NextGen revamps awards for 2026, opens submissions

The NextGen Supply Chain Conference is focusing on what matters for supply chains more than ever in 2026: execution. As part of that shift, the conference has revamped its annual awards program, aligning categories more closely with how supply chain transformation is actually happening today and opening submissions for organizations ready to demonstrate real results.

Submissions are now open with a deadline of May 15, 2026.

This year’s awards are designed to move beyond theory, recognizing companies that are deploying technology, scaling operations, and delivering measurable outcomes in real-world environments.

This year’s conference will take place Oct. 21-23, 2026, at the W Nashville hotel in Nashville, Tennessee.

A sharper focus on execution

The updated awards program reflects a broader industry shift. AI, automation, and digital transformation are no longer future concepts, they are operational realities. The question is no longer what’s possible, but what’s working. The 2026 awards are structured across three main areas with more of a focus on execution.

As in the past, we will be honoring both End User companies and Solution Provider firms.  End User Awards recognize the companies that have moved beyond pilots into production environments. The Solution Provider award will honor those companies whose solutions are not just innovative, but actively delivering results for customers across industries.

Both End Users and Solution Providers will be honored in the following categories:

• Intelligent Transformation Award. Recognizing organizations that have embedded AI and advanced technologies into day-to-day operations at scale.
• Autonomous Operations Award. Honoring companies deploying robotics and automation to drive measurable improvements.

Special Recognition Awards

• Visionary Award. The conference’s highest honor, recognizing holistic supply chain leadership.
• Startup Award. Spotlighting emerging companies with strong differentiation and early traction
• Partnership in Execution Award. New for 2026

The submission process for the 2026 awards is now open. Eligibility criteria for each award is available on the NextGen Supply Chain Conference awards page. Submissions are due no later than May 15, 2026. To submit for an award, click here.

A new award for a new reality

The most notable addition this year is the Partnership in Execution Award, which recognizes something the industry has long talked about but rarely celebrated directly: collaboration that delivers results.

This award honors joint achievements between end users and solution providers or consulting partners, focusing on measurable outcomes, shared accountability, and execution excellence.

In an environment where no company operates in isolation, the ability to execute across organizational boundaries is increasingly becoming a competitive differentiator.

The Partnership in Execution Award winner will present during the conference in a fireside chat format. Participation of both the solution provider/consultant and end user company is required for the fireside chat.

More than recognition, it’s participation

Award winners don’t just receive recognition, they take part in the conference program. Recipients are required to attend the NextGen Supply Chain Conference, October 21–23, 2026, at the W Nashville in Nashville, TN, where they will present their work as part of the agenda.

That structure reinforces what NextGen has become known for: a practitioner-driven event focused on real-world execution, not theoretical discussions.

The conference targets approximately 250 senior-level supply chain, logistics, procurement, and operations leaders, with a strong emphasis on peer learning and applied insights.

How to get involved

Organizations interested in participating in the 2026 NextGen Supply Chain Conference have multiple ways to engage:

• Submit for an award (deadline: May 15). Click here.
• Register to attend. Click here.
• Apply to speak by proposing a session focused on real-world challenges and outcomes. Click here.
• Explore sponsorship opportunities to connect with a highly targeted executive audience. Click here.

The 2026 theme—Innovate. Upskill. Transform.—reflects the conference’s continued focus on the intersection of technology, talent, and execution.

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