Agenda

Stream Chair & Opening Remarks

In the era of digital transformation, we find ourselves in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous) time, where the convergence of digital technologies, virtual communities, and shifting consumer behaviors has been accelerated. The metaverse is emerging as a foundational element and a new way of conducting business in this world. As the digital realm takes center stage in our lives, the metaverse offers businesses incredible opportunities, including virtual design, enhanced consumer engagement through personalized and immersive experiences, supply chain alternatives to create sustainable, resilient, and agile value networks, and pioneering innovative approaches, among others. The objective of this talk is to comprehend the metaverse, its implications, explore opportunities, discuss challenges, spotlight innovations, foster collaboration, and inspire strategies that are future-ready, ensuring that brands maintain competitiveness and resonate with consumers in the evolving landscape. Learn from the experiences of Barbie and Hot wheels to inspire your own ventures.

FIRESIDE CHAT

With ongoing conflicts, Covid lessons still being learned and the UK's exit from the European Union still bringing up new challenges and complexities from customs procedures, to border controls, regulatory requirements and everything in-between impacting the flow of goods. What lessons have these events taught retailers about supply chain flexibility and adaptability? Couple this with fluctuating fuel prices and increased demand for transportation services, costs are spiralling out of control. Route optimization, alternative transportation models, negotiating favourable contracts and tariff classifications are just some areas for retailers to focus upon to tackle. The goal? A global distribution to the global supply chain achieving JIT logistics.

In the evolving landscape of supply chain dynamics, there emerges a crucial symphony—Beauty Supply Chain Resilience. The profound lessons learned from Covid have bestowed a newfound wisdom upon our sector: the art of agility, guided by innovative strategies. Dive into the heart of this transformative narrative as Rad Jha, from luxury beauty brand Flaconi, draws from his tapestry of experiences, to share a masterclass in 'dynamic' inventory adjustment, managing risk prediction, mitigation and contingency planning, that future-proofs responses to unforeseen disruption.

In today's rapidly evolving business landscape, the pivotal role of collaboration among supply chain executives and management cannot be overstated. Amidst the dynamic challenges posed by market fluctuations, economic shifts including recessions and post-Brexit scenarios, and ongoing global conflicts, the imperative for triumph stands upon a foundation of trust. At the forefront of fostering this trust lies Authentic Leadership—a linchpin for organizational prosperity. Respected supply chain leader Dunc Lowe shares his insights built on years of experience to elevate leadership prowess.

Explore demand planning, inventory optimization, and sales forecasting for stock efficiency. Learn e-commerce's impact on fulfillment centers, requiring meticulous planning and tech integration. Dive into omni-channel harmony, uniting supply chains for efficient order fulfillment, inventory sync, and consistent customer experiences. Stay ahead in supply chain management.

Environmental sustainability is gaining significant importance in supply chain management especially with new legislation on the horizon. Retailers are adopting eco-friendly practices from packaging optimization to carbon footprint reduction to meet customer expectations and contribute to a greener future. Join industry operational guru, Ben Dreyer, who has spent over 25 years at Boden to share his vision for sustinability innovation and efficiencies.

As we move from 2023 into 2024, we see an e-commerce boom impacting retail operations, seamless omni-channel integration top of the agenda, data driven backed decisions imperative and sustinability measures you can no longer ignore. As these areas continue to be polished, what will we find in our crystal ball beyond? Sit back, relax and let Deliveroo's Paul Wilkinson do some of the future strategy for you.

More women are playing a vital role in the transformative phase of supply chains which should be celebrated, however, is it enough? We attempt to dissect personal experiences, challenges, triumphs and perspectives on leadership, career growth, diversity, inclusion, and the opportunities you need to be aware of in the logistics landscape from accomplished women in the field.

Join experts from Avalara to discuss common pitfalls for international deliveries and strategies that could help you streamline and position yourself - or your clients - as a best-in-class company. You will learn what businesses should be considering if they are selling into international markets and what changes are on the horizon to prepare for.