson, CN, and NYK Line.

The numbers were impressive for CLC18 with close to 2,500 attendees, 175 exhibits, and seminars that ran a wide-ranging array of topics, such as an ocean shipping outlook, the future of Canada’s trade agreements, shipper finance solutions, attracting logistics talent, and a unique, interactive presentation on business etiquette.

Networking opportunities were taken full advantage of with heavy turnout for the Vancouver Airport Authority (YVR) Welcome Reception, the festive CIFFA-FMA reception on the showfloor sponsored by BluJay Solutions and Neville Peterson LLP, and the always-popular Halifax Social.

“People contributing, the education aspects, the networking, it’s very positive,” said Keynote speaker Jack Mahoney, President of Maersk Canada.

Jeff McLean, President of Michelin North America (Canada), another keynote speaker, concurred: “I’m loving my time [here], to see this energy, to see these groups together, to see what’s laid out on the [show] floor, it’s enthralling, loving it.”

The 6th Cargo Logistics Canada Expo + Conference will return to the Vancouver Convention Center, February 5-7, 2019. Learn more at: www.cargologisticscanada.com.