MONDAY, JUNE 27
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Keynote: Earvin “Magic” Johnson: From the Basketball Court to the BoardroomEarvin “Magic” Johnson has gone from being one of the most powerful players on the NBA court to one of the most influential figures in global business. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson has parlayed the skills and tenacity acquired on the court into a winning formula for both personal and business success. Join SMC³ as we welcome NBA Hall of Famer and 75th Anniversary Team member, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Earvin “Magic” Johnson to Connections 2022.
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Guest Event: Sail the Bay to Coronado IslandFollowing the keynote session from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, registered guests can join us as we cruise around the San Diego harbor on the Triton Catamaran – with dual hulls, offering speed, comfort and fun, you won’t even know you’re on the water! We’ll cruise to the Hotel Del Coronado where we will enjoy lunch, and take a tour of this historic hotel, followed by some time exploring the island. We’ll return just in time for Monday’s sunset networking reception.
11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Industry Keynote: In Conversation with Knight-Swift Transportation’s Dave JacksonDuring this in-depth leadership discussion, Knight-Swift Transportation’s Dave Jackson sits down for an exclusive open discussion. He will address the challenges the industry faces today, as well as his vision for the future of trucking in an era of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Moderator: Bill Cassidy, Sr. Editor, Trucking and Domestic Transportation | Journal of Commerce
Speaker: Dave Jackson, President, CEO & Board Member | Knight-Swift Transportation
1:15 - 2:00 PM
Global Economic UpdateDespite setbacks from COVID variants in 2021, midway through 2022 the global economy should see above-potential recovery growth. The main challenges to the global economy spring from a continued trend toward deglobalization and faster-than-expected inflation. How will we close out 2022 and what’s ahead in 2023? This timely session takes a deeper dive into the indicators that will shape global economics in the years ahead.
Moderator: Paul Bingham, Director, Transportation Consulting | S&P Global Market Intelligence
Speaker: Chris Kuehl, Managing Director | Armada Corporate Intelligence
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Networking Break3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 2: Pulling the Right Levers: How GLS Achieved a Best-in-Class Customer Experience that Drives RevenueCarriers and 3PLs across North America are realizing the competitive advantage of delivering a best-in-class customer experience and the value that resides within every touch point. In this session, GLS shares how the company optimized each interaction to foster long-term brand loyalty and sustainable revenue growth- from first contact resolution to perfectly-timed inside sales calls, to elimination of territory and time zone limitations. Join GLS and DDC FPO as we dive into the details of how the customer experience can and should be elevated to meet revenue goals.
Moderator: George Lauriat, Editor-in-Chief | American Journal of Transportation
Speakers: Joe Bartone, Senior VP | GLS-US
Donna Kintop, SVP - Client Experience | DDC FPO
3:45 - 4:15 PM
Networking Break5:30 - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception: An Evening by the Bay7:00 - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast10:00 - 10:45 AM
The New Model for Succeeding in Today’s LTL EnvironmentWith the recent boom in e-commerce, customer expectations continue to soar. Capacity demand is at an all-time high while workforce preferences and a shortage of materials continue to plague new terminal construction and fleet expansion. So, how is LTL adapting? Join our panel of experts as we explore the building blocks for designing the new model for remaining competitive in the LTL landscape.
Moderator: Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Journal of Commerce
Speakers: Jason Bergman, Chief Commercial Officer | Yellow Corporation
Rob Estes, President and CEO | Estes Express
TJ O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer | FragilePAK
10:45 - 11:15 AM
Networking Break12:00 - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch2:00 - 2:45 PM
US Financial Update2022 started with little signs of growth as last year’s fourth quarter spread of COVID variants coupled with the ebbing tailwind of fiscal stimulus had economists across Wall Street scaling back forecasts for gross domestic product. Is there room for optimism heading into the second half of 2022? For domestic transportation, what does that mean for investments in people, assets and technology as we plan for 2023? Join our financial expert as we explore predictions for the year ahead.
