Ken Ackerman

How nearshoring, trade policy shifts, and digital infrastructure are transforming strategies in an era of disruption Global supply chains are being tested like never before. Rising tariffs, shifting trade policies, and the push for sustainability have accelerated a new era of resilience. Businesses are no longer simply reacting to disruptions—they’re proactively reconfiguring their networks with nearshoring, diversification, and advanced technology. The latest white paper from DP World explores how companies across the Americas are turning volatility into opportunity by investing in regional supply chains, leveraging economic zones, and adopting digital innovation to stay competitive in a fragmented global market. Download your copy today to see how you can position your business for strength and agility.   What You’ll Learn: This white paper provides actionable insights for supply chain leaders navigating geopolitical, economic, and technological change. Inside, you’ll discover: ✔ Why resilience now outweighs efficiency: 88% of businesses plan to reconfigure supply chains in 2025. ✔ How trade policies are driving regionalization: New U.S. tariffs are reshaping sourcing strategies and opening opportunities in Latin America. ✔ Where investment is accelerating growth: Nearshoring fueled $36B in foreign investment in Mexico in 2024, with DP World investing $2.5B in logistics infrastructure across Latin…

At Manifest 2026, Scott Luton spent time with his friend, Jorge Morales, Global Chief Operating Officer of the International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA), for a conversation that centered not on hype, but on growth. ISCEA is a global certification body serving supply chain professionals around the world. But as Morales put it, “We’re in the knowledge business; but most of all, we’re in the personal growth business.” Through certifications, membership programs, advisory boards, and global events, ISCEA empowers professionals to stay current, expand their networks, and advance their careers. In a volatile era, that mission has never been more relevant.   Beyond the AI Hype Cycle When asked about dominant themes from 2025 to 2026, Morales pointed to a shift in how the industry views technology. “Last year we were still in the bubble of the hype of AI,” he said. Many professionals feared being replaced or assumed AI would solve everything overnight. That perspective has matured. “Technology by itself is not what determines your level of success,” Morales explained. “Understanding the basics, knowing how things work; THAT is key.” AI and data tools remain critical across procurement, logistics, manufacturing, planning and more. But success depends on how organizations…