An overview of Amazon’s order fulfillment and transportation operations with a focus on Amazon’s facility-to-facility processes (“middle mile”), followed by real-world examples of how Amazon uses optimization, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to analyze complex problems like package sortation and containerization, load planning, trailer and air route optimization, disruption mitigation, and insights generation.

-    Understanding how digital tools like control towers and digital twins are revolutionizing supply chains ensure continuity and efficiency
-    Exploring strategies for building resilient supply chains through diversification and strong supplier relationships
-    Highlighting how to use data and analytics to drive sustainability in their procurement processes
-    Discussing the adoption of new technologies such as AI, blockchain, and cloud-based solutions that are transforming the procurement landscape
 

-    Analyzing how trade wars, sanctions, and regional instability reshape global trade routes and supply chain dependencies
-    The importance of contingency planning and alternative sourcing strategies for maintaining resilience
-    Reviewing alternative sourcing strategies as a response to regional instability
 

-    Discussing the shift from cost-centric to strategic value-centric procurement roles
-    Highlighting the integration of advanced analytics and AI in transforming procurement into a strategic entity
-    Exploring how sustainability is embedded into procurement processes
 

-    Overview of emerging clean technologies and their supply chain implications
-    Best practices for negotiating contracts and securing first-of-a-kind materials and equipment.
-    Understanding the challenges in sourcing and procuring renewable technologies, logistical aspects of renewable energy components, and successful integration of case studies
 

Each round table has a different topic and attendees can select the round table they would like to participate in. Round table leaders will spend the first 15 minutes meeting the delegates and providing a case study/lessons learned log/industry update and then moderating a 30-minute discussion with the group where they can give feedback and ask questions. The final 10 –15 minutes will be spent agreeing on 3 -5 industry recommendations. A selection of these recommendations will be shared with the whole audience, and all of them will be summarized in the post-event report.

• Emerging technologies in supply chain analytics
  David Crawley, University of Houston
• Enhancing transparency and visibility in supply chains
  Li Xu, LXi Renewables
• Integrating ESG and scope 3 emissions data
• Strategies for talent retention
• Leveraging data analytics for supply chain efficiency
• Harnessing GenAI and digital twins 
• Building resilient supply chains - A deep dive into strategies for maintaining resilience amid geopolitical and market disruptions, with a focus on securing critical materials and managing third-party risks
• Mitigating supply chain risks in a volatile market: Strategies for building resilience
• Regulatory changes and compliance in the energy sector
  Chris Hosek, Texas Star Alliance
• Cybersecurity measures in supply chains
• Control What You Can: Principles of Purchasing & Supply Chain Leadership
  Peter Dill, Huntsman

-    Discussing comprehensive emissions reporting and reduction strategies
-    Explore the use of procurement strategies to influence greener supplier behaviors
-    Understanding how to prioritize ESG matters
-    Developing strategies for sustainable sourcing, minimizing the supply chain carbon footprint

-    Strategies to reduce the environmental impact
-    DE&I initiatives on procurement processes and workplace culture
-    Successful case studies of Supplier development initiatives
-    Challenges and solutions in achieving transparency in complex supply chains

-    Discussing the importance of diversifying supply sources.
-    Exploring the benefits of nearshoring or reshoring.
-    Reviewing comprehensive scenario planning strategies for adapting to disruptions

-    Exploring recent regulatory updates, their implications, and strategies for compliance
-    Discussing the implications of these changes for supply chain and procurement strategies
-    Strategies for staying compliant with new regulations while maintaining operational efficiency

-    Deep diving into how advanced analytics and predictive technologies are used to forecast supply chain disruptions
-    Exploring case studies demonstrating successful applications of these technologies
-    Discussing the integration of machine learning and AI in predictive analytics to enhance supply chain resilience
-    Understanding how these technologies are used for price forecasting, demand forecasting, and supplier risk assessment

-    Practical applications of generative AI for real-time decision-making and scenario planning
-    Utilizing advanced digital tools for innovative problem-solving to ensure transparency and visibility
-    Integration of diversity and inclusion in supplier selection and management
 

-    Building Resilience Against Disruptions in procurement through strategic supplier relationships and diversified sourcing strategies
-    Addressing challenges in procurement amid global supply chain disruptions and inflation
-    Best practices for managing third-party risks and maintaining compliance with ESG commitments

-    Discussing the evolving skill demands driven by new technologies 
-    Exploring effective workforce development programs and partnerships between industry and educational institutions designed to reskill existing employees
-    Success stories where traditional energy sector workers have transitioned through targeted training programs

-    Understanding of how technological innovations are reshaping the logistics and transportation management landscape, leading to significant improvements in efficiency, security, and sustainability
-    Exploring the role AI and IoT are revolutionizing logistics and transportation management, enhancing efficiency and predictive capabilities
-    Adopting green practices such as using eco-friendly vehicles and optimizing route selection to reduce carbon footprints

-    Discussing how to scale AI sustainably 
-    Exploring the impact of the AI on supply chain resiliency
-    Analyzing case studies where AI has successfully optimized energy supply chain operations

-    Discussing operational shifts made to meet net-zero targets
-    Examining how current and upcoming government policies and incentives shaped business strategies for decarbonization
-    Explaining the standards that need to be developed
-    Understanding the impact of waste in the value chain 

-    Discussing projections for the next year, focusing on the role of technology and innovation
-    Understanding the anticipated changes in procurement and supply chain strategies.
-    Exploring potential impacts on industry practices and business models