3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 1: Reimagining Carrier Profit Potential(Carriers Only Session)
Shared knowledge and collaboration among carriers creates a unified, agile supply chain. Join SMC³’s VP, Cost Intelligence Systems Bill Shults and the CIS team as we explore through case usage how to better leverage LTL and truckload data to make better business decisions.
Moderator: Bill Shults, VP - Cost Intelligence System | SMC³
Speakers: Katie Fox, Pricing Director | Forward
Todd Polen, VP - Pricing Services | Old Dominion Freight Line
3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 3: Supply Chain Education’s Long-term IncentivesAttending supply chain conferences, developing or maintaining credentials and certifications, and interacting with industry stakeholders are just some of the professional development solutions companies are offering employees to boost employee retention ongoing education, and professional development. According a report from the Execu|Search Group 86% of professionals said they would change jobs if a new company would offer them more opportunities for professional development while the 2022 LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report found 59% of employees surveyed believe professional development opportunities would improve company culture. Join this session to discuss ways to provide professional development opportunities to your employees to enhance company culture and retention.
Speakers: Sara Jones, Director | University of Washington Foster School of Business
Karl Manrodt, Ph.D., Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Georgia College and State University
4:15 - 5:00 PM
Breakout 4: Out in front with SMC³Join SMC³ for an exclusive discussion on new product solution highlights, where SMC³ product experts will walk through new product benefits and provide an exclusive glimpse into SMC³’s product development roadmap featuring upcoming solutions launches.
Moderator: Brian Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer | SMC³
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations7:00 - 9:00 AM
Networking Breakfast
9:00 - 10:00 AM
Keynote: Earvin “Magic” Johnson: From the Basketball Court to the BoardroomEarvin “Magic” Johnson has gone from being one of the most powerful players on the NBA court to one of the most influential figures in global business. Having left the basketball court for the boardroom, Johnson has parlayed the skills and tenacity acquired on the court into a winning formula for both personal and business success. Join SMC³ as we welcome NBA Hall of Famer and 75th Anniversary Team member, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Earvin “Magic” Johnson to Connections 2022.
10:00 - 10:45 AM
The New Model for Succeeding in Today’s LTL EnvironmentWith the recent boom in e-commerce, customer expectations continue to soar. Capacity demand is at an all-time high while workforce preferences and a shortage of materials continue to plague new terminal construction and fleet expansion. So, how is LTL adapting? Join our panel of experts as we explore the building blocks for designing the new model for remaining competitive in the LTL landscape.
Moderator: Bill Mongelluzzo, Senior Editor | Journal of Commerce
Speakers: Jason Bergman, Chief Commercial Officer | Yellow Corporation
Rob Estes, President and CEO | Estes Express
TJ O’Connor, Chief Executive Officer | FragilePAK
10:15 AM - 5:00 PM
Guest Event: Sail the Bay to Coronado IslandFollowing the keynote session from Earvin “Magic” Johnson, registered guests can join us as we cruise around the San Diego harbor on the Triton Catamaran – with dual hulls, offering speed, comfort and fun, you won’t even know you’re on the water! We’ll cruise to the Hotel Del Coronado where we will enjoy lunch, and take a tour of this historic hotel, followed by some time exploring the island. We’ll return just in time for Monday’s sunset networking reception.
10:45 - 11:15 AM
Networking Break11:15 AM - 12:00 PM
Industry Keynote: In Conversation with Knight-Swift Transportation’s Dave JacksonDuring this in-depth leadership discussion, Knight-Swift Transportation’s Dave Jackson sits down for an exclusive open discussion. He will address the challenges the industry faces today, as well as his vision for the future of trucking in an era of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Moderator: Bill Cassidy, Sr. Editor, Trucking and Domestic Transportation | Journal of Commerce
Speaker: Dave Jackson, President, CEO & Board Member | Knight-Swift Transportation
12:00 - 1:15 PM
Networking Lunch1:15 - 2:00 PM
Global Economic UpdateDespite setbacks from COVID variants in 2021, midway through 2022 the global economy should see above-potential recovery growth. The main challenges to the global economy spring from a continued trend toward deglobalization and faster-than-expected inflation. How will we close out 2022 and what’s ahead in 2023? This timely session takes a deeper dive into the indicators that will shape global economics in the years ahead.
