Monday | April 11
Tuesday | April 12
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Keynote: Think Like Amazon About Innovation
Room: International Center/South
Whether you see Amazon as a friend or foe, you can’t argue with its tremendous success. This is largely because leaders there expect continual innovation and invention from their teams. They are externally aware and look for new ideas everywhere. Amazon has created an innovation flywheel that few other companies have matched. Through a systematic approach and a deep understanding of what it means to be digital, Amazon has created a culture and system that continually outperforms the competition. Former Amazon executive turned digital strategy consultant John Rossman, author of "The Amazon Way" book series, will lean on his experience to explain how retail and ecommerce companies large and small can glean valuable lessons on innovation from the ecommerce behemoth to help fuel their success.
Speaker:
- John Rossman, Author, The Amazon Way
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJhEAK
Keynotes
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Keynote Panel: Throw Out the Playbook: Disruptors and Agitators
Room: International Center/South
In every industry there are companies that not only think outside the box, but the box is nowhere to be seen. It’s no different in retail and ecommerce. Disruptors and agitators come along, blazing a new path and extending the boundaries outward, finding success with bold ideas and execution. In this keynote panel, executives from popular wine subscription startup Firstleaf and furniture rental mold-breaker Feather talk about what sets their companies apart and how the confluence of vision, experimentation and innovation is resonating with a growing customer base.
Moderator:
- Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager, Multichannel Merchant
Panelists:
- Lauren Owens, Director of Supply Chain, Firstleaf
- Christopher Halkyard, VP of Logistics, Feather
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJhEAK
Keynotes
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
The Autonomous Middle Mile and the Realm of the Possible
Room: International South
While a lot of attention has been paid to the much sexier last mile of autonomous vehicles, with companies like Nuro, Waymo and Zoox paving the way, the workhorse of the middle mile is getting a serious lift using driverless technology. Live routes are in operation in several states, addressing the acute driver shortage and creating operational efficiencies outside the bounds of human limitations. In this informative session, hear about what an autonomous middle mile network looks like, and how it can push omnichannel logistics to the next level.
You will learn:
• How autonomous vehicles can run on fixed routes 22/7
• How this opens the door to mixed use delivery night and day
• About optimized replenishment of retail, dark stores and MFCs
• About the network model, including maintenance operations
You will learn:
• How autonomous vehicles can run on fixed routes 22/7
• How this opens the door to mixed use delivery night and day
• About optimized replenishment of retail, dark stores and MFCs
• About the network model, including maintenance operations
Moderator:
- Pascal Van Hentenryck, Associate Chair for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Georgia Tech
Panelists:
- Mike Plasencia, Director, New Product Strategy, Ryder System, Inc.
- Mark Petrosoniak, Senior Manager, Strategy and Business Operations, Gatik
- Deanna Kaufman, Vice President, Sales, Körber Supply Chain Software
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
The Sustainable Last Mile: Not An Oxymoron
Room: International Center
The last mile of ecommerce is where the action is, but it can be where a lot of the carbon is, as well. The critical last leg of the delivery journey has drawn many new entrants, technologies and approaches, including from those seeking to make it not only more economically but also as environmentally sustainable as possible. This includes work of the Urban Freight Lab (UFL), an adjunct of the University of Washington forging partnerships with retailers and service providers to explore greener last mile fulfillment alternatives. This session will draw in experts from academia, retail and the provider community to discuss current and future initiatives and technologies to reconcile high demand with environmental imperatives.
You will learn:
• About the results of delivery pilots conducted by UFL
• How retailers are finding success along with sustainability
• About the role of data and analytics in optimizing the last mile
• About the positive impact on CX and customer loyalty
You will learn:
• About the results of delivery pilots conducted by UFL
• How retailers are finding success along with sustainability
• About the role of data and analytics in optimizing the last mile
• About the positive impact on CX and customer loyalty
Moderator:
- Andisheh Ranjbari, Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Penn State University
Panelists:
- Imari Gabrielle, Owner, Black Millennial Vegan
- Veena Harbaugh, Director of Sustainability, Sendle
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Gaining Speed and Scale When the Last Mile is Far Away
Room: International South
The last mile, typically the most expensive leg of the delivery journey, has been getting a lot of attention and investment in recent years. New players regularly come online, both asset-based and asset light, with all different flavors of technology. While major (and minor) urban markets have become well blanketed with same-day and even same-hour services, what of the vast spaces beyond? How do you deliver a great, fast CX, whether in downtown Chicago or Murdo, SD, from parcel to bulky? In this session, hear how retailers large and small are getting creative to shrink distances and expand their reach nationwide.
You will learn:
• About leveraging existing infrastructure to extend home delivery outside city centers
• About building strategic partnerships to quickly reach consumers in any ZIP code
• How to scale home delivery quickly to customers – within days
• About the long-term effects of high-quality delivery on customer satisfaction
You will learn:
• About leveraging existing infrastructure to extend home delivery outside city centers
• About building strategic partnerships to quickly reach consumers in any ZIP code
• How to scale home delivery quickly to customers – within days
• About the long-term effects of high-quality delivery on customer satisfaction
Speaker:
- Valerie Metzker, Head of Partnerships and Enterprise Sales, Roadie
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
How Cutting-Edge Automation Is Changing the Ecommerce Logistics Game
Room: International Center
Ecommerce logistics is full of challenges. From labor wages and staffing shortages to identifying the right carrier mix to growing concerns about sustainability, retailers need to find the most effective way to streamline operations. Successful omnichannel retailers need to implement a delivery approach that incorporates innovative processes to meet customer expectations without completely shifting strategy. Automation in your fulfillment operations can provide a significant competitive edge. Hear from leaders in logistics, automation and AI-based robotics how automation is being implemented to provide greater efficiency in ecommerce operations.
You will learn:
• The value that automation can bring to your operations
• The challenges of implementing automation, and how they're overcome
You will learn:
• The value that automation can bring to your operations
• The challenges of implementing automation, and how they're overcome
Moderator:
- Joseph Ruck, VP of Marketing, Ambi Robotics
Panelists:
- Stephanie Cannon, Senior Vice President, Pitney Bowes
- Nick Herbon, Regional Sales Manager, EuroSort Inc.
- Jim Liefer, CEO, Ambi Robotics
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJXEA0
Order Fulfillment
2:15 PM – 2:55 PM
Finding Capacity When There Is None
Room: International Center
Four words your customer never wants to hear: “Your package is delayed.” Unfortunately, this is being heard now more than ever. The culprit, in a word: Capacity. 2021 was plagued by supply chain and network capacity issues. From a lack of containers and port tie-ups to constrained parcel carriers, capacity issues have worked their way through the entire supply chain. We’re well past 2021 peak now, but here it comes again before you can blink, with no immediate relief in sight. This session will address ways shippers can prepare and scale now to meet growing demand, given ongoing capacity constraints and headwinds.
You will learn:
• The root of capacity issues
• How to react when capacity falls short
• Ways you can be nimbler in solving capacity issues
• About emerging trends and solutions
You will learn:
• The root of capacity issues
• How to react when capacity falls short
• Ways you can be nimbler in solving capacity issues
• About emerging trends and solutions
Speaker:
- Bill Catania, Founder and CEO, OneRail
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
2:15 PM – 2:55 PM
Solving For Supply Chain, Inventory Visibility
Room: International South
Especially with supply chain issues expected to linger through 2022 and into 2023, technologies to help gain a better handle on where each individual item is between point of origin and end customer are more critical than ever. Fortunately, many advances have been made in this regard, giving retail and ecommerce companies innovative tools to better manage, position and deliver inventory. RFID for one is having a moment, but there are many other options available. This expert-led panel will explore various systems and strategies, their effectiveness and how they’re being used to help maintain near-real-time accuracy, enhancing performance and the customer experience.
Moderator:
- Jay Kent, Managing Director, SLB Performance
Panelists:
- Joyce Chai, Associate Partner, McKinsey & Company
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
How BI in Robotics Optimizes Fulfillment Center Productivity
Room: International Center
Business intelligence is transforming all sectors of the economy, and the ecommerce fulfillment center is no exception. As robotic automation becomes an integral part of these operations, effective use of the data generated provides a valuable, actionable resource for planning, operations, labor management and more.
