Where Innovation Meets Execution: Inside the 2025 American Supply Chain Summit

The Lone Star State played host to some of the brightest minds in logistics, procurement, operations, and tech as the American Supply Chain Summit 2025 unfolded over two powerful days at the Loews Arlington Hotel. What took place wasn’t just a conference — it was a masterclass in how tomorrow’s supply chains are being built today.

With four robust session tracks — Supply Chain Management, Process Optimization, Supplier Relationship Management, and Technology & Innovation — attendees were offered a choose-your-own-adventure roadmap into the future of global operations. From morning keynotes to evening happy hours, here’s a journey through what made this year’s summit unforgettable.

A special thanks to our emcees of the summit, Courtney Andersen of General Mills, Michael Shin of Trinity Industries, Randall Pappal of Gentex Corporation, Jeff Veenis of Custom Goods Logistics, and Douglas Kent of the Association for Supply Chain Management.

Day 1: The Future is Now

Bright Beginnings & Bold Ideas

As the ballroom doors opened on Day 1, delegates trickled in over coffee and conversation. A pre-summit happy hour the night before had already sparked new connections, and anticipation buzzed for what lay ahead.

After a lively chair’s welcome, Heather Ostis, SVP and Chief Procurement Officer at Starbucks, stepped onstage with a message loud and clear: resilience and innovation begin with strategic supplier partnerships. Her keynote — Redesigning Procurement Value Creation — reframed procurement not as a support function but as a driver of growth and agility. She challenged attendees to rethink how they extract insight from procurement data and emphasized the power of cross-functional collaboration and market investment.

Up next, Alexander Gregorian, SVP, Global Supply Chain, Manufacturing of The Estée Lauder Companies, challenged the audience to rethink transformation in his plenary talk: “Laying the Foundation for Success: How to Simultaneously Perform and Transform.” He walked us through how operational excellence and continuous improvement programs were enabling both immediate delivery and long-term change.

Then came a another crowd favorite: Austin Wright-Pettibone, Head, Technology Strategy and Integration, Global Realty from Amazon on “Mapping the Path to Geospatial Transformation.” By showcasing geospatial technology's role in supply chain visibility and strategy, he made the case that data infrastructure — not just product movement — is now the backbone of global supply operations.

After our morning plenaries, Day 1 was off and running.

Breakouts, Deep Dives & Real Talk

After a busy morning of plenaries, attendees branched off into themed sessions — from Heather Amato at HP on real-time data insights being used to forecast demand, enhance inventory efficiency, and support seamless product launches, to Heleen du Toit of PepsiCo breaking down “value entrepreneurship”, advocating for procurement roles to evolve through M&A strategy, digital analytics, and vertical integration.

Kerry Oliver of Canada Goose came next with her presentation on aligning operations with brand excellence. She walked us through how her team uses real-time tech integration to manage product flow and ensure quality — from raw materials to store shelves. Her emphasis on strategic inventory and tariff risk navigation hit home with many in the room.

And then came the tech — and it did not disappoint.

Chad Kerlin from General Mills captivated with a talk on intelligent supply chains, spotlighting how the brand is embracing AI and automation to boost transparency and manage stock in real time.

Workshops, Roundtables, and Smart Conversations

As the lunch hour approached, breakout workshops offered deep tactical insights. Tal Keller, COO and Co-Founder of Fixefy, delivered a case study on the devastating costs of tariff misclassification. In another session, Arturo Torres Arpi, CEO of Ventagium Data, made a compelling case for advanced analytics to centralize data and streamline operational decisions. Meanwhile, Kenneth Moyer of LJM Group offered a masterclass in deciphering and negotiating today’s complex carrier contracts, and JF Marchand from UGOWork rounded out the breakout track with a deep dive into lithium-ion battery safety and selection for industrial logistics.