Moderator: Paul Bingham, Director, Transportation Consulting | S&P Global Market Intelligence
Speaker: Chris Kuehl, Managing Director | Armada Corporate Intelligence
2:00 - 2:45 PM
US Financial Update2022 started with little signs of growth as last year’s fourth quarter spread of COVID variants coupled with the ebbing tailwind of fiscal stimulus had economists across Wall Street scaling back forecasts for gross domestic product. Is there room for optimism heading into the second half of 2022? For domestic transportation, what does that mean for investments in people, assets and technology as we plan for 2023? Join our financial expert as we explore predictions for the year ahead.
2:45 - 3:15 PM
Networking Break3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 1: Reimagining Carrier Profit Potential(Carriers Only Session)
Shared knowledge and collaboration among carriers creates a unified, agile supply chain. Join SMC³’s VP, Cost Intelligence Systems Bill Shults and the CIS team as we explore through case usage how to better leverage LTL and truckload data to make better business decisions.
Moderator: Bill Shults, VP - Cost Intelligence System | SMC³
Speakers: Katie Fox, Pricing Director | Forward
Todd Polen, VP - Pricing Services | Old Dominion Freight Line
3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 2: Pulling the Right Levers: How GLS Achieved a Best-in-Class Customer Experience that Drives RevenueCarriers and 3PLs across North America are realizing the competitive advantage of delivering a best-in-class customer experience and the value that resides within every touch point. In this session, GLS shares how the company optimized each interaction to foster long-term brand loyalty and sustainable revenue growth- from first contact resolution to perfectly-timed inside sales calls, to elimination of territory and time zone limitations. Join GLS and DDC FPO as we dive into the details of how the customer experience can and should be elevated to meet revenue goals.
Moderator: George Lauriat, Editor-in-Chief | American Journal of Transportation
Speakers: Joe Bartone, Senior VP | GLS-US
Donna Kintop, SVP - Client Experience | DDC FPO
3:15 - 3:45 PM
Breakout 3: Supply Chain Education’s Long-term IncentivesAttending supply chain conferences, developing or maintaining credentials and certifications, and interacting with industry stakeholders are just some of the professional development solutions companies are offering employees to boost employee retention ongoing education, and professional development. According a report from the Execu|Search Group 86% of professionals said they would change jobs if a new company would offer them more opportunities for professional development while the 2022 LinkedIn Global Talent Trends Report found 59% of employees surveyed believe professional development opportunities would improve company culture. Join this session to discuss ways to provide professional development opportunities to your employees to enhance company culture and retention.
Speakers: Sara Jones, Director | University of Washington Foster School of Business
Karl Manrodt, Ph.D., Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Georgia College and State University
3:45 - 4:15 PM
Networking Break4:15 - 5:00 PM
Breakout 4: Out in front with SMC³Join SMC³ for an exclusive discussion on new product solution highlights, where SMC³ product experts will walk through new product benefits and provide an exclusive glimpse into SMC³’s product development roadmap featuring upcoming solutions launches.
