Welcome Drinks Reception at The Henry Hotel, Dearborn, MI

Join us on the eve of North America’s premier gathering of automotive logistics and supply chain leaders and experts for a relaxed and engaging evening of networking and socialising at the Henry Hotel in Dearborn. Catch up with colleagues and old friends, make new connections and kick-start the discussions on the key trends, challenges and opportunities driving the industry forward. Dress code – business casual

Conference open for registration, networking and refreshments

Welcome to Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global 2024

Automotive Logistics’ Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig opens the conference with insight into key themes, and shares an outlook on the North American automotive logistics and supply chain market.

Stream 1 Keynote: Mastering supply chain complexity: flexibility, visibility, connectivity

The North American automotive supply chain remains volatile and subject to disruption, whether unforeseen disasters, extreme weather, challenges at the border, market changes and geopolitical and government uncertainties. However, logistics and supply chain managers are increasingly the problem solvers, helping to ensure production, distribution and service continue. Learn more about the strategies, technology, communication and partnerships that are helping major automotive OEMs to master this complexity.

Stream 1: Performing under pressure – Creating an elite logistics network

Unlock the strategies for building and empowering an unstoppable logistics network and automotive supply chain across North America as leaders from manufacturers and logistics providers share how they are performing despite disruption across borders, shifts in demand and powertrains, supplier and capacity challenges across inbound and vehicle logistics. Learn more about the processes, systems, investment and logistics strategies that leading OEMs and suppliers are developing.

Networking, meetings and exhibition

Grab a bite to eat and take a walk around the exhibition hall to make new connections or future business partners and to catch up with colleagues and friends.

Stream 1 : Borderline brilliance – creating seamless international parts flows

As demand for cross-border logistics services soars, discover the solutions, new trades lanes, strategies and tools streamlining customs processes, tracking material and easing international flows.

Stream 2 : Precision finished vehicle logistics – Increasing ETA accuracy from order-to-delivery

OEMs and logistics providers have put more focus on capturing transport milestone progress, real-time location and ultimately more accurate customer ETAs. Learn more about how OEMs are working with logistics providers to improve this and what its value and benefits are.

Breakout: PEV and battery supply chain – plans to reality

Hear how North America’s automotive manufacturers, battery specialists, logistics and packaging providers are turning plans into reality, developing EV and battery logistics networks to meet long-term requirements, while adapting to an uncertain, but highly dynamic demand curve.

Stream 1 : Market intelligence: North American and global production and sales outlook

Equip yourself with the latest sales and production forecasts, including the outlook for electric vehicles, and in-depth analysis of the key market drivers and disruptors.

Breakout: Breaking down barriers: Women in Supply Chain Forum & Networking

Break down barriers, build connections, learn from and exchange with forward-thinking peers and hear how industry leaders are driving cultural change and supporting women in the automotive supply chain.

Lunch & networking

HOSTED BY

Stream 1 : Top tier logistics – Supply chain excellence for automotive suppliers

Automotive suppliers face cost pressures and greater demands for visibility and reliability, whilst managing uneven production patterns from customers. Take a deep dive into the unique and complex logistics challenges facing major component suppliers and unlock the winning strategies and best practises for managing inventory and sub-tier suppliers, controlling costs, and navigating volatile forecasts.

Stream 2 Lightning Presentations: Logistics Innovation Showcase

Discover the latest and greatest logistics innovations from emerging and established logistics providers and technology specialists. Hear a series of lightning pitches on solutions and innovations addressing key logistics and supply chain pain points.

Stream 1 : Purchasing power – a buyer’s guide to automotive logistics

Manufacturers and logistics providers need to balance many considerations when choosing carriers and service providers, from quality, speed, efficiency and digitalisation, along with rising consideration for customer focus, innovation and sustainability. Step into the world of logistics procurement to understand the KPIs driving purchasing decisions, the digital tools used to manage RFQs and performance, as well as deepening partnerships that allow manufacturers and providers to thrive.

Stream 2 : Autonomous futures – how and when will driverless trucks and equipment change logistics?

Although autonomous driving has not taken over the road as fast as some had hoped, the technology is developing fast, with considerable opportunities especially for trucks, vehicles and equipment used in private roads, factories and yards. In this session, learn more about developments in autonomous trucking and vehicles, and its use in inbound, plant and vehicle logistics operations now and in future.

Breakout: Turning digital power into physical gains

Interactive workshop deep-diving how to integrate and leverage data-analytics, AI, machine learning and other cutting-edge software and technologies into logistics and supply chain management for tangible improvements, costs savings and efficiency gains across physical operations.

Networking & refreshments

Grab a bite to eat and take a walk around the exhibition hall to make new connections or future business partners and to catch up with colleagues and friends.

Stream 1 : Transformation in action – planning leaner, smarter, greener logistics

Even as automotive manufacturers and logistics providers invest in new and updated operations for new products and electrification, many need to manage fast-moving, and fast-changing operations running at high utilisation rates. In this session, learn how OEMs and suppliers are manging this transition without losing volume, including digitalisation, virtual planning, automating processes and reducing cost and emissions.

