APICS—the educational society for resource management—is offering a series of sessions on strengthening the supply chain as part of its 1999 International Conference and Expo. The theme of this year's conference, to be held in New Orleans, is "Creating Sizzling Solutions" for increasing competitive edge and personal performance.

The conference will include a number of sessions of interest to the supply chain professional. These sessions will address such issues as demand management, differentiating value chains, and supplier development. Speakers are drawn from Hewlett-Packard, DuPont, Motorola, Michigan State University, and SAP. The conference also hosts 10 other session tracks on topics such as managing change, global business strategies, and professional development. The exposition part of the conference will offer participants a chance to view exhibits hosted by more than 200 suppliers.

General session speakers include nationally syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry, Washington Sports President Susan O'Malley, e-Commerce trendsetter Chuck Martin, and Harley-Davidson CEO Richard Teerlink.

Creating Sizzling Solutions: 1999 APICS International Conference and Exposition

Sponsor: APICS

Date: Oct. 24–27, 1999

Venue: New Orleans

Cost: $925 APICS members/$1,175 nonmembers

Contact: APICS at (800) 444-2742

This comprehensive seminar is based on the premise that, in the future, competition will occur across supply chains instead of between individual companies. Accordingly, the workshops and presentations are designed to help companies develop integrated supply chain strategies that will prepare them for this future.

Speakers from Stanford University and Hewlett-Packard will discuss how to integrate your company's activities from acquisitions to testing and distributing finished goods. Presentations will describe approaches for managing complex and geographically widespread manufacturing and distribution systems. Corey Billington of Hewlett-Packard will present a case study on Hewlett-Packard's supply chain implementation experience.

The seminar will include interactive sessions, presentations, readings, case studies, small team discussions, and exercises. Topics will include the use of metrics, the importance of cross-functional approaches, and achieving variety in the marketplace without complexity in the factory.

Integrated Supply Chain Management Seminar

Sponsor: SCM Seminars

Date: Nov. 17–18, 1999

Venue: Palo Alto, Calif.

Cost: $3,075, includes materials and breakfast and lunch.

Contact: SCM Seminars at (800) 566-1585

Columbia University is launching a new program that distills its MBA curriculum down to an intense two-week course. "The Fundamentals of Management: Highlights from Columbia's Core MBA Curriculum" allows individuals who do not have the time or opportunity to pursue an MBA to receive a grounding in the basics from one of the best business schools in the world.

Each day of the course focuses on one or two different concepts or topics taught by some of Columbia's most respected professors. Session topics include: understanding and influencing organizational performance, leading and developing high-performance teams, global competitiveness, managing across cultures and geographies, and leading organizational change and renewal.

The program involves simulations, case discussions, workshop activities, and exercises that apply key concepts to actual business challenges. Participants also receive one-on-one coaching to help develop personal action plans.

The Fundamentals of Management: Highlights from Columbia's Core MBA Curriculum

Sponsor: Columbia Executive Education, Columbia University

Date: Oct. 19–22, 1999

Venue: New York

Cost: $12,000, includes materials, meals, and accommodations

Contact: The Executive Education Department at (212) 854-3395

In his new two-day seminar, reengineering expert Michael Hammer will explain why the advent of electronic commerce demands that companies undergo a new round of process reengineering. In "e-Processes for e-Commerce: Reinventing Operations for Online Business," Hammer will map out how the current wave of technology—from the Internet to ERP to middleware—will radically transform companies' operations. These electronic tools will allow for far greater integration and cooperation across the total supply chain.

During this two-day conference, attendees will discuss how to redesign their processes to capitalize on the Internet, how to create inter-corporate e-Processes, and how to align their operations to support electronic commerce. Hammer will lead all three of the clinic sessions himself and present the results from his latest research on the topic. The forum also will include case-study presentations from Dell Computer, IBM, Sabre, W.W. Grainger, Thomson Consumer Electronics, and i-Cube.

e-Processes for e-Commerce: Reinventing Operations for Online Business

Sponsor: Hammer and Company and i-Cube

Dates: Oct. 26–27, 1999

Venue: Boston

Cost: $2,400 per person for one to three people, $2,100 per person for four or more people

Contact: Hammer and Company at (617) 354-5555

Northeastern University offers a Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management for both the university's MBA students and other qualified candidates. The three-year-old program not only prepares those about to enter the field, but also updates the knowledge of those currently working in supply chain management.

Classes are held one night per week on the campus of Northeastern University in Boston. Professionals accepted into the program will attend the same classes as Northeastern's full- and part-time students.

