WERC 2018 Annual Conference
 

Conference Schedule


Sunday 05/06/2018
10:00 am - 6:00 pmNetworkingRegistration Open
12:45 pm - 5:00 pmExecutive Summit: Increase Confidence in Making Smart Business Decisions [More Info]
Speaker: Peng Sun PhD, Professor, Duke University | The Fuqua School of Business
2:00 pm - 4:00 pmSimulating Supply Chain Disaster - Updated for 2018! [More Info]
Speaker: Jamison Day, President, Ecosify
4:00 pm - 6:00 pmNetworkingKick Start Welcome Reception [More Info]
6:00 pm - 8:00 pmNetworkingSunday Night Meet & Eat [More Info]
 
Monday 05/07/2018
7:00 am - 8:00 amNetworkingBuffet Breakfast [More Info]
7:00 am - 8:00 amNetworkingWomen @ WERC Kick-Off: Breakfast and Networking [More Info]
7:00 am - 5:30 pmNetworkingRegistration Open
8:00 am - 8:07 amTED-Style Talks Kick-Off [More Info]
Moderator: Annette Danek-Akey, Sr. VP, Fulfillment, Penguin Random House, Inc.
8:00 am - 9:15 amThought Leader SessionBeat Murphy’s Law When Implementing DC Technology and Automation [More Info]
Speaker: Kevin Thuet, Sr. Consultant, Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors
8:00 am - 9:15 amThought Leader SessionDistribution Visibility: It’s Time for Real-Time [More Info]
Speaker: Alex Wakefield, Chief Commercial Officer, Longbow Advantage
Speaker: Tim Young, Dir. of DC Operations & Inventory Control, Del Monte Foods
Speaker: Steve Kent, Director of Information Technology Department , Subaru of America, Inc.
8:00 am - 9:15 amThought Leader SessionHarness the Power of Planning for a Successful Outsourced Shipper/3PL Relationship [More Info]
Speaker: Elijah Ray, Chief Customer Officer, Sunland Logistics Solutions
Speaker: Meagen Kornacki, Distribution Manager, Michelin
Speaker: Dennis (DJ) Horton, Supply Chain Manager, Michelin
8:00 am - 9:15 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Coloring Outside the Lines: Stimulating Innovative Thought in an Experienced Leadership Team [More Info]
Facilitator: Ken Woodlin, Divisional Vice President Supply Chain, Walmart Stores, Inc.
8:00 am - 9:15 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Home-Grown Picking Efficiency and Accuracy Solutions [More Info]
Facilitator: Keith Swiednicki, President & CEO, Keith Swiednicki International Inc. (KSI)
Facilitator: Michael Harris, Director of Warehouse, Merchants Distributors, LLC
8:00 am - 9:15 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-How to Fix a Broken Process [More Info]
Facilitator: Jerry Pimental, CEO & Owner, Paladin Supply Chain Solutions, LLC
8:00 am - 9:15 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Winning Workforce Management Across Four Generations of Employees [More Info]
Facilitator: Brian Devine, Sr. VP, ProLogistix
8:00 am - 9:15 amThought Leader SessionThe State of Innovation in the Supply Chain [More Info]
Speaker: Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Kenco
Speaker: Trever Ehrlich, Creative Solutions Manager, Kenco Innovation Labs
8:00 am - 9:15 amThought Leader SessionTransform to Meet Digital Supply Chain Demands [More Info]
Speaker: Charles Armstrong, Partner, Orion Advisors Group
Speaker: Ken Bonning, Partner, Orion Advisors Group
8:07 am - 8:25 amRe-Imagine Distribution to Meet Today's Customer Expectations [More Info]
Speaker: Jennifer Pazour, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
8:20 am - 8:35 amCANCELED-Managing Carrier-Friendly Warehouses [More Info]
8:25 am - 8:45 amDisrupt the Status Quo: Leadership as Change Agent & the Culture of Ownership [More Info]
Speaker: Brian McCarthy, Sr VP, Operations, KeHE Distributors
8:45 am - 9:05 amDiscovering Hidden Profit - Lessons in Lean and in Leadership [More Info]
Speaker: Robert Martichenko, CEO, LeanCor Supply Chain Group
9:05 am - 9:15 amTED-Style Talks Q&A [More Info]
Speaker: Robert Martichenko, CEO, LeanCor Supply Chain Group
Speaker: Jennifer Pazour, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Moderator: Annette Danek-Akey, Sr. VP, Fulfillment, Penguin Random House, Inc.
