With only two weeks left to secure hotel reservations at the discounted rate, member companies are urged to finalize their plans to attend AHFA’s June 17-19 Logistics Conference at the Francis Marion Hotel in Charleston, South Carolina.
Presented by AHFA’s Specialized Furniture Carriers division, the 2024 Logistics Conference brings together top transportation and logistics companies with manufacturers, importers and retailers for a program addressing key home furnishings industry issues and challenges.
Keynote speaker for the 2024 event is former American Ninja Warrior competitor, professional entertainer and motivational speaker Alex Weber. He is known for helping individuals and organizations unlock new levels of achievement and become relentless in attaining their goals.
“He connects with audiences by confronting the challenges, self-doubt and uncertainty that we all face at one time or another,” said Mike Padjen, executive director of AHFA’s Specialized Furniture Carriers. “With his humor, storytelling and energy, he empowers individuals to become positive leaders and inspires them to achieve their highest goals.”
Topics on the June agenda include:
The digital and AI transformation of transportation and logistics. Jake Hoffman, chief technology officer for Gnosis Freight, has led his company’s engineering team since the company’s inception in 2017. In addition to his session on artificial intelligence and its future in the supply chain, he will participate in a panel discussion exploring AI’s use in the transportation sector.
The state of the U.S. economy and its impact on the home furnishings industry. With more than 30 years of experience in economic analysis and forecasting, Mark Vitner is the chief economist at Piedmont Crescent Capital, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based boutique consulting firm. He provides strategic insights and guidance to a range of clients on U.S. and regional economic conditions, financial markets and geopolitics. His Logistics Conference presentation will focus on how these forces impact consumers, local economies and housing – all key indicators for the home furnishings industry.
Industry leader keynote. Among the highlights of the Logistics Conference is the “Industry Leader Keynote.” This year former Samson Marketing president/CEO Kevin O’Connor will fill this important role on the agenda. O’Connor launched Legacy Classic Furniture in 1999, partnering with Samuel Kuo of Samson Holding on a new logistics model that enabled retailers to mix a variety of products and styles on a direct-container basis. He was president and CEO of Samson Marketing, which includes Legacy Classic, Universal Furniture and Craftmaster, from 2007 to 2014.
State of ocean freight. Despite improvements in demand, container shipping continues to face challenges due to the overcapacity that accumulated during the pandemic years. Providing conference attendees with an update on the overall outlook for ocean freight will be Michael Angell, an associate editor at the Journal of Commerce. Angell covers Northeast and Gulf Coast ports for JOC and has covered transportation and logistics since 2015, as a U.S. correspondent for TradeWinds and as an editor for FreightWaves.
Update on California regulations. California has some of the country’s most ambitious emissions reduction goals, as outlined in the California Air Resources Board’s Scoping Plan. In addition, California’s AB5 independent contractor law has introduced complications for truckers, especially owner-operators. Peter Schneider, president of the Fresno, California-based T.G.S. Logistics, will shed light on the impact of these regulations on the transportation industry.
Update on the U.S. regulatory and legal environment for transportation. Henry Seaton of Seaton & Husk, LP, will provide an overview of the most pressing regulatory and legal issues for transportation companies in 2024. Seaton & Husk is a transportation law firm specializing in regulatory compliance, cargo claims, commercial litigation and related matters.
South Carolina Ports update. South Carolina Ports is the state’s most significant economic asset. Chief Commercial Officer Byron Miller will update attendees on the port’s connectivity to the global marketplace.
Supply chain challenges. A panel discussion will dive into the top supply chain challenges facing shippers in today’s global marketplace. Panelists include Julian Ludlow, Fragile Pak; Scott Prillaman, Hooker Furniture; Brad Russell, Bassett Mirror Company; and Doug Jermyn, Samson Marketing.
Registration is $650 per person beginning May 4. (The AHFA member rate is $395.) Attendees will enjoy a welcome reception on June 17, lunch and a cocktail reception on June 18, and a tour of the Joint Base Charleston U.S. military facility. An optional Charleston River Dogs baseball game outing is planned for the evening of June 18.
CLICK HERE for online registration.