Lunch wasn’t just a break — it was a learning opportunity. The Lunch & Learn Roundtables buzzed with conversation, led by experts from Luxor Staffing, GXO Logistics, LJM Group, CADDi Co., EVE International Logistics, Supply Chain Alliance, CN, Locus Robotics, Data Capture Solutions, TGW Logistics Group, Amazon, ITS Logistics, iVEDiX, Soapbox, Integrity Staffing Solutions, STAT Recovery, 8Quanta, Lean Solutions Group, Kardex, SPS Commerce, EasyPost, and Loadsmart.

Fireside Chats & The Power of Connection

Following our fantastic Lunch & Learn Roundtables, Donald Pratt, the Chief Procurement Officer at McCormick & Company, took the stage to share a journey that resonated with nearly every executive in the room. His session, “Elevating Procurement Efficiency Through Advanced Integration, Innovation, and Global Partnerships,” was a masterclass in what happens when procurement is treated not just as a back-end function but as a strategic lever for resilience and growth.

In a different stream, but with equal gravity, Jeffrey Goslin, SVP of Supply Chain Planning and Analytics at Peloton Interactive, stood before his audience and delivered what many called the most honest supply chain narrative of the summit. His session, “Peloton's Supply Chain Simplification: Mastering the Planning and Inventory Management Journey,” wasn’t just a presentation — it was a reflective, almost confessional walkthrough of Peloton’s hard-earned transformation.

One of the most insightful moments came in the form of a fireside chat between Marc Kalmes and Emmanuel Catalan of ChampionX, who discussed how the company is harnessing digital analytics for transformative process improvement. Their candid dialogue detailed how new planning systems are being piloted and scaled, and how teams must be empowered — not overwhelmed — by new technology. Their honesty about the bumps along the road made the conversation especially resonant for those in the midst of their own digital transitions.

A final wave of workshops brought even more expertise into the fold. Attendees heard from Shawn Barker of Pando on how AI agents can now automate logistics decisions once considered too complex for machines. Doug Erwin of ChainLink SRM explained how onshoring and supply chain visibility go hand-in-hand, while Sean Mitchell from Gather AI demonstrated how autonomous drones are revolutionizing warehouse audits. In one of the most practical and retail-focused sessions of the day, Jorge Risquez, Brennan Stoufflet, and Wayland Beller shared how Duracell is using demand signals and replenishment algorithms to reduce lost sales.

Following the captivating speaking sessions, we took a break to enjoy refreshments, network, and engage in pre-arranged 1-to-1 meetings. This intermission provided the opportunity for all participants to foster new connections and explore innovative business solutions.

Post Happy Hour Learnings

With engagement at a high, breakout sessions continued across the summit’s four main streams, a string of powerhouse speakers brought a new wave of clarity and momentum to the conversation. Each room offered something different, yet equally essential — a vivid snapshot of how global leaders are evolving their strategies to navigate complexity and lead transformation from within.

In the Supply Chain Management stream, R. Steve Tungate, VP and GM for Americas, Service, Supply Chain, and Innovation at Toshiba, delivered a talk that felt both timely and deeply rooted in experience. His session, “Optimizing Strategic Changes: How the Supply Chain Responds and Adapts,” tackled what many supply chain executives know but rarely articulate: that transformation doesn’t always start with disruption — it often starts with a choice.

A few rooms over, Muniz Vahidy, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Tufail Chemical Industries, brought the Supplier Relationship Management stream into sharp global focus. His session, “Global Strategies for Effective Supply Chain Management and Strategic Partnerships,” offered an invaluable perspective from a sector where international dependencies and shifting trade dynamics are daily realities.

Meanwhile, in the Technology & Innovation stream, Eric Pukszyn, Executive Director of Supply Chain Planning and Digitization Excellence at Bristol Myers Squibb, delivered a session that fused technical depth with strategic foresight. His talk, “Bolstering Optimization Strategies for Data-Driven Decision Making,” unpacked the mechanics behind effective prescriptive analytics — not just what it is, but how to implement it in a way that generates clear, actionable outcomes.

