Inside the innovation rooms: NextGen’s small group sessions showcase real-world success

One of the unique characteristics of the 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference is the Small Group breakout sessions.

Designed to offer more learning, these sessions offer attendees 18 total sessions focused on strategies, technology and problem-solving insights from leading consultants, academics and industry practitioners.

But these sessions also offer the opportunity to hear and see first-hand stories from some of the top technology providers in supply chain. These Silver-level sponsors will be bringing customers to the stage and engaging in high-level discussions showcasing the technologies and solutions being used today by leading companies to solve everyday supply chain problems.

These Small Group sessions will take place in themed rooms and feature case studies of innovative technologies and problem-solving from technology providers and their world-renowned customers.

Silver-level Sponsors for these sessions include AutoScheduler, Cycle Labs, eSoft Labs, GreyOrange, Hai Robotics, Imaginnovate, and TGW Logistics. Customer companies speaking include Maersk, Kellanova, Kohler Co., IBM Watsonx.AI, FreightFacts,  URBN, Kenco, and Terry Stumpf, retired-supply chain manager for Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana.

The sessions, along with their rooms and times, are:

Room 1: Freight Market Strategies

Session Title

The Automated Edge: How 3PLs Stay Ahead in a Demanding Market

Speakers

• Marcos Feliciano, Sales Executive, Hai Robotics
• Andy Modale, VP of Engineering Design, Maersk

Session Description: This session explores how leading third-party logistics providers are using automation to gain a competitive edge, meet growing consumer demands, and improve operational efficiency. Attendees will learn why warehouse automation is a strategic fit for the 3PL industry and how it enables faster, more scalable, and reliable fulfillment. The discussion highlights real-world applications and benefits of automation in today’s fast-paced logistics and supply chain environment.

Session Times: 11:30 a.m. CT and 4:00 p.m. CT

Room 2: Strategy & Optimization

Session Title

From Firefighting to Forward Planning: A Fireside Chat with Kellanova

Speakers

• Ian Johnston, VP Customer Success, AutoScheduler
• Kandi Crowe, Sr. Director Customer Distribution, Kellanova

Session Description: Join this on-stage conversation with the Sr. Director of Customer Distribution at Kellanova, Kandi Crowe, as she shares Kellanova’s journey to proactive planning. Discover what triggered the search for a new approach, why AutoScheduler stood out, lessons from implementation, and the measurable results that transformed their operations.

Session Times: 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Room 3: Automation & Applied Intelligence

Session Title

Test Automation: The key for improved speed and quality of WMS implementations

Speakers

• Josh Owen, Founder, President and Executive Chairman, Cycle Labs
• Jonathon Crafton, Systems Architect, Kohler Co.

Session Description: Discover how Kohler used the Cycle® Test Automation Platform to accelerate and enhance their Blue Yonder WMS implementation. Faced with complex customizations, Kohler turned to automation to streamline documentation and expand test coverage. This session explores the results of their approach and how it’s paving the way for ongoing gains in efficiency and performance.

Session time: 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Session Title

Revolutionizing Logistics & Supply Chain with IBM Watsonx.AI

Speakers

• Collin Stiffler, Product Leader for Watsonx.AI, IBM
• Sai Kastury, Director of Presales and Enterprise Architecture, Imaginnovate

Session Description: Discover how IBM Watsonx.AI is transforming logistics and supply chain operations through generative AI and agentic workflows

Session Time: 12:00 p.m. (only session)

Session Title

Driving B2B Transformation with AI, Automation, and Next-Gen EDI

Speakers

• Ravi Chavali, CTO, Imaginnovate
• Lance Healy, CEO, FreightFacts

Session Description: Modern logistics demands seamless B2B connectivity and intelligent automation. This session explores how AI, automation, and next-gen EDI powered by IBM Sterling B2B capabilities are enabling secure, scalable, and automated data exchanges.

Session Time: 4:30 p.m. (only session)

Room 4: Strategy & Execution

Session Title

The Power of Partnership – How URBN Found an Automation Solutions Partner with TGW Logistics 

Speakers

• Jeff Rhodes, Director of Sales, TGW Logistics
• Brian Horton, Director, Supply Chain Program Management, URBN

Session Description: Discover how the right partnership can unlock transformative results. In this session, learn how URBN teamed up with TGW Logistics to overcome operational challenges and implement cutting-edge automation solutions. Explore the journey from identifying the need to achieving scalable success through collaboration, innovation, and trust. This session highlights the power of strategic partnerships in driving efficiency, agility, and long-term growth in today’s fast-paced retail landscape.

Session Times: 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Room 5: Operational Agility & Innovation

Session Title

From Robotic Uptime to Fulfillment Outcomes: Warehouse Orchestration at Scale

Speakers

• Saurabh Gupta, Chief Technology Officer, GreyOrange
• Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Research & Development, Kenco

Session Description: Not seeing enough value from your robotic systems? The challenge may lie in coordination. GreyOrange and Kenco explore how to align hardware, software, and human agents into a synchronized network that delivers real ROI. Learn the difference between automation at a single site and across a 100-warehouse network, with real-world examples of companies shifting from uptime metrics to fulfillment outcomes.

Session Times: 11:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Session Title

The Supply Chain Fix That Doesn’t Require CapEx

Speakers

• Terry Stumpf, Retired – Supply Chain Manager, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana
• John Brooks, CEO, Warehouse on Wheels

Session Description: When your business needs space yesterday, the answer isn’t more tech or spend – it’s a smarter, faster fix that keeps things moving. Supply chain challenges don’t require another software platform or a massive capital outlay; they call for practical solutions that deliver results now. In this session, we’ll share how one of the world’s largest manufacturers cut through supply chain bottlenecks with a scalable, temporary warehouse solution that avoided long timelines and heavy costs. Learn how this Fortune 100 got big results without adding to their tech stack or making large CapEx investments.

Session Times: 12:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m.

The 2025 NextGen Supply Chain Conference, taking place Oct. 22–24 at the W Nashville in Nashville, Tennessee, will bring together more than 50 senior executives and thought leaders from across the supply chain ecosystem. This year’s program offers a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, awards recognition, and deep-dive breakout sessions designed to showcase how these leading companies are transforming their supply chains with AI, automation, data, and innovative strategies.

The entire event kicks off with an evening reception on Wednesday, Oct. 23.

Conference registration is now ongoing.

Networking and sponsorship opportunities

Networking highlights include rooftop receptions, entertainment and small-group discussions.

Sponsors include:

• Diamond: Zion Solutions Group (awards sponsor); Dematic, Warehouse on Wheels
• Gold: Shippeo
• Silver: Hai Robotics, TGW Logistics, Cycle Labs, GreyMatter by GreyOrange, AutoScheduler, Imaginnovate, eSoft Labs,
• Bronze: Corvus Robotics, enVista, Gnosis Freight, Herowear
• Associate: Arvist, Loadsmart, Pelican Robotics, Made4Net, Third Wave Automation

Now in its seventh year, the NextGen Supply Chain Conference brings together senior executives, thought leaders, and technology innovators to explore the future of supply chain management. With a program featuring keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and the annual NextGen Supply Chain Awards, the event spotlights the technologies and strategies shaping tomorrow’s supply chains.

Registration and the full agenda are available at NextGenSupplyChainConference.com.

Register to attend now

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