9:30 am - 10:30 amThought Leader SessionCombining Fashion Trends & Emerging Technologies to Improve Warehouse Slotting [More Info]
Speaker: Landon Davies, VP, Global Business Development and Strategy, Optricity Corporation
Speaker: Chris Veit, SVP of Distribution, Komar Distribution Services
9:30 am - 10:30 amThought Leader SessionGain a Competitive Edge in Retail Through Lean [More Info]
Speaker: Alan Noss, Managing Partner, Lean Quest, LLC
Speaker: Aaron Lord, Dir. of Operations Excellence, Michael Kors
Speaker: Lissette Contreras, Process Improvement Supervisor, Michael Kors
9:30 am - 10:30 amThought Leader SessionMake Better Decisions, Faster: How Analytics Is Finally Ready For Prime Time [More Info]
Speaker: John Frehse, Senior Managing Director, Ankura Consulting Group
9:30 am - 10:30 amThought Leader SessionMetrics in the DC: Annual Workplace Study [More Info]
Speaker: Karl Manrodt, Professor, Georgia College & State University
Speaker: Donnie Williams Jr., Assistant Professor of Logistics/Supply Chain Management, Georgia College & State University
Speaker: Joseph Tillman, Founder, TSquared Logistics
9:30 am - 10:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Creating Flexible, Resilient Network Inventory Strategies [More Info]
Facilitator: Chad Claude, Director, Operations, DHL Supply Chain
9:30 am - 10:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Improving a Smaller Warehouse [More Info]
Facilitator: Dave Conran, National Distribution Manager, Ingersoll Rand
9:30 am - 10:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Leadership Development for Warehouse Supervisors [More Info]
Facilitator: Mr Kenneth Ackerman, President , The K. B. Ackerman Company
Facilitator: Jack Ampuja, President, Supply Chain Optimizers
9:30 am - 10:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Managing Millennials: Under 35 and Changing the Workplace [More Info]
Facilitator: Kathy Daugherty, Material Control Manager, Ingersoll Rand
9:30 am - 10:30 amThought Leader SessionThoughts on 3PL Leadership & Diversity: Past, Present, and Future [More Info]
Moderator: Arch Thomason, CEO, Sunland Logistics Solutions
Panelist: Adri McCaskill, General Manager, IPLan
Panelist: Michael Tolbert, Director, Contract Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel
Panelist: Hariharan Sivaprakasam, Chief Operating Officer, Sunland Logistics Solutions
10:30 am - 11:00 amNetworkingNetworking Break
11:00 am - 12:00 pmGeneral SessionGeneral Session - Harnessing Headwinds of Change [More Info]
Speaker: Nicole Malachowski, Colonel, USAF, Ret.
12:00 pm - 2:00 pmNetworkingSolutions Center Lunch
12:10 pm - 12:30 pmHow Small Parcel Carriers’ Annual GRIs Will Impact Your Fulfillment Budget [More Info]
Speaker: Bob West, Corporate Sales, First Flight Solutions
12:10 pm - 12:30 pmMaximize Labor Utilization with Sightlines into Associate Activity and Costs [More Info]
Speaker: John Slavik, Regional Sales Manager, iWAREHOUSE
Speaker: Derrick Miller, Manager of Enterprise Solutions, iWAREHOUSE
12:40 pm - 1:00 pmInsights and Best Practices for Building Successful Warehouse Automation [More Info]
Speaker: Srinivas Sistla, Director, Global Services – SCM, EOM & Digital Business COE Company, ITOrizon, Inc.
12:40 pm - 1:00 pmUtilizing Semi-Automated Carton Receiving and Putaway to Cut Labor Costs [More Info]
Speaker: Andy Lockhart, Vice President Sales, Integrated Systems, TGW Systems, Inc.
1:10 pm - 1:30 pmLeveraging Big Data to Optimize Your Forklift Fleet [More Info]
Speaker: Kevin Paramore, Marketing Manager, Fuel Cells and Data Solutions, Yale Materials Handling Corporation
1:10 pm - 1:30 pmUnderstanding Rack Safety and Repair [More Info]
Speaker: Joe Malerba, Director of Remediation Services, REB Storage Systems International
1:40 pm - 2:00 pmDriving Performance Through Leadership [More Info]
Speaker: Phillipe Gautrin, VP Business Development and Analysis, Proaction International
1:40 pm - 2:00 pmLearning Pod Session - Ascension Logistics
1:45 pm - 4:30 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #01 - Dillard's Distribution Center [More Info]
2:00 pm - 4:30 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #02 - Ingersoll Rand - Charlotte Distribution and Logistics Center [More Info]
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmThought Leader SessionBlockchain and How the Air Force Institute of Technology's Supply Chain is Preparing for It [More Info]
Speaker: Daniel Stanton, President, SecureMarking, Inc.
