Penn State Smeal's CSCR hosts symposium on supply chain innovation and talent

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Penn State Smeal College of Business Center for Supply Chain Research (CSCR) hosted the inaugural Supply Chain Modernization and Talent Insights Symposium.

The two-day event, held in Tysons, Virginia, in February, convened more than 70 thought leaders, practitioners and educators to explore critical trends shaping the future of supply chain management.

Hosted in partnership with LMI, a CSCR supporter company, the symposium featured 12 sessions with 27 speakers, covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence to career development. The event attracted representatives from 34 companies, including five non-profit organizations and three government agencies, fostering multidimensional conversations and diverse perspectives.

“The symposium was inspired by discussions within our community of practice and a shared commitment to honoring our armed forces,” said Donna Palumbo, executive director of CSCR. “The event served as a platform to explore the transformative impact of technological advancements on modern supply chains, while also emphasizing the importance of attracting, developing and retaining talent. By fostering dialogue around both innovation and workforce development, we can better navigate the complexities of today’s supply chain landscape.”

The first day focused on supply chain modernization, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies and evolving business landscapes. Discussions centered on integrating artificial intelligence into supply chain operations, enhancing efficiency and reducing costs. Experts shared insights on leveraging data analytics for predictive modeling and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of agility in responding to market fluctuations.

A keynote session led by Patricia Csànk, retired Air Force colonel and vice president of supply chain management at LMI, set the tone for the day's discussions.

Csànk highlighted LMI’s more than 60-year history of creating innovative solutions to ensure supply chain resilience, risk mitigation and supply chain security. Subsequent panels explored case studies showcasing successful implementations of automation and digitalization, providing attendees with practical strategies to modernize their supply chains.

The second day shifted focus to talent insights, addressing the evolving human capital landscape in supply chain management. Sessions explored strategies for attracting and retaining talent, particularly among active duty and veteran professionals. Discussions emphasized the value in hiring military veterans, with speakers advocating for creating environments that foster innovation and collaboration. The symposium also addressed the growing need for continuous learning and upskilling, encouraging organizations to invest in professional development to keep pace with industry changes.

“I appreciated the chance to connect with companies committed to supporting veteran talent,” said Tracie Shannon, administrative director for CSCR. “As this is a cause I’m passionate about, it was inspiring to learn about the many resources and initiatives dedicated to that goal.”

Beyond the daily sessions, the symposium fostered valuable opportunities for networking and collaboration, allowing attendees to exchange ideas, engage in meaningful discussions and build partnerships to address shared challenges, according to Shannon.

By bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, the event underscored the power of collaboration in shaping the industry's future. This success was made possible through the generous support of event sponsors, including LMI, Walmart, NobleReach Foundation, Armada Supply Chain Solutions, Lansdale Warehouse and Utz Brands, Inc.