- May 21 2025
- Don Friddell
In-Person Supply Chain & Logistics Conferences in the U.S.
Below is a comprehensive list of recurring U.S. conferences and trade shows for supply chain, logistics, warehousing, transportation, and procurement professionals. Each event is held in-person (typically annually) and is aimed at industry practitioners, featuring networking, exhibits, and educational sessions on relevant trends. The typical timing/location, primary audience, main focus areas, and official website are included for each:
Manifest
The Future of Logistics (late January, Las Vegas, NV) – A fast-growing conference focused on innovation in logistics and supply chain tech. Manifest brings together Fortune 500 supply chain executives, logistics providers, tech startups, and investors, highlighting cutting-edge trends like automation, AI, robotics, and new delivery. Website: https://manife.st/
RILA LINK
RILA LINK Retail Supply Chain Conference (February, rotates U.S. cities e.g. Orlando, FL) – An annual summit organized by the Retail Industry Leaders Association, targeted at retail supply chain executives (from major retailers, consumer product manufacturers, and brands). LINK is a premier event for the retail logistics ecosystem, drawing thousands of attendees to discuss omni-channel fulfillment, supply chain resilience, digital transformation, sustainability, and customer experience in retail. Website: https://www.rila.org/
Food Shippers of America Conference
Food Shippers of America Conference (early March, warm-weather location – e.g. Palm Desert, CA) – A long-running annual conference (69th annual in 2025) dedicated to supply chain and logistics in the food and beverage. It is an educational and networking event featuring nationally recognized speakers and high-level executives from food manufacturers, producers, grocery retailers, and trucking/logistics providers. Key topics include transportation of food products, cold chain management, procurement, and best practices in food logistics. Website: https://www.foodshippers.org/
TPM Annual Conference
TPM Annual Conference (early March, Long, CA) – Also known as the Trans-Pacific Maritime Conference, this is the premier event for the global container shipping and international logistics community. Organized by Journal of Commerce (S&P Global), TPM attracts senior executives from shippers (importers/exporters), ocean carriers, ports/terminals, 3PLs, freight forwarders, and transportation providers. It features in-depth sessions on ocean freight market trends, port congestion, international trade policy, and supply chain resilience, and is renowned as a forum for high-level networking and deal-making in container shipping. Website: https://tpm.joc.com/
ProMat
ProMat (March, in odd-numbered years – Chicago, IL) – A major supply chain and material handling trade show held biennially (alternating years with MODEX). ProMat is one of the manufacturing and supply chain industry’s premier global events, showcasing cutting-edge solutions for warehouse operations, material handling, and logistics. It draws over 50,000 attendees, including warehouse and distribution center managers, supply chain engineers, and operations executives. Exhibitors (200+ in recent years) demonstrate the latest automation technologies, robotics, forklifts, warehouse management systems, and supply chain software. Education seminars are also offered on trending topics in fulfillment and manufacturing logistics. Website: https://www.promatshow.com/
MODEX
MODEX (March/April, in even-numbered years – Atlanta, GA) – One of North America’s largest supply chain and logistics expos, hosted by MHI in alternating years with ProMat. MODEX is a massive showcase of equipment and technology for manufacturing and supply chain operations, featuring 900+ exhibitors of the latest warehouse automation, material handling systems, robotics, and supply chain. It attracts 30,000+ attendees, including professionals from warehousing, distribution, retail, and industrial sectors. The event offers hands-on demos and education on improving supply chain efficiency through innovation. Website: https://modexshow.com/
SCOPE Supply Chain Summit
SCOPE Supply Chain Summit (April, Las Vegas, NV) – An invitation-only leadership summit for senior supply chain and logistics executives, organized by Quartz Network. SCOPE is a peer-led, “executive retreat” style event that provides a blend of keynote sessions, case studies, and pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings in a closed forum setting. The audience is chiefly supply chain VPs, directors, and heads of logistics from various industries. Topics focus on high-level strategy – e.g. improving end-to-end supply chain performance, leadership, emerging technologies, and best practices – with an emphasis on networking and peer learning. Website: https://quartznetwork.com/
TIA Capital Ideas Conference
TIA Capital Ideas Conference (April, rotates – e.g. San Antonio, TX) – The flagship annual conference of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, which is the industry group for third-party logistics brokers and 3PL companies. This three-day event (crafted “by 3PLs for 3PLs”) is the premier gathering for freight brokerage and third-party logistics professionals. It offers networking and education on topics like freight market trends, brokerage technology, regulatory issues, and 3PL sales/marketing strategies. Attendees include brokerage owners/executives, 3PL operational leaders, and industry vendors. Website: https://tianet.org/