Speaker: Dr. Tim Breitbach PhD, Assistant Professor Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Air Force Institute of Technology
Speaker: Dr. Ben Hazen PhD, Associate Professor, Air Force Institute of Technology
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmThought Leader SessionHurricane Preparedness to Help Weather the Storm [More Info]
Speaker: Lauren Thomas, Dir. Warehouse Methods and Process Improvements, Burris Logistics
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Establishing and Sustaining Healthy 3PL/Customer Relationships [More Info]
Facilitator: Elijah Ray, Chief Customer Officer, Sunland Logistics Solutions
Facilitator: Meagen Kornacki, Distribution Manager, Michelin
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Managing Carrier-Friendly Warehouses [More Info]
Facilitator: Jason Minghini, President, FW Warehousing
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-What is the Current State of Supply Chain Innovation? [More Info]
Facilitator: Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Kenco
Facilitator: Trever Ehrlich, Creative Solutions Manager, Kenco Innovation Labs
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmThought Leader SessionPlay Beautifully: How e.l.f cosmetics Transformed Its Supply Chain [More Info]
Speaker: John Ness, President and CEO, ODW Logistics
Speaker: Jon Fieldman, Sr. VP, Operations, e.l.f. cosmetics
Speaker: Mike Dixon, Dir. of Operations - e.l.f. cosmetics, ODW Logistics
2:15 pm - 3:15 pmThought Leader SessionSolve Back and Shoulder Injuries [More Info]
Speaker: Dennis Downing, CEO, Future Industrial Technologies, Inc.
Speaker: Michael Terranova, Corporate EHS Director Southwest Region, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
2:15 pm - 4:30 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #03 - Lennox Industries [More Info]
3:15 pm - 3:30 pmNetworkingNetworking Break
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmThought Leader SessionDo’s and Don’ts in Designing the DC of the Future [More Info]
Moderator: Chris Elliott, Consulting Manager, Blue Horseshoe
Panelist: Annette Danek-Akey, Sr. VP, Fulfillment, Penguin Random House, Inc.
Panelist: Joseph Tillman, Founder, TSquared Logistics
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmThought Leader SessionImproving Picking Accuracy and Productivity [More Info]
Speaker: Keith Swiednicki, President & CEO, Keith Swiednicki International Inc. (KSI)
Speaker: Michael Harris, Director of Warehouse, Merchants Distributors, LLC
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Healthcare: Self Distribution vs. Outsourcing—Which is the Best Prescription? [More Info]
Facilitator: Gordon Slade, Director - Supply Chain Logistics, Intermountain Healthcare
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-How to Achieve Better Warehouse Safety Rates [More Info]
Facilitator: Tim Scott, VP Logistics & Distribution, Metro, Inc.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Solve Back and Shoulder Injuries [More Info]
Facilitator: Dennis Downing, CEO, Future Industrial Technologies, Inc.
Facilitator: Michael Terranova, Corporate EHS Director Southwest Region, Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmThought Leader SessionSlotting + Simulation Software = Improved Order Fulfillment Productivity and Throughput [More Info]
Speaker: Paul Slack, Sr. Principal Distribution Engineer, Amway Corp.
Speaker: Brad Noorman, Operations Engineer - Supply Chain Analytical Engineering, Amway Corp.
3:30 pm - 4:30 pmThought Leader SessionTransportation Cost Reductions From Enterprise-Wide Packaging Optimization [More Info]
Speaker: Jack Ampuja, President, Supply Chain Optimizers
Speaker: John Hogg, VP of Operations, Multisorb Technologies
4:30 pm - 6:30 pmNetworkingSolutions Center Reception
 
Tuesday 05/08/2018
7:00 am - 8:45 amGeneral SessionBreakfast & General Session - Three Approaches to Building a Successful Supply Chain Strategy [More Info]
Speaker: Connie Anderson, Leadership Coach, visionDNA
Speaker: Deb Russell, President, Deb Russell, Inc.
