The improving demographic mix

When there’s a trade show floor involved, I first walk the perimeter to get an idea of the size of the floor. Then I walk down the middle aisles to get a feel for the “buzz” at that moment in time, keeping an eye on attendee engagement with exhibitors. Are these business discussions? Are they merely catching up? Or is it a little of both?

It’s in those early observations that you start to get an idea of the general demographic makeup. Is it more of a veteran group? Or, is it younger and savvier? Or possibly a little of both?

When I roll up my many logistics and supply chain trade show and conference experiences over the past few years, I’m happy to report that I’m starting to see a little of both in terms of engagement levels as well as a healthier demographic mix. I’m seeing our stalwart veterans mixing and mingling with a growing number of younger attendees—both male and female.

Back in 2004, when I first started working on Logistics Management (LM), that wasn’t the case. In fact, the lack of young professionals was notable; so much so that their absence drove editorials and feature stories asking why we weren’t building a deeper bench for the future.

It’s impossible to put a finger on the exact moment the tables turned, but I can be nearly certain that the steady growth of e-commerce and the evolution of the digital necessities that make it work are at the heart of this current—and absolutely vital—demographic shift.

“Simply put, the demand for experienced logistics and supply chain managers is increasing exponentially,” says contributing editor Bridget McCrea. “And when you consider the growth of e-commerce and its scalable, digital foundation, the opportunities are literally endless for younger people looking to build
life-long careers.”

Starting on page 18, McCrea offers five emerging trends in logistics and supply chain education and career development. While the number of logistics-specific educational offerings are taking off and becoming more popular at some of our most esteemed universities, she cites some shortcomings and advises our base of veterans to make sure Millennials are getting hands-on-training—not just screen time.

We’re also seeing more women entering logistics and supply chain management positions. In fact, the findings of our recent “Salary Survey” said that the role women play in the logistics management community continues to gain traction every year.

To further examine this, executive editor Patrick Burnson put together a panel of three women who represent three different areas of the market—a recruiter, a trucking executive and a shipper—in our first “Women in Logistics” Webcast happening on June 15.

“These professionals share their success stories as well as offer advice for women who are making their way up the ladder,” says Burnson. “And while there’s still a steep hill to climb, opportunities abound.”