The day continued with an engaging plenary from Sean Pineau of Locus Robotics, followed by a panel of thought leaders including Bruce Sullivan (Covestro), Francesco Iavarone (EssilorLuxottica), Pedrom Rejai (Unilever), Chad Kerlin (General Mills), and Jim Hilbert (Pando), who discussed how AI, IoT, and data governance are shaping the next generation of supply chain operations. The panel echoed what had become a common theme: it’s not just about technology — it’s about how we use it to empower people.

And finally — the much-anticipated Networking Drinks Reception. With cold drinks, live conversation, and unmatched energy, it was networking at its best as the Texas sun set on Day 1.

Day 2: Elevating Execution, Driving Digital Transformation

Day Two, Bright and Early

While the coffee was still hot, the learning didn’t skip a beat with our morning breakfast briefs. Noam Brezis of Pecan AI shared how predictive models are allowing organizations to make smarter, faster forecasting decisions. Roger Boza from CloneOps.ai spoke about the scalability of AI-powered call automation, and Charlie Bauer of Databank emphasized the importance of preparing enterprise data for AI adoption.

A breakfast series kicked off with our keynote speaker, Rod West from Dollar General, who revealed how autonomous planning and data-driven systems are revolutionizing retail logistics and inventory precision.

Following that, Dr. Thomas Schulte from Bosch brought the house down with a plenary on digitization and sustainability. With EU carbon mandates looming, Bosch is moving full steam toward net-zero — but not without bringing suppliers along. The biggest insight? Digital continuity and shared emissions data will define tomorrow’s partnerships.

Later in the morning, Maayan Kaplan and Brandon Pierre of SPS Commerce delivered a plenary on how to define and monitor the metrics that matter most in driving supply chain performance. Their advice was straightforward but profound: clear expectations and alignment are more important than any individual tool or technology.

After our initial Day 2 morning plenaries, we enjoyed our final networking break of the summit with more engaging 1-2-1 meetings and refreshments!

Workshops continued with depth and diversity. Eric Fullerton from project44 shared how AI and multi-modal visibility are optimizing transportation networks, while Martin Boyd of Big Joe Forklifts explored electrification trends, and Romain Fayolle of Holocene demonstrated how upstream deviations can now be automatically detected to protect manufacturing capacity.

Women in Leadership: Real Talk from Real Leaders

One of the most anticipated sessions of the summit was the Women in Leadership panel, featuring Heleen du Toit from PepsiCo, Sarah Hill from BP, Heather Amato from HP, Jennifer Jacques from Schneider Electric, and Kerry Oliver from Canada Goose, returned for a powerful Women in Leadership session that explored mentorship, systemic change, and the importance of empowering the next generation.

Just before lunch on Day 2, attendees had the opportunity to engage in our last set of workshops for the summit. Danny He of Soapbox, explored how to future-proof supply chains by leveraging ecosystem data beyond traditional ERP systems. Over in Room 2, Agustin Sustaita at D-Troy Logistics with Grupo ATC, shared strategies for optimizing cross-border and domestic logistics with a focus on seamless international trade and real-time tracking. Meanwhile, Jessica Varon and Mary Wilson from SupplyPike presented on maximizing retail revenue through automation of chargeback recovery and dispute resolution. Lastly, Michael DeLeonardis at Verity, discussed the future of warehouse intelligence, demonstrating how autonomous inventory platforms using robotics and AI enhance resilience and operational efficiency in complex warehouse environments.

And just like that, it was time for lunch! Day 2 Lunch & Learn Roundtable discussions featured leaders from Shaklee Corporation, Half Price Books, Wolfspeed, Elida Beauty, AT&T, The New Warehouse Podcast, Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, North America (CILTNA), and Amazon.

In the final plenary of the summit, Aaron Lober, VP of Marketing at CADDi, took the stage to paint a compelling picture of “The AI-Driven Future of Manufacturing Procurement.” He emphasized how today’s leading manufacturers are harnessing AI and digital tools not just to boost speed and reduce waste, but to fundamentally transform procurement into a strategic engine.