Georgia Logistics Summit
Georgia Logistics Summit (spring, Atlanta, GA) – A regional one-day summit (hosted by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics) that highlights Georgia’s role in global supply chains. This annual event brings together shippers, logistics providers, ports and infrastructure representatives, and supply chain professionals in the Southeast. Content is geared toward best practices and innovations in logistics, transportation, and warehousing, often with an emphasis on the Southeast U.S. (e.g. port of Savannah, interstate logistics). It is a forum for networking among regional industry leaders and learning about Georgia’s logistics outlook. Website: https://galogisticssummit.com/
IWLA Convention & Expo
IWLA Convention & Expo (May, location varies – e.g. Tucson, AZ in 2025) – The annual convention of the International Warehouse Logistics Association, targeting executives of third-party warehousing and logistics services companies. Billed as “the place to be if you are a warehousing leader,” this event gathers North American warehouse logistics company owners, CEOs, and senior managers to network and learn about trends in warehouse operations, 3PL warehousing, and supply chain outsourcing. Educational sessions cover topics like warehouse technology, labor management, safety, and 3PL customer service. An expo of warehouse equipment and services accompanies the conference. Website: https://iwla.com/
Home Delivery World
Home Delivery World (mid-year, usually spring or summer – varies, e.g. May 2025 in Nashville, TN) – A large conference and exhibition dedicated to last-mile delivery, e-commerce fulfillment, and parcel logistics. Home Delivery World is described as the industry-defining event for last-mile logistics in the U.S. It attracts retailers, e-commerce companies, grocers, consumer brands, and delivery providers to explore solutions for fast and efficient home delivery. Key topics include last-mile carrier networks, delivery routing tech, curbside/omnichannel fulfillment, drone and autonomous delivery, and improving the customer delivery experience. Website: https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/
TMSA Elevate Conference
TMSA Elevate Conference (June, rotates – e.g. Austin, TX in 2025) – An annual conference hosted by the Transportation Marketing & Sales Association, focused on sales, marketing, and business strategy within the logistics and transportation industry. This event is geared toward marketing and commercial leaders at trucking companies, 3PLs, freight tech firms, and other logistics service providers. TMSA Elevate features sessions on branding, lead generation, digital marketing, customer experience, and industry trends, helping professionals grow their businesses and sales networks. Website: https://www.tmsatoday.org/
WERC Annual Conference
WERC Annual Conference (June, location varies – e.g. New Orleans, LA in 2025) – The annual conference of the Warehousing Education and Research Council (now a division of MHI), dedicated to warehousing and distribution professionals. This event gathers warehouse managers, distribution center operators, and supply chain executives to share best practices in facility operations and fulfillment. It’s known as a forum “where warehousing and logistics professionals come together” to address current challenges. Typical session themes include labor management, automation and robotics in the DC, slotting and layout optimization, workplace safety, and the impacts of e-commerce on warehouses. Facility tours and networking roundtables are also part of the program. Website: https://werc.org/
Reuters Events: Supply Chain USA
Reuters Events: Supply Chain USA (May or June, rotates – e.g. Chicago, IL) – A cross-industry conference that unites hundreds of senior supply chain leaders from major manufacturers, retailers, and logistics providers. Organized by Reuters Events (formerly known as ExecuSummit/EFT), Supply Chain USA features a mix of strategic and operational content across end-to-end supply chain topics – from planning and procurement to transportation, fulfillment, and supply chain sustainability. Attendees are typically supply chain VPs, directors, and tech leaders looking for insights into digital transformation, risk management, resiliency, and innovation in supply chain. The event emphasizes interactive discussions (workshops, roundtables) for peer problem-solving. Website: https://events.reutersevents.com/supply-chain/usa
GS1 Connect
GS1 Connect (June, varies – e.g. Nashville, TN in 2025) – An annual conference hosted by GS1 US, centered on supply chain standards, data sharing, and technology interoperability. GS1 Connect brings together supply chain IT professionals, data standards experts, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to collaborate on improving supply chain visibility and efficiency through standards like barcodes, EPC/RFID, EDI, and data quality initiatives. Attendees can speak directly with trading partners and explore solutions for supply chain optimization and traceability at this event. Industries represented include retail, consumer goods, healthcare, foodservice, and others that utilize GS1 standards. Website: https://www.gs1us.org/education-and-events/events/gs1-connect