Stream 2: Clarity from start to finish: Improving vehicle supply chain visibility

Interactive workshop shedding light on the transformative power of digital logistics across the finished vehicle supply chain. Vehicle logistics leaders and technology specialists will explore how real-time asset tracking tools, data sharing and analytics, and process digitalization and are helping manufacturers and logistics providers create more dynamic and responsive networks, improve allocation management, streamline inventory, enhance production planning and offer greater service to dealers and customers.

Breakout: Next level service – raising the performance of service parts logistics

Even as automotive manufacturers and logistics providers invest in new and updated operations for new products and electrification, many need to manage fast-moving, and fast-changing operations running at high utilisation rates. In this session, learn how OEMs and suppliers are manging this transition without losing volume, including digitalisation, virtual planning, automating processes and reducing cost and emissions.

Stream 1: Controlling supply chain destinies – proactive influence, engineering and partnership

Disruption and changes across the supply chain, such as the semiconductor shortage and logistics capacity bottlenecks, have taught supply chain leaders that they cannot be passive and reactive, especially if they want to avoid facing constraints and other limits that could impact the ability to meet customer demand and strategic objectives. In this session, learn how supply chain leaders and organisations are working early in planning and development cycles to influence supply chain operations across functions, including parts design and engineering, vertical integration, purchasing of critical supplies, production and logistics services.

Automotive Logistics and Supply Chain Global gala reception, hosted by Ryder on the Detroit Princess Riverboat

Amidst the stormy weather and choppy waters of the automotive logistics and supply chain seas, step aboard the Detroit Princess for an evening of smooth sailing, uninterrupted networking and easy-going entertainment. Discuss the day’s key talking points, exchange business cards and ideas, and enjoy delicious food and refreshing beverages as you take in the stunning views of the Detroit and Windsor skylines.

Dress code - Business Casual

Conference open for registration, networking and refreshments

Re-group and re-fuel for day two with some early morning refreshments, and kick start the conversation with new-found colleagues and connections.

Stream 1: Pathway to enlightenment – A roadmap for connected and predictive supply chains

Understand the strategies and technologies that are transforming automotive logistics planning and operations, from improved data sharing and visibility, interoperable logistics systems to leverage the potential of data analytics and artificial intelligence. Digital and logistics leaders will share how they are streamlining decision making and generating value across supply and demand planning, inbound and vehicle logistics.

Stream 1: Automation acceleration: balancing systems, process and people

Learn how a holistic approach towards integrating systems, optimising processes and empowering and upskilling people are helping manufacturers unlock the benefits of automation opportunities in logistics, for example in transport and handling, packaging, shopfloor, warehouse and yard operations. Experts will share examples on how logistics automation will help to improve quality, reduce cost and increase productivity.

Breakout: Top quality vehicle logistics: Improving damage limitation and quality management

Interactive workshop addressing key challenges, opportunities and strategies for improving quality management and damage limitation

Networking & refreshments

Stream 1: Customer-centric supply chains – improving service parts logistics

Hear how leading manufacturers are re-inventing their service parts supply chains, improving fulfilment rates and customer service, including increasing delivery times and options, increasing fill rates and managing reverse and return logistics.

Stream 2: A finished vehicle logistics network fit for the future

Changing demand patterns, trade and technology continue to require transformation and investment in vehicle logistics networks, including truck and railcar fleets, shipping and port capacity and EV charging infrastructure. Learn more about the requirements for more flexible, digital and sustainable North American vehicle logistics.

Stream 1: Revving up resiliency: mastering supply chain risk management

Hear from risk management specialists and supply chain leaders on the strategies and tools helping to mitigate supply chain risk despite growing complexity.

Breakout: Next Gen Talent: Student Forum

Bridging the gap between logistics leaders and the next generation of talent, this forum will connect students, professionals and academics for an open exchange on leadership, career advice, employment aspirations and ideas to shape the future of automotive logistics.

Lunch & networking

HOSTED BY

Stream 1: Using logistics as a force for good: scaling greener, more ethical supply chains

As the industry accelerates towards a carbon free future, hear how forward-looking manufacturers and logistics providers are investing in and integrating sustainable supply chains, ethical sourcing and logistics processes. Experts will discuss examples of implementing green transport equipment, alternative fuels and sustainable materials free of forced labour or other unethical processes. Learn how to use your supply chain as a force for good, reducing emissions and waste, and ensuring fairer practices in logistics and packaging.

Stream 1: Eyes on the future – investing in supply chains for the long term

The automotive supply chain is harder than ever to predict, from freight costs, fuel prices and logistics capacity to the demand levels for EVs and hybrids. Whilst supply chain and logistics managers need to be ready to adapt, and optimise logistics to reduce cost, they also need to have a long-term vision and plan to meet objectives. At the close of ALSC Global, supply chain and logistics leaders share the goals and objectives that must rise above the fray, and how they orientate their organisations to invest in technology, skills and partners to deliver on those goals.