Speaker: Jason Minghini, President, FW Warehousing
7:00 am - 4:30 pmNetworkingRegistration Open
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionCANCELED-Disaster Planning and Recovery at the DC Level [More Info]
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionCollaboration: The Key to Transformative Contracting [More Info]
Speaker: Verlyn Suderman, Of Counsel, Benesch Law Firm
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionConverting to Hydrogen Fuel Cell Usage: The Pros and Cons [More Info]
Speaker: MaLinda Lewis, General Manager, Walmart Stores, Inc.
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionENERGY STAR: Harness the Power of Energy Competitions for Your Warehouse's Benefit [More Info]
Speaker: Clark Reed, National Program Manager, ENERGY STAR, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
9:00 am - 10:00 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Best-In-Class Warehouse Associate Recruitment and Retention Approaches [More Info]
Facilitator: Diane Lowman, VP Human Resources, Sunland Logistics Solutions
9:00 am - 10:00 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Critical Components of a WMS Implementation [More Info]
Facilitator: Jeremy Hudson, Supply Chain Consultant, Open Sky Group
9:00 am - 10:00 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Handling the Multiple Challenges of Omni-Channel Fulfillment [More Info]
Facilitator: Marvin Logan, Director, Consulting Services, Bastian Solutions
9:00 am - 10:00 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Proactive Strategies to Battle Slotting Challenges [More Info]
Facilitator: John Riccio, Director of Engineering, Optricity Corporation
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionSupply Chain Visual Factory Work-In-Process Management [More Info]
Speaker: Jeffrey LeClair, VP, Manufacturing and Supply Chain, Basin Industries LLC
9:00 am - 10:00 amThought Leader SessionWomen @ WERC: The Value of Gender Diversity in Supply Chain Success [More Info]
Moderator: Ellen Voie, President/CEO, Women in Trucking Association
Panelist: Deb Parme, VP AsiaPac Supply Chain, Amway Corp.
Panelist: Annette Danek-Akey, Sr. VP, Fulfillment, Penguin Random House, Inc.
Panelist: Sheila Benny, EVP, Optricity Corporation
10:00 am - 10:30 amNetworkingNetworking Break
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionBenefits Gained from WERC’s Metrics and Process Benchmarking Tools [More Info]
Speaker: Steven Murray, Chief Auditor, WERC
Speaker: Rick Gott, Corporate Logistics, W. L. Gore and Associates
Speaker: Aaron Lord, Dir. of Operations Excellence, Michael Kors
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionDHL's Systematic Approach to Implementing Business Intelligence [More Info]
Speaker: Chad Claude, Director, Operations, DHL Supply Chain
Speaker: Saman Saiy, Sr. Director Solutions Design North America, DHL Supply Chain
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionMitigating "The Amazon Effect" on Vacancy and Real Estate [More Info]
Speaker: Jason Minghini, President, FW Warehousing
10:30 am - 11:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Dealing with the Changing Demands of E-Commerce [More Info]
Facilitator: Norm Saenz, Managing Director, St. Onge Company
10:30 am - 11:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Facility Readiness: A Crucial Element of Disaster and Recovery Planning [More Info]
Facilitator: Arch Thomason, CEO, Sunland Logistics Solutions
10:30 am - 11:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-The State of Return Logistics Practices [More Info]
Facilitator: Tony Sciarrotta, Executive Director, Reverse Logistics Association (RLA)
10:30 am - 11:30 amPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Women in Supply Chain: Challenges and Opportunities [More Info]
Facilitator: Annette Danek-Akey, Sr. VP, Fulfillment, Penguin Random House, Inc.
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionThe Reliable Talent Pool You've Never Considered [More Info]
Speaker: Shavonne Lewis, Sr. Brand and Outreach Manager, Peckham Inc.
Speaker: Byron Williams, Senior Warehouse Manager, Peckham Industries
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionThree Keys to Outsourcing Production Logistics [More Info]
Speaker: Stephen Sargunaraj, Dir. Automotive/Industrial, Contract Logistics, Kuehne + Nagel
Speaker: Boris Braueuning, Logistics Specialist, Mercedes Benz Vans
10:30 am - 11:30 amThought Leader SessionWerner Electric Supply Electrifies Its Operations in New DC [More Info]
Speaker: Kyle Arndt, Value Add Engineer, Werner Electric Supply
Speaker: John Reichert, Sr. Dir. SCE Solutions, TECSYS
11:30 am - 1:30 pmNetworkingSolutions Center Lunch
11:40 am - 12:00 pmHow to Quantify the Cost of Stockouts [More Info]
Speaker: Josh Bartel, CEO and Co-Founder, Hydrian Inventory Optimization
11:40 am - 12:00 pmRobotic Lift Trucks: The Cure for Your Labor Shortage [More Info]
Speaker: Lou Micheletto, Manager of Integrated Solutions , Yale Materials Handling Corporation
Speaker: Jeff Huerta, VP of Sales, Balyo, Inc.