Moderator: Brian Thompson, Chief Commercial Officer | SMC³
5:30 - 7:00 PM
Networking Reception: An Evening by the BayTUESDAY, JUNE 28
6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations8:30 - 9:15 AM
Industry Keynote: In Conversation with Worldwide Express’s Tom MadineDuring this in-depth leadership discussion, Worldwide Express CEO Tom Madine sits down for an exclusive open discussion. He will address the challenges the industry faces today, as well as his vision for the future of trucking in an era of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Moderator: Jeff Berman, Group News Editor | Peerless Media
Speaker: Tom Madine, CEO | Worldwide Express
10:00 - 10:15 AM
Networking Break11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
The 2022 SMC³ Golf ClassicTee it up at the 2022 SMC³ Golf Classic! Connections 2022 returns to Torrey Pines, home to the 2018 and 2021 US Open Championship. Golf’s most renowned course has it all. From its nostalgic history to its towering cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines ranks amongst the world’s most elite, challenging courses.
6:45 - 7:30 PM
Networking Reception: California Dreamin’6:30 - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast9:15 - 10:00 AM
Making Trucking Cool Again: Innovation + Automation in LTLLess than truckload transportation can be inherently complex, making it ripe for disruption. Experts predict swelling pressures on the supply chain will continue to usher in innovation, thanks to technologies like AI, IoT, advanced data analytics and machine learning - all components that can enhance automation. This expert panel will analyze why innovative solutions like these have become increasingly necessary to operate successfully.
Moderator: Jim Geer, VP – Integrations | MercuryGate
Speakers: Darrin Demchuk, VP – Solutions | Platform Science
Ben Wiesen, President | Carrier Logistics
Pradeep Vachani, CEO | Lynxus
10:15 - 11:00 AM
Navigating Regulatory HurdlesCarriers across the US rank keeping up with government regulations as their second biggest business challenge. How will these new and changing regulations affect a company’s business operations and decisions? This expert session will investigate recent and future legislation impacting the business of LTL.
Speakers: John Bagileo, Attorney | Law Office of John R. Bagileo
Mike Kelley, VP – External Affairs | Yellow Corp
Chris Shimoda, Sr. VP – Government Affairs | California Trucking Association
Bill Sullivan, Executive VP – Advocacy | American Trucking Associations
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch7:30 - 10:00 PM
Dinner and Entertainment6:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations6:30 - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast8:30 - 9:15 AM
Industry Keynote: In Conversation with Worldwide Express’s Tom MadineDuring this in-depth leadership discussion, Worldwide Express CEO Tom Madine sits down for an exclusive open discussion. He will address the challenges the industry faces today, as well as his vision for the future of trucking in an era of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Moderator: Jeff Berman, Group News Editor | Peerless Media
Speaker: Tom Madine, CEO | Worldwide Express
9:15 - 10:00 AM
Making Trucking Cool Again: Innovation + Automation in LTLLess than truckload transportation can be inherently complex, making it ripe for disruption. Experts predict swelling pressures on the supply chain will continue to usher in innovation, thanks to technologies like AI, IoT, advanced data analytics and machine learning - all components that can enhance automation. This expert panel will analyze why innovative solutions like these have become increasingly necessary to operate successfully.
Moderator: Jim Geer, VP – Integrations | MercuryGate
Speakers: Darrin Demchuk, VP – Solutions | Platform Science
Ben Wiesen, President | Carrier Logistics
Pradeep Vachani, CEO | Lynxus
10:00 - 10:15 AM
Networking Break10:15 - 11:00 AM
Navigating Regulatory HurdlesCarriers across the US rank keeping up with government regulations as their second biggest business challenge. How will these new and changing regulations affect a company’s business operations and decisions? This expert session will investigate recent and future legislation impacting the business of LTL.
Speakers: John Bagileo, Attorney | Law Office of John R. Bagileo
Mike Kelley, VP – External Affairs | Yellow Corp
Chris Shimoda, Sr. VP – Government Affairs | California Trucking Association
Bill Sullivan, Executive VP – Advocacy | American Trucking Associations
11:00 AM - 5:30 PM
The 2022 SMC³ Golf ClassicTee it up at the 2022 SMC³ Golf Classic! Connections 2022 returns to Torrey Pines, home to the 2018 and 2021 US Open Championship. Golf’s most renowned course has it all. From its nostalgic history to its towering cliffs above the Pacific Ocean, Torrey Pines ranks amongst the world’s most elite, challenging courses.