Final Panels & Farewell

The final panel discussion of the American Supply Chain Summit 2025 brought together an accomplished group of leaders who each offered a unique perspective on the theme of Driving Organizational Transformation: Innovative Strategies and Resiliency. Leila Jalai from David Yurman, Mehran Ravanpay, formerly of MGA Entertainment, Jorge Lebrija of Valaris, Courtney Andersen from General Mills, and Douglas Kent of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). Together, they offered a holistic vision of organizational transformation, one rooted in resiliency, analytics, and an unwavering commitment to innovation. The panel closed the summit with a powerful message: that true transformation is rooted not only in innovation but in the ability to lead with vision, agility, and trust — even in the face of disruption.

As the summit came to a close, a special thanks to the dedicated chairs who helped guide and shape the conversations throughout both days. For one last time, our wonderful summit emcees brought their expertise and leadership to the forefront, offering invaluable insights across the core streams of Supply Chain Management, Process Optimization, Supplier Relationship Management, and Technology & Innovation. As the final chair’s remarks concluded and the survey prize was awarded, one thing was clear: this wasn’t just another summit. It was a defining moment for the future of supply chain leadership.

Closing Thoughts: The Future is Integrated

As the summit wrapped and applause rang out one last time, a common theme resonated: supply chains are no longer the back-office function they once were — they are the frontline of innovation and resilience.

Whether it was unlocking value in procurement, optimizing global logistics with real-time AI, or forging new partnerships through trust and transparency, the 2025 American Supply Chain Summit proved one thing: this industry is ready for what’s next.

If you missed this year’s summit, you didn’t just miss a conference. You missed the frontlines of where the global supply chain strategy is going next.

But the good news?

You can join us next year for our 10th anniversary of the American Supply Chain Summit: https://supplychainus.com/

Until next year — keep leading, keep transforming, and stay connected.

Testimonials

"The Supply Chain Summit exceeded all expectations, serving as a transformative hub for industry professionals. The caliber of speakers delivered cutting-edge insights that challenged conventional thinking. Networking opportunities fostered meaningful connections with potential partners and mentors. Interactive workshops provided practical tools I could immediately implement. The diverse representation across sectors offered fresh perspectives on common challenges. The summit's seamless organization allowed for maximum learning without logistical distractions. Most valuable was the balance between theoretical frameworks and real-world applications, demonstrating pathways to operational excellence. I left energized with actionable strategies and an expanded professional network, ready to elevate our supply chain performance."

- Prashanth Cecil, General Manager, Amazon Inc

"It has been good meeting the various vendors of Supply Chain services. I think the variety of providers here is a solid mixture."

- Kelvin Cubitt, Director, Supply Chain Management, DEUTZ Corporation Americas

"The summit is a great way to see what technologies are out there and the companies that provide best-in-class products to stay innovative and resilient in our future Supply Chain. The networking was great!"

- Aaron Pollock, Supply Chain Manager- North America, Caterpillar

"Valuable and worthwhile. Wish I knew of this conference sooner."

- Chris Pittman, Director of Operations and Supply Chain Management, Rhythm Band Instruments

"Great time meeting with industry experts and seeing all of the great technology leading the way in Supply Chain."

- Ian Neal, Director, BioMarin

"Eye-opening. The attendees, sponsors, and speakers are exceptional and cover a wide variety of contemporary supply chain topics."

- Angela McGinley, Director of Procurement and Logistics, Texas Children’s Hospital

"Very educational, and a good networking environment. Well-polished speakers!"

- Ted Pennington, VP Supply Chain, Natron Energy

"Important and relevant information, as well as experience from speakers. Fantastic organization and excellent participants."

- Carlos Herrera, Head of Procurement NA, Elida Beauty

Learn more about our upcoming 2025 North American events and secure your spot today: