What will the food and beverage supply chain of the future look like? How will it adapt to increasingly stringent regulations, leverage innovative technologies for scalable growth, and efficiently deliver products to consumers? The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference aims to paint this very picture.
Scheduled for October 22-24 at the W Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee, the conference has identified food and beverage as one of its four core focus areas. With participation from prominent brands and industry associations, the event will convene over 50 senior executives and thought leaders to explore critical issues shaping supply chain development for the next decade.
Key Themes and Highlights
The food and beverage track will address several pivotal areas, offering forward-looking insights and practical solutions for industry professionals.
Evolving Regulatory Landscape
Experts will examine how changing regulatory frameworks impact supply chains and how companies can adapt. Phil Kafarakis of the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA) will share perspectives on regulatory evolution, helping businesses navigate compliance requirements.
Scalable Growth Through Innovation
The conference will spotlight how mid-sized companies can achieve growth through innovative production models. Timothy Egan of Our Home will host a fireside chat detailing his company's experiences during rapid expansion.
Last-Mile Delivery Optimization
Retail giants like Walmart will present case studies on improving final-mile logistics—enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and elevating customer satisfaction in product distribution.
Future Trends Outlook
Todd Stillwell of Dole Packaged Foods will deliver a keynote address forecasting supply chain innovations that could drive industry progress, offering strategic guidance for businesses preparing for future challenges.
Industry Leadership Perspectives
Lisa Drane of Diageo will receive the Visionary Award and share her unique insights on supply chain evolution during a featured presentation.
Additional Conference Tracks
The event will also examine supply chain challenges in:
- Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG): Optimizing operations amid competitive pressures and shifting consumer demands
- Life Sciences: Maintaining security and compliance in highly regulated environments
- Third-Party Logistics (3PL): Strategies for selecting and managing logistics partners effectively
Participant Benefits
Attendees will gain opportunities to:
- Track emerging industry developments in regulations, technology, and market trends
- Learn operational best practices from leading organizations
- Network with supply chain professionals across sectors
- Discover innovative solutions tailored to business needs
Featured Organizations and Speakers
The conference will showcase expertise from:
- Diageo: Global beverage leader (Johnnie Walker, Guinness) represented by award-winning executive Lisa Drane
- Dole Packaged Foods: Produce industry innovator sharing efficiency strategies
- IFMA: Foodservice association providing regulatory guidance
- Our Home: Rapid-growth food company presenting scaling methodologies
- Walmart: Retail giant demonstrating last-mile delivery solutions
Conference Outlook
By convening industry leaders, the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference will foster knowledge exchange and collaborative innovation to advance food and beverage supply chains. This gathering promises to equip businesses with critical tools to navigate future challenges while capitalizing on emerging opportunities.