Richmond Logistics & Supply Chain Forum
Richmond Logistics & Supply Chain Forum (September, Scottsdale, AZ) – An invite-only hosted forum produced by Richmond Events that gathers supply chain and logistics executives in a more intimate setting. This forum combines conference sessions with pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings between delegates (senior supply chain decision-makers) and suppliers. It provides a venue to address current industry issues and build new partnerships in a focused environment. Face-to-face networking is a key aspect (the event emphasizes “the power of being present” for forging connections). Typically set at a resort venue, the forum’s content covers high-level supply chain strategy, and attendees are primarily heads of supply chain/logistics from various companies. Website: https://www.richmondevents.com/home
North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES)
North American Supply Chain Executive Summit (NASCES) (September, often in places like Chicago or Las Vegas) – A premier gathering of supply chain executives and industry leaders organized by Executive Platforms. NASCES is a multi-day conference featuring keynote presentations, expert panels, and case-study sessions exploring emerging strategies and best practices in supply chain management. It is designed for senior-level professionals (typically VP, SVP, C-level supply chain officers from manufacturing, retail, and distribution sectors) to discuss topics such as supply chain digitization, resilience, demand planning, procurement strategies, and talent management. The summit provides networking opportunities with peers and solution providers in a large conference setting. Website: https://www.executiveplatforms.com/nasces/
CSCMP EDGE Conference
CSCMP EDGE Conference (late September or October, location rotates U.S.) – The flagship annual conference of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, and one of the world’s largest gatherings of supply chain practitioners. EDGE is often referred to as supply chain’s “premier event,” bringing together thousands of professionals from young innovators up to Fortune 500 executives. It offers an extensive program of expert-led educational tracks, interactive workshops, and case studies spanning all facets of supply chain management – transportation, warehousing, procurement, planning, customer fulfillment, sustainability, and more. The event is known for high-impact learning and networking, including an exhibit hall called the Supply Chain Exchange. Attendees gain forward-thinking strategies and real-world solutions, and have access to top industry leaders and academics in the field. Website: https://www.cscmpedge.org/website/81276/home/
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium
Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo (May, Orlando, FL) – A high-profile conference tailored for chief supply chain officers (CSCOs) and senior supply chain leaders, hosted by research firm Gartner. This symposium is known for its strategic insights and research-driven sessions on the most pressing challenges and trends for supply chain management. Featured topics for 2025, for example, include artificial intelligence in supply chain, cost optimization, leadership & talent development, and risk management. The event typically draws over 4,000 attendees at the executive level, along with dozens of Gartner analysts and around 100+ solution providers. In addition to visionary keynotes, it offers roundtables and one-on-one analyst sessions, giving participants a “big picture” outlook and actionable takeaways for transforming their supply chains. Website: https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/hub/supply-chain-conferences
ISM World Annual Conference
ISM World Annual Conference (May or June, rotates – e.g. June 1–3, 2025 in Orlando, FL) – The flagship event of the Institute for Supply Management, and the premier conference for procurement and supply management professionals. ISM World convenes procurement officers, sourcing managers, and supply chain leaders across industries to share strategies for improving procurement value and supplier management. The conference features in-depth educational sessions, workshops, and keynotes on topics like strategic sourcing, supplier risk, cost management, sustainability in the supply base, and supply chain innovation. Attendees also experience technology demonstrations and can network with peers and solution providers from around the globe. This is considered a “must-attend” event for purchasing and supply chain executives looking to ignite innovation in procurement. Website: https://www.ismworld.org/
ProcureCon Supply Chain
ProcureCon Supply Chain (fall, location varies – e.g. October in Austin, TX) – A conference under the ProcureCon series (organized by WBR) specifically focused on the intersection of procurement and supply chain strategy. This event gathers procurement leaders and supply chain practitioners to discuss sourcing best practices, supplier collaboration, and end-to-end supply chain cost management. Typical sessions include panel discussions with CPOs and supply chain VPs on topics such as building resilient supplier networks, procurement’s role in enabling supply chain agility, and leveraging technology to streamline procure-to-pay processes. With a few hundred attendees, ProcureCon Supply Chain offers a more intimate forum for networking among procurement professionals in manufacturing, retail, and other industries. Website: https://procureconwest.wbresearch.com/
FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival
FreightWaves F3: Future of Freight Festival (fall, Chattanooga, TN) – A unique freight industry event hosted by FreightWaves that blends a business conference with a festival atmosphere. F3 (the “Future of Freight Festival”) brings together professionals from trucking, logistics tech, freight brokerage, and supply chain startups to explore the latest in freight transportation innovation. The multi-day agenda includes live product demos, startup showcases, and expert panels on topics like freight markets, supply chain finance, freight technology (telematics, blockchain, etc.), and trucking industry trends. In addition to thought leadership content, F3 features entertainment and social events in downtown Chattanooga, reflecting its festival vibe. It’s an in-person gathering for the broader freight community to network and see new tech in action (FreightWaves also runs virtual events, but F3 is fully on-site). Website: https://live.freightwaves.com/
Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo USA
Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo USA (annual, usually mid-fall – Las Vegas, NV) – A relatively new trade show and conference specifically addressing retail and e-commerce supply chain operations. This expo (which started in recent years and is co-located with events like the White Label World Expo) is free-to-attend for industry and features a broad range of exhibitors offering solutions in warehouse picking, last-mile delivery, inventory management, packaging, and omnichannel logistics. It includes multiple seminar tracks with retail supply chain leaders discussing fulfillment strategies, warehouse automation for retail, and enhancing customer delivery service. The primary audience is retail and D2C brand supply chain managers, ecommerce logistics professionals, and supply chain IT solution seekers. Website: https://www.retailscl.com/
ASCM CONNECT (CHAINge) Conference
ASCM CONNECT (CHAINge) Conference (September, rotates – e.g. Columbus, OH) – The annual conference of the Association for Supply Chain Management (formerly APICS) recently rebranded as “CHAINge.” This event is designed to equip supply chain professionals with education and insights to navigate an increasingly complex environment. It delivers high-energy sessions on supply chain planning, operations, and innovation, with content ranging from new methodologies in S&OP and inventory optimization to developing talent and diversity in supply chain teams. ASCM’s conference typically attracts practitioners in supply chain planning, manufacturing operations, and logistics who hold APICS certifications or seek professional development. Website: https://connect.ascm.org/website/78461/
Conclusion
Each of these events is well-established and in-person (not virtual), offering valuable opportunities for industry professionals to network and learn about the latest trends in logistics, transportation, warehousing, procurement, and supply chain innovation. By attending the events relevant to your focus, you can gain practical insights and build connections across the supply chain sector.
Sources
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- Manifest: The Future of Logistics
https://www.manife.st - RILA LINK – Retail Supply Chain Conference
https://www.rila.org/conferences/retail-supply-chain-conference - Food Shippers of America
https://www.foodshippers.org - TPM (Trans-Pacific Maritime) Conference – Journal of Commerce
https://tpm.joc.com - ProMat (MHI)
https://www.promatshow.com - MODEX (MHI)
https://www.modexshow.com - SCOPE Supply Chain Summit – Quartz Network
https://quartznetwork.com/event/scope-supply-chain-spring - TIA Capital Ideas Conference – Transportation Intermediaries Association
https://www.tianet.org/education-and-events/annual-conference/ - Georgia Logistics Summit
https://galogisticssummit.com - IWLA Convention & Expo
https://www.iwla.com/iwla-convention-expo/ - Home Delivery World – Terrapinn
https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/home-delivery-world/ - TMSA Elevate – Transportation Marketing & Sales Association
https://www.tmsatoday.org/page/ELEVATEConference - WERC Annual Conference (MHI)
https://www.werc.org - Reuters Events: Supply Chain USA
https://events.reutersevents.com/supply-chain/usa - GS1 Connect (GS1 US)
https://gs1connect.gs1us.org - Richmond Logistics & Supply Chain Forum
https://www.richmondevents.com/Forums/Details/LGH23 - NASCES – North American Supply Chain Executive Summit
https://www.executiveplatforms.com/nasces/ - CSCMP EDGE Conference
https://www.cscmpedge.org - Gartner Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo
https://www.gartner.com/en/conferences/supply-chain - ISM World Annual Conference – Institute for Supply Management
https://www.ismworld.org/annual-conference - ProcureCon Supply Chain (WBR)
https://www.procureconevents.com - FreightWaves F3 – Future of Freight Festival
https://live.freightwaves.com - Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo USA
https://www.retailscl.com - ASCM CONNECT (CHAINge) – Association for Supply Chain Management
https://connect.ascm.org
- Manifest: The Future of Logistics
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