Why is Manifest so important now?
Manifest is one of a kind, and the first of its kind, to feature all modes of the logistics journey and the technologies driving the sector forward. When Manifest was launched, there were already issues going on with the supply chain. Since the pandemic, all of those issues have become bigger because more things are being shipped than ever before. The supply chain is in a critical condition and it will be crucial for the industry and the shippers to update their systems so some of these problems can be solved.
Manifest has brought together the most important thought leaders in logistics and supply chain. With all of those people in one place, we believe that important global conversations will be had and solutions for problems discussed. The team at Manifest is betting that most of those solutions are technology-based which is why we have brought the most important new technologies to be showcased at our event. In addition, we will have an amazing exhibition hall where attendees will have the opportunity to ‘test drive’ autonomous vehicles, get hands-on experience with warehouse automation technologies including AMRs and AGVs, try out various wearables, watch delivery bots, and visit with new start-ups!
What was the goal of Manifest?
Manifest is a global gathering for leaders in logistics & supply chain to uncover next-gen technologies that are transforming the way goods move internationally and domestically. Manifest is a place where the industry can come to talk about and tackle some of the toughest problems the industry faces today. The show's participants include startups, investors, shippers, and leading technology providers.
What is the audience mix?
Our attendees fall into five main categories:
- Shippers/BCOs - We’re vertically agnostic and are expecting attendees from retail, CPG, fresh, pharma, automotive, direct-to-consumer, high-technology, and similar verticals. The job titles will include C-suite and VP-level from Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain, Fulfillment, Operations, IT, Technology, Procurement, Fleet, Management/Operations, and similar roles.
- LSPs - The 3PLs, forwarders, and brokers, their Technology, IT, Investment and Innovation job titles attend to evaluate technologies including fleet solutions, robotics, and automation, picking solutions.
- Fleets/OEMs - These attend to engage with the electric and/or autonomous vehicles along with telematic, mapping, and similar solutions.
- VC/CVC/PE - The investor community is looking forward to engaging with the startups and companies we are working with from seed through SPAC.
- Start-ups - The innovative new companies in the industry will be at the event participating in our show floor start-up demo stage as well as having a presence at kiosks for meetings and deep discussions. Over 100 start-ups will be in attendance.
Can you tell me about the content tracks and who will be speaking at Manifest?
Right out of the gate we have some big keynotes that I am very excited about.
John Caplan, President of North America & Europe at Alibaba, will talk about the transformation of global trade and how B2B eCommerce is adapting for the next era of business. In addition, Todd Greener, SVP, Global Supply Chain at Foot Locker, will discuss leveraging AI, machine learning, and physical infrastructure to always have your product where it needs to be. Covid gave a new appreciation to instant delivery and we are looking forward to hearing Tim Collins, SVP Operations at GoPuff, give his thoughts on where it is heading.
With so many different technologies claiming to disrupt the industry, we will hear from Investors such as Bruce Leak, Founding Partner at Playground Global; Chris Stallman, Partner at Fontinalis; Tracy Black, Operating Partner at New Road Capital Partners; and Harpi Singh, Partner at Innovation Endeavor.
In today’s economy, logistics is a global game. So it is extremely important to discuss how to operate in hypercomplex regions in order to understand what some of the biggest challenges with cross-border logistics are and how to overcome them. Leaders from Nowports, Intelipost, and Quinicus will share their thoughts.
When it comes to automation, we need to understand the challenges companies face when seeking fully automated warehouses with unpredictable and high eCommerce volumes. How have companies shifted their fulfillment operations? IAM Robotics, Swisslog, Fabric, Attabotics, Agility, Invia; and Vecna to take the stage. And to give the audience a sense of what the new normal of fulfillment looks like, we’ve got Rad Power Bikes, Shipmonk, and Whiplash.
Why did you decide to host a Maritime & Port Symposium day?
Considering ocean shipping accounts for 90% of the movement of international goods, the industry has been dealing with an array of issues from congestion at the ports, lack of shipping capacity to extended delays, and shortage of labor. We will hear Hannan Carmeli, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of theDOCK Innovation Hub, and Roopesh Das, SVP Digital Acceleration and Innovation of Wallenius Wilhelmsen Ocean & Solutions discuss how collaborative innovation can address some of the growing complexities in logistics that have risen due to this increased demand. When it comes to learning to adapt to the ever-changing environments with flexible supply chain, we will hear unique perspectives from Philip Blumenthal, Chief Transformation Officer at ECU Worldwide, Gabriel Rodriguez, President at Florida Customs Brokers & Freight Forwarders Association, and Vesa Koivumaa, Business Development Director at Americas Wartsila. With energy consumption at the top of minds, we will hear from Jonas Krumland, CEO at Logward, and Sam Tyagi, CEO & Founder at KlearNow on what we can be doing to create a better future.
What can we expect to experience at Manifest?
Manifest is the only event encompassing the global supply chain, from maritime through the last mile and within the 4 walls, putting a spotlight on the technologies evolving in these sectors. For example, we have our robotics zone featuring companies such as Dematic, Swisslog, geek+ exotic, and hai robotics. There will be vehicle experiences including ride alongs with Plus. We will be featuring all of the major autonomous technologies of trucks and beyond including lidar from Hesai and Aeye, to EV’s like XOS. And, of course, drones from Flytrex and Wingcopter!
It’s never been more important than it is right now to have the right people in the room to talk about big industry issues. There is a lot to learn, things are moving fast, and we are creating a thought leader and technology showcase that can benefit anyone in logistics and supply chain.
Bringing more diversity and inclusion into the logistics industry is at the top of minds. To that end, our President Courtney Muller has organized our Women’s Luncheon, which will be sponsored by DHL, project44, Aeye, and Women in Automation.
We promise when you come to Manifest you will be surprised. We want to make things more exciting, and even a little weird… providing all sorts of creature comforts including (but not limited to) a bacon doughnut bloody mary bar, a puppy lounge, and a craft mocktail bar sponsored by the FrontDoor Collective.
There will be loads of curated networking opportunities including our investor Office Hours and Match Our Double opt-in meetings program. We are also very excited to share that Ludacris will be our official After Party performing act!
Make sure you register at Manife.st so you don’t miss out!
