The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA), the resource for warehouse logistics, will host the 2017 IWLA Convention & Expo, March 19-21, 2017, in Palm Springs, Calif. The theme “Leadership that Inspires” speaks to warehouse logistics leaders in a growing, evolving industry. For the first time, IWLA will showcase the industry’s truly international scope by combining the International Federation of Warehouses Logistics Association (IFWLA) Annual Conference with the 2017 convention.

  IWLA is incorporating the leadership and global supply chain themes throughout the three-day event.  

• “A Global Affair” Welcome Reception will be the first introduction of IWLA and IFWLA members. The reception will honor international guests with a variety of cuisines, music, and surprises from around the world.
• Keynote: Harry Kraemer, clinical professor of strategy at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, partner at a private-equity firm, professor, and bestselling author uses his experience to motivate business professionals to balance values with achieving results. As the former chairman and CEO of Baxter International, Kraemer leaves audiences with a new way of thinking and inspired for more purpose and conviction in their roles.
• General Session: Fireside Chat with Scott McWilliams, EVP strategic development, GEODIS. McWilliams spent 27 years with OHL, now GEODIS, as site manager, vice president of operations, president, CEO, and chief customer officer. He has personal and professional stories to share.
• PriceWaterhouseCoopers presents Warehouse Economic Impact Report: The 3PL warehouse industry is a vital part of the North American economy. It generates jobs,  income, GDP, and taxes. The industry’s total economic contribution extends beyond its own employment of direct, indirect, and induced contributions. Explore the results of this IWLA-sponsored study of economic impact of the warehouse logistics industry.

“Attendees at the IWLA Convention & Expo tend to be leaders at their warehouse logistics organizations. Our general education sessions feature Kraemer and McWilliams, two recognized leaders who will impart their knowledge of what great leadership entails and how to empower those around you to succeed,” IWLA President & CEO Steve DeHaan says.    “In addition, combining the IFWLA Conference with the IWLA Convention will be a highly valuable experience for members from both organizations,” DeHaan says. “We are all interested in creating new contacts overseas and expanding import/export business in key continents.”   IWLA also continues to focus on a growing segment in the 3PL industry: fulfillment. A breakout panel session will feature fulfillment leaders from diverse backgrounds discussing the reality of this work and how warehouse logistics organizations can explore it as a business model. This is the kickoff event for the new IWLA Fulfillment Council. The council’s primary function is to be a forum for members who share these interests.