PHOENIX, ARIZ. (January 22, 2019) – Trends and innovations in the supply chain management industry and the nation’s first international air cargo hub will be key topics at the 13th Annual CSCMP Arizona Roundtable Symposium Feb. 21 in Downtown Phoenix.

Sponsored by the local chapter of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, the symposium is designed to bring together experts to discuss current issues in supply chain industry affecting the region.

This year’s event, “Innovation and Open Borders in Supply Chain Management,” begins at 8 a.m. at the headquarters of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council (GPEC), 2 N. Central Ave., Suite 2500, Phoenix.

“The supply chain industry is constantly challenged in the areas of transportation, logistics, and trade management,” said Jeff McCaulou, president of CSCMP’s Arizona Roundtable. “At our upcoming symposium, attendees will be able to hear from experts and innovators who are shaping the future through new approaches to cross border trade, workforce recruiting, and artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing tools applied to supply chain challenges. Participating in events like these is key to giving you and your company a competitive advantage.”

Symposium topics include recruiting millennials, an open borders study, and Intel’s award-winning supply chain innovation initiative. The event kicks off with an overview and economic outlook presented by GPEC.

Leading off the afternoon will be a panel discussion of SkyBridge Arizona, the nation’s first international air cargo hub to house both Mexican and U.S. Customs operations. Operated out of Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport, it will enable e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and other commercial interests conducting business in Mexico and Latin America to more efficiently transport goods between countries, ensuring proper inspections and safety controls.

The symposium begins at 8 a.m. and concludes with a networking reception at 2:30 p.m. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. Registration is $99 for CSCMP members; $125 for non-members. Register here.

Supply chain management is the broad range of activities required to plan, control, and execute a product’s flow – from acquiring raw materials and production through distribution to the final customer – in the most streamlined and cost-effective way possible.