Smart Conference 2011: What's on the road ahead?

Effective end-to-end supply chain transformation can prove elusive. However, with the right tools, examples and knowledge, performance improvement can be achieved.

Challenges and opportunities such as these are set to be addressed, debated and discussed by hundreds of supply chain professionals at Smart Conference 2011, a unique and leading supply chain event.

Smart Conference will feature a showcase of more than 80 local and international supply chain speakers, workshops and networking opportunities when it is held on May 25 and 26 in Sydney.

On the agenda is Roddy Martin, Senior Vice President, Global Supply Chain, for Competitive Capabilities International (CCI) in the US, who will discuss best practices in supply chain transformation, including what leaders in this space are doing, in an enlightening presentation.

Mr Martin will introduce a systemic approach to integrative performance improvement that leads to sustainable improvement of process capabilities across people, process and technology.

The Smart 2011 keynote speaking group also includes Terry Davis, Group Managing Director, Coca-Cola Amatil; Peter Lambert, Head HR and Corporate Services, Defence Materiel Organisation; and Simon Ratcliffe, Operations Director, JUST Group.

Mr Davis will provide a fascinating insight into the sustainability and cost benefits of PET bottle self-manufacture, CCA’s largest capital project for the next five years.

Meanwhile, Mr Lambert will discuss the largest EAM implementation of 2010/11 in his presentation to Smart 2011, and Mr Ratcliffe will explore how the market can stress-test supply chains, sharing his learning from the significant supply chain he has designed and led in industries that have faced significant commercial and customer challenges.

Michael Watkins, chairman of the Smart Conference organising committee, says the event attracts leading speakers and practitioners and this, together with its organisation directly by the industry associations, has contributed to its leading position in the supply chain calendar.

“Led by experienced Program Director, Denis Horder, program streams are developed by leading practitioners in their fields who have knowledge of industry issues at top of mind,” he said.

“Smart is the leading forum which brings together government, research and academic institutions together with business to bear on issues facing the supply chain.” 

Smart Conference 2011 will focus on the theme The Road Ahead: Supply Chain Models for the Future, and incorporate seven learning streams including Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy, and Global Supply Chains.

Program highlights include a CEO Forum; Keynote Breakfast featuring leading women in supply chain management; the Supply Chain Industry Dinner including the presentation of the Smart Awards; and site visits to leading operations in the Sydney region.

The event will be held at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, and an extensive Expo including the latest supply chain technologies, products and processes will be co-located with Smart Conference.

In response to delegate feedback, another innovation at Smart 2011 will be a selection of 90-minute Extended Interactive Sessions, allowing delegates to enjoy workshop-style presentations.

For full program information and online registration, visit www.smartconference.com.au