Imagine a logistics hub of the future—no longer a crowded warehouse stacked with goods, but an intelligent nexus powered by artificial intelligence and seamlessly coordinated robots. In an era of rapid technological advancement and fluctuating freight markets, how can businesses leverage innovation to reduce costs and enhance efficiency? The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference, focusing on third-party logistics (3PL) and the broader logistics sector, will bring together industry leaders to explore these critical questions.
Scheduled for October 22–24, 2025, at the W Hotel in Nashville, the event will feature insights from over 50 prominent experts. Beyond logistics, the conference will cover supply chain strategies across consumer goods, life sciences, food and beverage, and other industries, offering attendees a comprehensive learning and networking experience.
AI-Powered Logistics: Redefining the Industry
The logistics segment of the conference will open with a keynote address by Val Marchevsky, Executive Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Uber Freight. He will delve into how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing logistics planning, execution, and cost management. With AI, companies can achieve more accurate demand forecasting, smarter route optimization, and efficient resource allocation—ultimately driving down operational expenses while improving service quality.
Industry Leaders Share Proven Strategies
Executives from RXO, C.H. Robinson, GEODIS, Kenco, Sysco, and GreyOrange will also take the stage, sharing their approaches to navigating freight market volatility, scaling warehouse networks, and delivering measurable results. Their expertise will provide actionable insights for attendees seeking to adapt to challenges and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Key Themes: Addressing Logistics Challenges
The conference will center on three core themes:
1. Managing Freight Market Volatility
Geopolitical risks, economic shifts, and seasonal demand fluctuations continue to disrupt freight pricing and capacity. Experts will discuss risk assessment, capacity optimization, and dynamic pricing strategies to help businesses thrive amid uncertainty.
- Risk Management: Implementing robust assessment frameworks and contingency plans.
- Capacity Optimization: Leveraging multimodal transport and route consolidation to reduce costs.
- Pricing Agility: Adjusting rates based on market conditions and competitive landscapes.
2. Scaling Warehouse Networks
E-commerce growth and rising consumer expectations demand expanded warehouse networks. Panelists will explore site selection, automation, inventory management, and workforce strategies to streamline expansion.
- Location Strategy: Balancing proximity, labor costs, and infrastructure.
- Automation: Deploying AGVs, sorting systems, and robotics to boost efficiency.
- Inventory Control: Real-time tracking and demand-driven replenishment.
3. Delivering Measurable Outcomes
Quantifying logistics performance is critical for customer retention. Sessions will address KPIs, data analytics, and client relationship management to align operations with business goals.
- Performance Metrics: Tracking on-time delivery, order accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
- Data-Driven Decisions: Harnessing analytics to identify inefficiencies.
Emerging Technologies Shaping Logistics
Additional discussions will highlight cutting-edge tools:
- Blockchain: Enhancing transparency and reducing fraud in supply chains.
- IoT: Real-time cargo and vehicle monitoring to minimize losses.
- Cloud Computing: Scalable IT infrastructure for agile operations.
The Path Forward
As technology evolves, logistics will grow smarter, greener, and more automated. The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference offers a platform to explore these trends, equipping professionals to lead in an increasingly competitive landscape.