Many students have completed the program in a year by attending classes from September through June. The program consists of four courses: Global Supply Chain Management, Supply Chain Management, The Transportation Industries, and Executive Roundtable in Supply Chain Management. To complete the certificate, students must also take one of the following courses: Negotiations, Managing Information Resources, Business and Government Regulation, and Legal Aspects of Business.

The courses teach current best practices through a combination of class discussion, individual research projects, case analysis, and interaction with supply chain management professionals. Guest speakers have included executives from UPS Worldwide Logistics, Yellow Freight System, Exel Logistics, Caliber Logistics, and CVS Stores.

Graduate Certificate in Supply Chain Management

Sponsor: Northeastern University Graduate School of Business Administration

Date: Winter Quarter (Jan. 4, 2000–March 20, 2000)

Venue: Boston

Cost: $1575 per course

Contact: Northeastern University at (617) 373-4813

Recognized as one of the most prestigious meetings in the industry, the Council of Logistics Management's annual conference will focus on "Enhancing Global Relationships: Passport to the Future." Participants can attend workshops in 40 different topic areas while networking with more than 6,500 other supply chain professionals.

In his keynote address, Donald J. Bowersox of Michigan State University will discuss his research on how logistics fosters integration within and among companies in the supply chain and make suggestions on achieving world-class performance. General speakers also include ABC anchor Peter Jennings, who will talk about his book The Century, a history of the 20th century.

Sessions will cover a wide range of topics including global logistics strategies, emerging technologies in supply chain management, electronic commerce, partnerships and strategic alliances, channel structure and strategy, and logistics issues in supply chain management. Attendees also can tour the logistics facilities of companies and organizations in the Toronto area, including Customized Transportation Inc., Liquor Control Board of Ontario, Canadian Pacific Railway, and National Logistics Services.

Enhancing Global Relationships: Passport to the Future

Sponsor: Council of Logistics Management

Date: Oct. 17–20, 1999

Venue: Toronto

Cost: $950 CLM members/$1,150 nonmembers

Contact: CLM at (630) 574-0985

As the millennium draws to a close, purchasing organizations face the critical challenge of identifying and developing best practices for managing their purchasing activities and supply chains. The 1999 Purchasing Conference, sponsored by the Conference Board, will address "Best Practices for the New Millennium" in supply chain responsiveness. Other subject areas will include purchasing professionalism, strategic alliances, purchasing information, and purchasing performance. The conference will provide a "reality check" on state-of-the-art and innovative ideas, while allowing participants to learn from other companies' experiences.

General sessions will investigate such topics as strategic customer/supplier relationships, innovative supply chain strategies, and strategic inbound supply management.

The 1999 Purchasing Conference: Best Practices for the New Millennium

Sponsor: The Conference Board

Date: Nov. 2–3, 1999

Venue: New York

Cost: $1,275 Conference Board associates/$1,495 nonassociates

Contact: The Conference Board at (212) 339-0345

At "EXsite '99—The Supply Chain Execution Conference," participants will spend two days examining common supply chain execution issues and discussing industry-specific solutions. Hosted by EXE Technologies, the conference will involve demonstrations of the company's supply chain execution software.

The conference will offer more than 25 sessions in a wide range of supply chain subject areas. These areas include: e-Commerce opportunities, new supply chain software, cross-docking and other materials-handling techniques, and benchmarking and best supply chain practices. Keynote speakers include Microsoft President Steve Ballmer, Ernst & Young Global Supply Chain Leader Christopher Gopal, and Tompkins & Associates President and Founder Jim Tompkins. Bill Maher, host of the TV show "Politically Incorrect," is slated as the luncheon speaker.

EXsite '99—The Supply Chain Execution Conference

Sponsors: EXE Technologies, Microsoft, Cahners Supply Chain/OEM Group, and Ernst & Young LLP

Date: Oct. 10–12, 1999

Venue: Las Vegas

Cost: $799

Contact: EXE Technologies at (214) 775-5866

Worcester Polytechnic Institute will emphasize practical knowledge and applications in its new two-day seminar on "How to Negotiate Supply Chain Agreements." This seminar will help participants develop agreements with their supply chain partners that span operational boundaries and define the value each partner provides.

The program will focus on creating action plans and strategies for structuring and negotiating the agreement. It will teach participants how to represent their organization in negotiations and maximize the company's position in the supply chain. Participants also will look at proper team preparation and execution.

Specific issues addressed in the seminar include: how to move forward with possibility planning, how to set measurable performance criteria, how to communicate effectively, and how to close the deal. The seminar will be led by Paul Hine, president of Profitlink Inc., a consulting firm that helps companies develop and implement change initiatives.