This session will explore various types of key business information that automation solutions can provide to your operations. From real-time dashboards on the facility floor to rich executive reporting tools, hear how data-driven decision making helps all levels of your organization build the resilience needed to effectively manage disruptions and excel in the future.
You will learn:
• About the types of operational data generated, and how it is accessed and applied
• The important role of data-driven decision making in building operational resiliency
• How executives, managers and associates can access and utilize robotic BI in their roles
• How building it into your processes protects your operations against disruption
You will learn:
• About the types of operational data generated, and how it is accessed and applied
• The important role of data-driven decision making in building operational resiliency
• How executives, managers and associates can access and utilize robotic BI in their roles
• How building it into your processes protects your operations against disruption
Speaker:
- Jason Walker, VP of Market Development, Locus Robotics
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJYEA0
Robotics/Automation
3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
The People/Bot Interface: Cooperation and Synergy
Room: International South
As has often been stated, robotic systems for warehouses and fulfillment centers are meant as an augmentation, not a replacement of human labor – although clearly, they help fill performance gaps created by workforce shortfalls. So, how are so-called co-bots and people getting along? How are they cooperating in the spirit of 1+1=3? This session will explore best practices in hybrid fulfillment processes using a synchronized combination of human and robotic labor that delivers results and improves worker – and customer – satisfaction.
You will learn:
• About the advantages and functional limitations of co-bots
• How AI is helping them get smarter and improve
• How to prep your workforce and set up a successful process
• Where the technology and working relationship is headed
You will learn:
• About the advantages and functional limitations of co-bots
• How AI is helping them get smarter and improve
• How to prep your workforce and set up a successful process
• Where the technology and working relationship is headed
Speakers:
- Fergal Glynn, VP Marketing, 6 River Systems, Inc.
- Misty Ashton, VP of Operations, Jenni Kayne
2022-04-12
a0H3b00001iHyJYEA0
Robotics/Automation
Wednesday | April 13
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Keynote: The Digital, Scalable Transformation of Legacy Brands
Room: International Center/South
Private equity firm Saadia Group has been actively growing its global portfolio of marquee retail brands, from Lord & Taylor to Le Tote, New York & Co. and Aquatalia. In the process it’s creating a scalable shared services organizational model for supply chain and technology built around in-house capabilities and multi-tenant cloud architecture to new fulfillment centers and enterprise applications. And all this is happening in the midst of an automation “arms race” where companies are scrambling to upgrade their systems to meet high demand and labor scarcity, as vendor resources are stretched and delivery timelines expand. In this keynote presentation, David Strobelt, EVP/Chief Supply Chain Officer and Senior Technical Advisor for Saadia’s private equity group, will discuss how his team is executing on this complex, multi-pronged strategy, with a long-term vision that includes creation of new automated fulfillment services.
Speaker:
- David Strobelt, EVP, Chief Supply Chain Officer and Senior Technical Advisor, Saadia Group
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJhEAK
Keynotes
9:45 AM – 10:30 AM
Keynote Panel: Reconciling Sustainability With “I Need it Now”
Room: International Center/South
Sustainability has become such a huge part of the business imperative across industries that it’s no longer an optional strategy. And it works on a couple levels: Companies looking to do their part for the environment and/or meet regulatory mandates, with the not-insignificant ancillary benefit of running up the green flag for values-conscious consumers. On the flip side, those same consumers have been conditioned to expect every click to cause an order to magically appear at their doorstep the next day, that afternoon or even in 30 minutes. These two realities can in fact lead to a serious disconnect. So how do you balance your sustainability goals with the need to deliver quickly and on time, setting expectation levels and offering options? This keynote panel will explore this important subject and how it’s being addressed.
