DC Velocity - MODEX 2016

mODEX 2016 attendees can choose from a variety of educational sessions cover- ing the latest manufacturing and supply chain trends, technologies, and innovations. The MODEX 2016 Supply Chain Conference will include four keynotes and a Supply Chain Education Summit with sessions from leading industry associations and educational institutions plus a track on the New Generation Supply Chain Workforce. The conference also features over 100 supplier-led seminars covering a broad array of material handling and logistics topics. These 45-minute sessions, which are held right on the show floor, are offered free to all registered show attendees. The complete schedule is available at www.modexshow.com/education.

Peter Diamandis, chairman and CEO of the Xprize Foundation, will deliver the opening keynote address on Monday, April 4, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. In his presentation, titled “How to Create a Culture of Innovation Within Your Company,” Diamandis will explain how traditional thinking, risk aversion, and “incrementalism” cause the demise of companies unable to cope with the changes brought by disruptive innovation and discuss ways to incentivize innovative thinking and breakthroughs.

On Tuesday, April 5, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m., Jack Allen, senior director, logistics and manufacturing solutions, supply chain operations at Cisco, will deliver a talk on “The Connected Supply Chain.” Arguing that next-generation supply chains will be connected and encompass all the factories, warehouses, DCs, logistics partners, suppliers, and design partners in one integrated system, Allen will share his insights on the maturity curve companies follow as they connect these nodes. He will also examine the role the Internet of Things (Io T) plays in achieving optimal energy efficiency across supply chain resources and the impact disruptive technologies are having on supply chain strategy.

Scott Sopher, a principal with Deloitte Consulting LLP and national leader of the firm’s supply chain practice, and George W. Prest, MHI’s chief executive officer, will present the findings of a new report from MHI on Wednesday, April 6, from 8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. The organization’s “2016 Annual Industry Report” focuses on the supply chain realities and eight technologies that are transforming supply chains. After the presentation, the speakers will moderate a panel of manufacturing and supply chain leaders discussing the report’s findings.

Later that day, Kevin O’Leary, one of North America’s most successful entrepreneurs, will present “Lessons From a Dragon.” In his presentation, O’Leary will offer a behind-the-scenes look at his two hit TV shows, “Dragons’ Den” and “Shark Tank.” He will share entertaining and insightful outtakes from his shows and provide a current economic overview and talk about how it relates to the manufacturing and supply chain industry. He will also share his insights into how the industry is performing, where the innovation is coming from, and how to grow your business. The talk takes place from 1:00 to 2:00.