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Networking Lunch6:45 - 7:30 PM
Networking Reception: California Dreamin’7:30 - 10:00 PM
Dinner and EntertainmentWEDNESDAY, JUNE 29
6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations8:30 - 9:15 AM
In Conversation with Forward’s Tom SchmittDuring this final in-depth leadership discussion, Forward’s Chairman, President and CEO Tom Schmitt will address the challenges, opportunities, and visions for the future of trucking in an area of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Speaker: Tom Schmitt, Chairman President and CEO | Forward
9:15 - 10:00 AM
Performing Under PressureUnprecedented shifts in consumer expectations and historical growth in e-commerce sales signal a rapid evolution in shipper demands. This timely session addresses through case examples how shippers post-pandemic are looking to 3PLs for leading-edge technology solutions to rev up the supply chain.
Moderator: Victoria Kickham, Senior Editor | DC Velocity
Speakers: Bobby Harris, Founder and CEO | BlueGrace Logistics
Renee Krug, CEO | Transflo
Doug Waggoner, CEO | Echo Global Logistics
10:30 - 11:15 AM
Predicting the Next Wave of DisruptionThe ongoing global pandemic has tested the operations and resiliency of the transportation industry. learned have set in motion a new wave of innovation and agility. Will the supply chain be prepared for the next large disruption? Join our panel of experts as we analyze how to utilize new discoveries to be prepared for the next big interference.
Moderator: George Lauriat, Editor-in-Chief | American Journal of Transportation
Speakers: Dan Heinen, President and CEO | Kleinschmidt
Julian Ludlow, Co-founder and President | FragilePAK
Karl Manrodt, Ph.D., Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Georgia College and State University
6:30 - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast9:00 - 11:00 AM
Guest Event: Rise and Shine with SMC³Finish off the conference on a high note with a chair massage before heading home. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge the mind and body.
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Networking Break11:15 - 11:30 AM
Prize Drawings6:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Registration and Guest Relations6:30 - 8:30 AM
Networking Breakfast8:30 - 9:15 AM
In Conversation with Forward’s Tom SchmittDuring this final in-depth leadership discussion, Forward’s Chairman, President and CEO Tom Schmitt will address the challenges, opportunities, and visions for the future of trucking in an area of disruption, risk management, and innovation.
Speaker: Tom Schmitt, Chairman President and CEO | Forward
9:00 - 11:00 AM
Guest Event: Rise and Shine with SMC³Finish off the conference on a high note with a chair massage before heading home. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge the mind and body.
9:15 - 10:00 AM
Performing Under PressureUnprecedented shifts in consumer expectations and historical growth in e-commerce sales signal a rapid evolution in shipper demands. This timely session addresses through case examples how shippers post-pandemic are looking to 3PLs for leading-edge technology solutions to rev up the supply chain.
Moderator: Victoria Kickham, Senior Editor | DC Velocity
Speakers: Bobby Harris, Founder and CEO | BlueGrace Logistics
Renee Krug, CEO | Transflo
Doug Waggoner, CEO | Echo Global Logistics
10:00 - 10:30 AM
Networking Break10:30 - 11:15 AM
Predicting the Next Wave of DisruptionThe ongoing global pandemic has tested the operations and resiliency of the transportation industry. learned have set in motion a new wave of innovation and agility. Will the supply chain be prepared for the next large disruption? Join our panel of experts as we analyze how to utilize new discoveries to be prepared for the next big interference.
Moderator: George Lauriat, Editor-in-Chief | American Journal of Transportation
Speakers: Dan Heinen, President and CEO | Kleinschmidt
Julian Ludlow, Co-founder and President | FragilePAK
Karl Manrodt, Ph.D., Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management | Georgia College and State University