Moderator:
- Mike O'Brien, Senior Content Manager, Multichannel Merchant
Panelists:
- Rachel Kois, Founder and CEO, Simple Switch
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJhEAK
Keynotes
10:40 AM – 11:20 AM
How Gap Inc. Is Linking FC and Store Fulfillment Operations
Room: International Center
Gap Inc. strives to standardize the fulfillment processes and associated technology stacks, and labor challenges exists across channels. Stores labor is no exception, and the fulfillment process there has similar challenges to fulfillment centers. One area of change required is solving the need to automate. Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) and Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS) have strong potential for assisting today’s labor woes. This session will provide an overview of Gap’s warehouse execution system (WES) fulfillment process, and how it is linking FC processes with omnichannel tactics such as buy online pickup in store, store product locators, product movement and back-room receiving. You’ll hear about Gap’s recent pilot of the COFE WES in its store fulfillment network, and integration across people, process and technologies in all fulfillment centers.
You will learn:
• About store fulfillment considerations
• About the similar challenges to fulfillment centers
• How to simplify fulfillment workflow and technology integrations
• About the future of store fulfillment tech and the changing guest experience
You will learn:
• About store fulfillment considerations
• About the similar challenges to fulfillment centers
• How to simplify fulfillment workflow and technology integrations
• About the future of store fulfillment tech and the changing guest experience
Speakers:
- Steve Schwietert, Senior Director, GSC Logistics Engineering and Maintenance, Gap Inc.
- Rebecca Call, Software Sales Architect, Vargo Corporation
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
10:40 AM – 11:20 AM
Taking a Tech Approach to Ecommerce Returns
Room: International South
With returns a growing problem in ecommerce – representing $102 billion or 18% of 2020’s $565 billion in ecommerce sales, NRF says – how is technology being leveraged to tackle the issue? What types of solutions and processes are leading retailers employing? From returns reduction via data analytics to AI and machine learning to identify non-returns, technology is playing an increasing role. This session will review the latest innovations in returns technology, how they’re being applied to reduce costs and speed up return-to-stock and dispositioning, and real-world examples of the returns tech journey.
You will learn:
• How technology to address returns has evolved over time
• About the latest solutions and innovations to address the problem
• About the proliferation of sizing tools and returns reduction technology
• Best practices for disposition and speeding up back-to-stock
You will learn:
• How technology to address returns has evolved over time
• About the latest solutions and innovations to address the problem
• About the proliferation of sizing tools and returns reduction technology
• Best practices for disposition and speeding up back-to-stock
Moderator:
- Brian Kilcourse, Managing Director, RSR Research
Panelists:
- Jason Kovacs, Operations Director, Comoto Holdings
- Brian McAllister, Director of Operations, Burton
- David Morin, Senior Director, Retail and Client Strategy, Narvar
- Navjit Bhasin, Founder and CEO, Newmine, LLC
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJXEA0
Order Fulfillment
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Robotics Defined Broadly and Warehouse System Integration: A Primer
Room: International South
While robotics providers often tout near plug-and-play compatibility with your existing warehouse systems, the reality can be quite different. For example, adding picking robots to a goods-to-person system may involve separately programming the conveyor, the robot and the robot’s 3D vision system, according to the Material Handling Institute. Also, robotics can be broadly defined beyond an autonomous bot scooting down an aisle. This expert panel will provide actionable information, based on real-world examples, of what it takes to successfully integrate all types of robotic systems into your existing warehouse technology to derive the greatest benefit.
You will learn:
• About creating an integration timeline
• About pitfalls and barriers, including exceptions
• About handling containerization issues
• About creating metrics and dashboards
You will learn:
• About creating an integration timeline
• About pitfalls and barriers, including exceptions
• About handling containerization issues
• About creating metrics and dashboards
Moderator:
- Brian Barry, President, F. Curtis Barry & Company
Panelists:
- Del Wood, CEO, Musictoday
- Drew Croatt, National Sales Manager, BoxLogix Automation
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJXEA0
Order Fulfillment
11:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Driving Toward Interoperability for Warehouse Robots
Room: International Center
There has been a steady proliferation of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to meet demand for ecommerce fulfillment optimization amid a worker shortage and rising ecommerce volume. But can different robotic systems play nice in the same setting? To address this issue, trade group MassRobotics has created an AMR Interoperability Working Group, made up of vendors, engineers and retailers. It has created a working document covering how to share data such as status information and operational conventions or “rules of the road” for coexistence on the warehouse floor. This session will cover the work of the AMR IWG standards initiative, its goals and progress to date.
