Month: November 2019

TIA’s 3PL Technovations Conference kicked off with a continental breakfast followed by opening remarks from TIA Chairman of the Board, Brian Evans, CTB; Technology Committee Chair, Ramona Hood; and TIA President and CEO Bob Voltmann. Following opening remarks, the morning of Day 1, ranged from panels and thought leaders on transportation, technology, and cybersecurity.

The conference features three Showcases with presenters giving a “TECH TALK” on innovations that will advance the industry. Sessions are led by leading 3PLs, futurists, innovators, and industry analysts for attendees to implement, understand, and take control of the technology changes affecting your business.

Some of the top takeaways from day one include:

1. Cybercriminals have been and are emerging as major threats to the transportation and third-party logistics industries. Each year and each minute, cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and proper measures must be taken to protect your business.
2. Acquiring large quantities of freight data can provide new and exciting opportunities for the third-party logistics industry. Enhancements in Freight Visibility can create a smoother supply chain and ultimately cut costs and strengthen the position of the 3PL.
3. With the advancements in technology, in a rapidly changing field, 3PLs need to be ready to invest in technology and solutions that work well with all stops on the assembly line. Automation and digitization have the potential to create high levels of efficiency and ultimately eliminate repetitive tasks.

We are thrilled for the kickoff of Day 2 beginning with a forecast of 2020 from TIA’s chief economist, Noël Perry. Followed by an outstanding panel to discuss and review the existing marketplace, and its regulatory, legal and transactional hurdles, and provide insight on why some companies choose acquisitions and others do no not.

I have the pleasure to co-write this Chris on the Hill with my colleague Matt Mantione who is TIA’s Vice President of Membership. On Friday, November 1^st, Matt and I traveled to the Big Apple, New York City, to host the first-ever TIA Member Plug-in Event with our cohost Transfix. The event was a huge success where TIA Members and potential Members were able to network and make business connections with their local peers.

When Matt and I were recently talking about hosting a regional networking event for our Members, we wanted to make sure that we facilitated an event that appealed to Members and prospect members. One of our goals was to fill that gap between TIA’s big three annual conferences, the Annual Conference in April, the Policy Forum (Fly-in) in June and the TIA Technovations Conference in November. We completely understand that not all Members have the time and resources to attend these conferences and the TIA Member.

Plug-in Events could hopefully provide a venue to fill that void and allow those Members an opportunity to network with their peers and meet with TIA staff members.

The TIA Member Plug-in Event in New York allowed us the opportunity to briefly update the group on the Association and the current state of play in Washington, DC, including the legislative and regulatory environments. Additionally, TIA raffled off a complimentary full registration to the 2020 Policy Forum in June (a $400 value!), and congratulations to Mackenzie McGowan of Kinetic-Supply Chain Solutions for being the big winner!

After the event, PJT Logistics’ Michael Mecca, had this to say, “The plug-in event in New York City hosted by TIA was a tremendous experience. It’s so nice to loosen up the collar in a relaxed and casual setting after a hard day at the office connecting with great people in our industry. This event brought back the good old days of Happy Hour on a Friday to a new level! Networking with other members that are locally domiciled in my region is a brilliant idea/opportunity offered by the TIA.”

Further from Mecca’s perspective, “I really enjoyed myself on Friday night. I met great professionals that all share the same experiences, problems, headaches, stress, obstacles, and enjoyment that I experience each day in the wonderful world of transportation brokerage. I got to collaborate with companies I knew of their name but never got to understand how similar we are to each other. Also, how we can assist each other in business being from New York/ New Jersey whether it may pertain to resources or even on the customer level. If it wasn’t for the TIA and their networking event; these great experiences would never have happened. Glad to be part of the event and a TIA member. Thank you, Chris and Matt, for the time and personal attention. You guys definitely knocked it out of the park. It was casual, personable and comfortable to just be ourselves. I had a great time! I look forward to more fun events from the TIA.”

Matt and I look to continue this success throughout this great country with other TIA Member Plug-in Events. Keep an eye out for the next city, it may be yours.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about TIA’s Advocacy efforts, please contact Chris Burroughs ([email protected]).