The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference promises to deliver practical insights into how artificial intelligence and automation are reshaping global logistics operations. Scheduled for October 22-24 at the W Nashville, the event brings together more than 50 senior executives from companies including Uber Freight, Walmart, FedEx Supply Chain, and Dole to share real-world implementation strategies. Rather than theoretical discussions, this year's agenda focuses on actionable approaches that supply chain leaders can apply immediately to enhance operational efficiency.
The conference opens with Val Marchevsky, EVP & CTO of Uber Freight, presenting "Reimagining Logistics with AI: Turning Intelligence into Action." This keynote reflects industry-wide recognition that AI implementation must move beyond pilot programs to deliver measurable business results across freight operations.
The conference programming addresses this trend through sessions featuring C.H. Robinson CTO Mike Neill discussing tangible AI business results and Medline's Dave Kordik exploring AI-powered healthcare supply chains.
The event highlights significant developments in warehouse robotics through both awards recognition and detailed breakout sessions. Bill Monk, VP of Supply Chain at GNC, will receive the Robotics End User Award, while companies like Corvus Robotics and GreyOrange will demonstrate advanced automation capabilities.
These presentations address critical operational challenges as companies seek to optimize freight audit processes while managing labor constraints. Industry data shows that warehouse automation investments have increased 23% annually since 2022, making practical implementation guidance essential for supply chain executives planning technology deployments.
The conference agenda emphasizes how different industries apply advanced analytics to supply chain challenges. Dole Packaged Foods executives Todd Stillwell and Kimberly Galante will share strategies for scaling mid-size CPG operations through data-driven forecasting, while Diageo receives the Visionary Award for groundbreaking digitization initiatives.
For the first time, NextGen will feature themed breakout sessions covering AI integration, freight market strategies, warehouse automation, and tariff mitigation. This format allows attendees to explore specific operational challenges in depth, with sessions duplicated to maximize accessibility.
Key sessions include Rosemary Coates of the Reshoring Institute discussing evolving supply chain strategies and Moody's Andrei Quinn Barabanov addressing global risk factors. These presentations provide practical frameworks for companies implementing comprehensive freight data management across complex global operations.
The conference awards program recognizes both established companies and emerging technologies driving supply chain transformation. FedEx Supply Chain's Liz Koziol receives the Artificial Intelligence End User Award, while startups like Quickcode.AI and Dexory gain recognition for innovative solutions.
This recognition reflects broader industry trends toward adopting AI-powered tools for routine operations while maintaining human oversight for strategic decisions. Successful implementations balance automation capabilities with practical business requirements.
The NextGen Conference agenda reflects critical shifts in how supply chain executives approach technology adoption. Rather than pursuing individual solutions, leading companies implement integrated platforms that address multiple operational challenges simultaneously.
The emphasis on practical implementation strategies, demonstrated ROI, and cross-industry applications suggests that supply chain technology has matured beyond experimental phases into core operational requirements for competitive advantage.
The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference represents more than industry networking—it provides a strategic roadmap for supply chain transformation through AI, automation, and data analytics. Companies serious about operational excellence should examine how industry leaders are implementing these technologies to achieve measurable results.
Ready to benchmark your supply chain technology strategy against industry leaders? Contact Trax to explore how our AI-powered freight audit solutions can deliver similar operational improvements demonstrated by NextGen Conference presenters.