Modex 2018: Four keynotes examine trends, share insights

This year, Modex features four keynote presentations offering critical insights from experts into logistics trends, ways to leverage digital solutions to build successful supply chains, the latest industry research findings, and why skilled labor is so critical to the industry and the U.S. economy. All keynotes will be held in Hall B’s Thomas Murphy Ballroom on Level 5.

Co-presented by MHI and the Georgia Logistics Summit, the first keynote—a two-part session—kicks off at 8:45 Monday morning. Juan Perez, chief information and engineering officer of UPS will discuss “Anticipating Tomorrow’s Supply Chain Challenges—Today.” Perez will share how UPS embraces innovation today to anticipate tomorrow’s challenges. Key topics of discussion include how UPS is involved in, responding to, and preparing for Industry 4.0 as enabled by the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), as well as the ongoing evolution of mobility and smart cities.

At 9:30 a.m., immediately following the conclusion of Perez’ remarks, Georgia Governor Nathan Deal will officially open Modex and the Georgia Logistics Summit. He will explain how his state has tackled supply chain and transportation infrastructure improvements to move goods quickly and efficiently throughout the Southeastern U.S. His presentation runs until 10 a.m.

Tuesday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., “Harnessing Our Digital Future” will be presented by Andrew McAfee, co-founder and co-director of the Initiative on the Digital Economy and a principal research scientist at the MIT Sloan School of Management. McAfee will explore how the digital revolution is accelerating innovation, driving productivity and transforming employment and the economy. Key topics include how robotics, machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles will impact businesses in the short- and long-term—particularly in an era when much of standard business practice is out of date.

On Wednesday from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., MHI will release its 2018 Annual Industry Report, developed in partnership with Deloitte Consulting. A panel of industry insiders from manufacturing, supply chain, materials handling and logistics will discuss the report’s major findings, moderated by MHI CEO George Prest and Scott Sopher, a principal in Deloitte’s supply chain practice.

Also on Wednesday, from 1 to 2 p.m., Mike Rowe, founder of mikeroweWORKS, will explain “Why Dirty Jobs Matter.” After a decade hosting the TV show “Dirty Jobs” on Discovery Channel and a multi-faceted career encompassing the titles of writer, narrator, producer, actor and spokesman, Rowe created his foundation, which awards scholarships to students pursuing a career in the skilled trades. His talk will center on the true nature of skilled labor, why it has been devalued, and the enormous but forgotten benefits of hard, honest work—and its impact on everything from our national identity to our infrastructure to the economy.

Modex 2018 is scheduled to be held April 9-12 at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta. The tradeshow will showcase the latest manufacturing, distribution and supply chain solutions in the materials handling and logistics industry. Modern’s complete coverage of the show.