How to Negotiate Supply Chain Agreements

Sponsor: Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Date: Oct. 25–26, 1999, or Dec. 1–2, 1999

Venue: Worcester, Mass. (October dates), Chelmsford, Mass. (December dates)

Cost: $795

Contact: Worcester Polytechnic Institute at (508) 831-5517

Scantech '99 will focus on how information technology can provide companies with the accurate real-time information and automatic data capture needed for business success. Many of the sessions specifically will address how to avoid the trap of allowing bad information to harm your supply chain activities.

Attendees can choose from 50 conference sessions grouped into 10 different tracks, such as technology/techniques, ERP, supply chain, and e-Commerce. Additionally, technology managers and implementers will present case studies from companies such as 3M, Amazon.com, BMW, and Lucent Technologies. Scantech also will hold special pre-conference "power sessions," including one titled "Unlock the Power of ERP & Supply Chain Systems."

The exposition promises to provide the world's largest showcase of automatic data-capture hardware solutions, software applications, and middleware. It will host more than 300 vendors, 900 exhibits, and a Software Solutions Pavilion featuring hands-on demonstrations and answers to your software and systems questions.

The registration fee to Scantech '99 also includes entrance to the concurrent Parcel Shipping & Distribution Expo.

Scantech '99

Sponsor: Automatic ID News

Date: Oct. 5–7, 1999

Venue: Chicago

Cost: $1,275

Contact: Automatic ID News at (800) 331-5706

According to the Tuck School at Dartmouth, e-Commerce will represent $66 billion in revenues by next year. Responding to this opportunity, the school has developed a three-day seminar on "Strategies of e-Commerce," which will teach companies to develop new business models that integrate key electronic commerce tools. Located on what Yahoo! has called "the most wired campus in America," the seminar will show attendees how their companies can take advantage of the Internet now.

A full day of the seminar will focus on "Designing the Value Chain." Participants will learn how to develop a flexible, electronically integrated supply chain, which will slash both costs and cycle time while providing distinctive value. Other days focus on how to develop a successful e-Commerce business model and how to manage the change in culture needed to compete in an Internet-based market.

Participants will hear from those who have made it work for their companies. Faculty members include Wendy Brown, vice president of interactive marketing for AOL, and Sam Kinney, co-founder of FreeMarkets Online.

Strategies for e-Commerce

Sponsor: The Amos Tuck School of Business Administration at Dartmouth College

Date: Nov. 7–10, 1999

Venue: Hanover, N.H.

Cost: $5,000, includes tuition, books, materials, meals, and accommodations

Contact: The Amos Tuck School of Business Adminstration at (603) 646-3879

This year's National Industrial Transportation League (NITL) conference, "The Frontiers of Freight Transportation," will examine national transportation policy as well as collaborative initiatives among supply chain partners.

Seminars of particular interest to supply chain professionals include "Intermediaries and Carriers—Building Partnerships That Last," "Motor Carriers, Shippers, Receivers—A Team Effort," and "The Internet Frontier—Pulling it All Together." The annual meeting also will discuss current transportation issues, such as railroad regulation and ocean shipping reform.

Featured speakers include U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson, chair of the Senate Surface Transportation Subcommittee. The League also has invited Texas Governor and presidential candidate George W. Bush to deliver the keynote address.

Conference attendees also can explore TransComp '99, which will display the latest in transportation products and services from a wide range of suppliers.

The National Industrial Transportation League and TransComp '99

Sponsor: The National Industrial Transportation League

Date: Nov. 14–17, 1999

Venue: San Antonio

Cost: $695 members and associates/$895 nonmembers

Contact: NITL at (703) 524-5011

To address a perceived lack of expertise in supply chain management in the automotive industry, the Global Automotive Conference and Exhibition will gather together key players to investigate industry trends and challenges.

The forum will focus particular attention on the effect of automotive mergers on the global supply chain. Industry leaders and analysts will also address global and regional automotive supply chain strategies, supplier relationships and supply chain tools, information technology strategies, and evaluating ERP systems.

The conference agenda is being created by an advisory committee consisting of representatives from industry leaders such as Ford Motor Co., Volkswagen, Ryder Integrated Logistics, and Delphi Automotive Systems.

Global Automotive Logistics '99 Exhibition and Conference

Sponsor: IIR Exhibitions Ltd.

Date: Nov. 17–18, 1999

Venue: Antwerp, Belgium

Cost: £695

Contact: IIR at 44 171 453-5309