As strategic forces push manufacturing back to America, one obstacle threatens progress: finding the right people with the right skills. Before new factories can produce anything, they must be built—requiring a new generation of skilled tradespeople such as electricians, welders, and technicians. And once these modern facilities are operational, companies report an unexpected challenge: the biggest talent gaps aren’t just technical, but also in core soft skills like leadership, critical thinking, and communication. Join Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Allison Giddens as they welcome Alan Amling and Darrell Edwards from the University of Tennessee–Knoxville to explore a practical approach to developing a comprehensive workforce from the ground up. Learn what it truly takes to build, staff, and sustain the next generation of American manufacturing.

In today’s rapidly evolving supply chain planning landscape, staying ahead demands more than incremental tweaks—it requires reimagining how AI is embedded into every planning decision. Join Supply Chain Now hosts Scott Luton and Jake Barr for a forward-thinking discussion with industry experts Tod Stenger and Dr. Laura Tozzo from SAP. This session will explore the strategies, trends, and approaches for AI that are reshaping supply chain planning. Learn how innovation, data-driven decision-making, and AI tools can enhance resilience, improve planner efficiency, and create more agile, customer-focused supply chains. Walk away with: Fresh strategies to strengthen planning resilience in a volatile environment A closer look at AI and emerging innovations transforming supply chain planning Practical ways to boost efficiency and streamline end-to-end processes Whether you’re navigating disruption, evaluating emerging technologies, or looking to improve planner efficiency, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to help future-proof your operations.