You will learn:
• How standards are a critical next step for robotic automation
• About development and testing of the AMR IWG standards
• Results of an interoperability use case at a FedEx facility
• How a dashboard view can monitor fleet status across vendors
You will learn:
• How standards are a critical next step for robotic automation
• About development and testing of the AMR IWG standards
• Results of an interoperability use case at a FedEx facility
• How a dashboard view can monitor fleet status across vendors
Speakers:
- Tom Ryden, Executive Director, MassRobotics
- Goner Argon, Warehouse Logistics Expert, Vecna Robotics, Inc.
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJYEA0
Robotics/Automation
1:15 PM – 1:55 PM
How Data, Tech and Creativity Are Addressing Staffing Dilemmas
Room: International South
Ensuring adequate staffing for fulfillment operations was challenging enough before the pandemic hit in 2020, but the difficulty has scaled up considerably. Now companies are facing the “great resignation” with many exiting the workforce altogether. Then add in safety restrictions and rising wages driven by Amazon, and the staffing task becomes more daunting. This session will explore how data-driven processes and flex work are helping companies ensure adequate staffing in the new world of work.
You will learn:
• How matching business needs with workers is optimized with technology
• How apps are streamlining training before associates arrive for a shift
• How flexible staffing models help you manage demand fluctuations
• How data and analytics can help you meet current/future needs
You will learn:
• How matching business needs with workers is optimized with technology
• How apps are streamlining training before associates arrive for a shift
• How flexible staffing models help you manage demand fluctuations
• How data and analytics can help you meet current/future needs
Moderator:
- Cathy Hardin, Chief Revenue Officer, Instawork
Panelists:
- Stephane Jean-Baptiste, COO and Co-Founder, Kreyol ESSENCE
- Martin Hickey, Senior Manager, Direct to Consumer Team, Fruit of the Loom
- Will Eadie, Chief Revenue Officer, WorkJam Inc
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJXEA0
Order Fulfillment
1:15 PM – 1:55 PM
Leveraging Tech to Acquire, Operate and Scale Amazon Brands
Room: International Center
With company valuations doubling and more than $12 billion in venture capital raised in the past 12 months, it’s no wonder all eyes are on the acquisitions of third-party Amazon seller brands. There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to acquiring and growing these companies beyond the Amazon ecosystem —and technology may very well be the key difference between success and failure. In this session, executives from aggregator HeyDay and fulfillment platform Flowspace discuss ecommerce optimization at scale, and the role technology plays in growing revenue and meeting customer expectations post-acquisition.
You will learn:
• Why this corner of the market has been in hyperdrive
• The critical role of technology in scaling operations
• The view from the seller’s perspective
• Where the space is headed
You will learn:
• Why this corner of the market has been in hyperdrive
• The critical role of technology in scaling operations
• The view from the seller’s perspective
• Where the space is headed
Speakers:
- Frank Garcia, Head of Operations, Flowspace
- Karan Gandhi, Head of Operations, HeyDay
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJXEA0
Order Fulfillment
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Unlocking the Power of Delivery Data for an Integrated Customer Experience
Room: International Center
For ecommerce brands and marketplaces, the entire delivery journey provides opportunity for growth and customer loyalty. However, capacity limitations and increased cost add to a lack of transparency, resulting in roadblocks to business growth. With case studies of brands standardizing delivery events across 800+ carriers worldwide, learn how you can offer an integrated customer experience, consistently provide accurate delivery dates at checkout and evaluate real-time carrier performance against last-mile SLAs.
You will learn:
• How to unlock the power of your last-mile data
• Why gaining carrier performance transparency is vital
• About practical tools and reports to manage last mile operations and SLAs
• About optimizing the end-to-end delivery journey to meet rising expectations
You will learn:
• How to unlock the power of your last-mile data
• Why gaining carrier performance transparency is vital
• About practical tools and reports to manage last mile operations and SLAs
• About optimizing the end-to-end delivery journey to meet rising expectations
Speaker:
- Dana von der Heide, Founder and Chief Commercial Officer, Parcel Perform
2022-04-13
a0H3b00001iHyJcEAK
Supply Chain/Logistics/Delivery
