More than 2,000 logistics, procurement, manufacturing, and planning professionals will make their way to the Windy City this weekend to expand their skill set, explore new and different ways of thinking, and make new contacts.

Organization: APICS

Conference: APICS 2018

Venue: Hyatt Regency

City: Chicago

Following preconference seminars on Saturday, APICS 2018 kicks off Sunday morning with a keynote by Netflix Cofounder Mark Randolph. He’ll dispel the myth that, in order to be an innovator or a disruptor, you have to be from Silicon Valley or have a computer science degree. Plus, he’ll share ways attendees can be more innovative in their own work as supply chain management professionals. Also worth noting:

Close the gender gap. Sunday’s Women in Supply Chain Forum is part of APICS’s efforts to attract, promote, and retain women in the industry. Supply chain and diversity trailblazers will share their insights regarding the new faces of leadership and the future of the field. Participants will have the opportunity to network with one another and discuss opportunities and challenges.

Go offsite. Facility tours, always one of the most popular elements of the APICS conference, give attendees an inside look at a local supply chain in action. This year, attendees can choose from more than 10 facilities, including Soldier Field, Lagunitas Brewing Company, Chicago Tribune Printing Center, and McCormick Place.

Get a preview. For attendees who can’t commit to attending the full conference, there’s the Preview Pass. For $99, attendees can visit the expo hall for two days, as well as attend the welcome reception and have access to 10 hours of specially curated content and interactive product demonstrations.

More meeting details can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter (#APICS2018).

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