1:30 pm - 4:00 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #12 - Ingersoll Rand - Charlotte Distribution and Logistics Center [More Info]
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmThought Leader SessionBeyond the Box: Enterprise-Wide Packaging Optimization [More Info]
Speaker: Jack Ampuja, President, Supply Chain Optimizers
Speaker: John Hogg, VP of Operations, Multisorb Technologies
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmThought Leader SessionCreating a Military-Ready Culture in Your Operations [More Info]
Speaker: Jennifer Goodman, Director - Programs and Operations, Miligistix
Speaker: Adam Martinez, Director - Military Talent Programs, Miligistix
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmThought Leader SessionDriving Process Improvement at Tractor Supply Company [More Info]
Speaker: Will Sparks, Dir., Logistics Field Support, Tractor Supply Company
Speaker: Larry Dillender, General Manager, Tractor Supply Company
Speaker: Zach Depew, General Manager, Tractor Supply Company
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Automation and Alternative Workforce Strategies [More Info]
Facilitator: Deb Russell, President, Deb Russell, Inc.
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Neutralize Chemical Warehousing Challenges [More Info]
Facilitator: William Miller, Dir. of Business Development, Faure Brothers Corp.
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Reverse Logistics Innovation [More Info]
Facilitator: Robert Ulery, Director, Supply Chain Services, Fortna
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-WERC Certified Facilities - Insiders Only [More Info]
Facilitator: Aaron Lord, Dir. of Operations Excellence, Michael Kors
1:45 pm - 2:45 pmThought Leader SessionSupply Chain Labor Update [More Info]
Speaker: Brian Devine, Sr. VP, ProLogistix
1:45 pm - 4:00 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #11 - Charlotte Motor Speedway [More Info]
2:00 pm - 4:30 pmFacility TourFacility Tour #13 - Ashley HomeStore [More Info]
2:45 pm - 3:15 pmNetworkingNetworking Break
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmSpecialBeer Logic [More Info]
Speaker: Chad Pilbeam, Creative Idealist, WERC
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmThought Leader SessionHaggar Clothing Co.: Making DC Alterations to Support Changing Demands [More Info]
Speaker: Norm Saenz, Managing Director, St. Onge Company
Speaker: David Myles, Operating Partner, Haggar Clothing
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Hot Topics in Logistics Recap [More Info]
Facilitator: Jerry Pimental, CEO & Owner, Paladin Supply Chain Solutions, LLC
Facilitator: Andy Bass, Director of Distribution , Ingersoll Rand
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-Implementing Practical and Economical Technology and Automation in Your Operation [More Info]
Facilitator: Tim Talarico, Business Development Manager, Hy-Tek Integrated Systems
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmPeer-to-Peer Discussion SessionP2P-People: The Key to Leading a Resilient Supply Chain [More Info]
Facilitator: Jennifer Pazour, Assistant Professor of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmThought Leader SessionSelect the Right Software, Technologies to Drive Faster Fulfillment [More Info]
Speaker: Ian Hobkirk, Founder, Managing Director, Commonwealth Supply Chain Advisors
Speaker: David Boyd, Sr. Manager of Warehouse Capabilities, Ainsworth Pet Nutrition
3:15 pm - 4:15 pmThought Leader SessionSetting Up an Efficient, Last-Mile LTL Delivery Network for E-Commerce Orders [More Info]
Speaker: Harry Drajpuch, CEO, Amware Logistics
Speaker: Larry Ellis, Vice President, Supply Chain, BuildDirect
4:15 pm - 7:00 pmNetworkingNetWERCing Reception [More Info]
 
Wednesday 05/09/2018
7:30 am - 9:30 amNetworkingRegistration Open
8:00 am - 9:30 amGeneral SessionBreakfast & Closing General Session - Invisibles at Work: Managing and Empowering the Skilled Professionals who Drive the Economy [More Info]
David Zweig, Author, Lecturer and Musician