MTSU’s Midsouth Supply Chain Summit attracts record number exploring world of logistics

Mike Honious, president and CEO of transportation and logistics company Geodis Americas region, gives the keynote address from the stage of the Keathley University Center Theater during the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A record number of attendees turned out to learn about the world of logistics, transportation and more during the recent 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University.

Hosted by the Jones College of Business’ Department of Management, the free summit featured a variety of sessions on topics such as international transportation, professional etiquette and resume building, women in supply chain, networking and more inside Keathley University Center.

Richard Tarpey, assistant professor in the college’s Supply Chain Management program, listens to an audience member during the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Keathley University Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Richard Tarpey, assistant professor in the college’s Supply Chain Management program, said the event drew more than 300 attendees, including a record 189 students as well as 91 industry representatives and 50 organizations represented overall, both also records.

Dr. Richard J. Tarpey, Department of Management — Dr. Richard Tarpey

“This year’s summit brought together students, faculty, industry leaders and practitioners to delve into multiple dynamics and current issues shaping modern supply chains,” Tarpey said. “Throughout the summit, participants engaged in discussions, presentations, and panels exploring issues, emerging trends, and best practices within the supply chain domain.

“We were excited to expand the reach of the summit, welcoming students and faculty from Lipscomb University in Nashville who attended and engaged in the discussions.”

Joyce Heames, dean of the Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, welcomes attendees to the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Keathley University Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Mike Honious, president and CEO of transportation and logistics company Geodis Americas region, makes a point during his keynote remarks from the stage of the Keathley University Center Theater during the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Jones College Dean Joyce Heames welcomed attendees, who then heard the keynote address by Mike Honious, president and CEO of transportation and logistics company Geodis Americas region, who discussed automation, artificial intelligence, leadership and culture in the supply chain.

Honious oversees 20,000 employees and more than 280 locations in his leadership role with a global company with over 50,000 total employees.

Tarpey noted additional key themes emerging from the summit were the importance of analyzing domestic and international transportation risks, the evolution of people efficiency technology in the supply chain, personal and professional development, and aspects of challenges women leaders face in supply chain careers.

“The Women in Supply Chain Leadership session was the most attended breakout session, where nine panelists shared interesting insights on unique skills and experiences that women bring into supply chain management,” Tarpey said. “They discussed the greater need for gender diversity, where supply chains can improve hiring and retention of women, shattering the literal glass ceiling, and most importantly, the role of women in shaping the future of supply chains, especially concerning sustainability.”

The Women in Supply Chain Leadership session was the most attended breakout session at the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Keathley University Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. The nine panelists shared insights on unique skills and experiences that women bring into supply chain management. (Photo submitted)

Nicole Anderson, director of employee engagement for Omnia Partners, gives a presentation during the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit held April 11 at Keathley University Center on the campus of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Following the daylong summit, organizers partnered with the Nashville Roundtable of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals to host an evening networking event for industry representatives, students and faculty that culminated with a presentation from Ryan Falise from Uber Freight detailing current supply chain trends and how the trends are reactions to the dynamic market.

The 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit was sponsored by the MTSU Supply Chain Management Student Organization. Other session hosts included R&L Logistics, Omnia Partners, SiLo, MTSU supply chain faculty, KCH Transportation and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

Tarpey gave special thanks to the MTSU Supply Chain Management Student Organization members who helped set up and coordinate the event, Jonathan Dunn, Sam Duffield, Olivia King, Maya Yelland, Christopher George, Olivia May and Abdulhakim Ali.

MTSU’s Supply Chain Management program is one of the fastest-growing programs in the Jones College of Business, seeing more than a 500% increase in students launching in 2018. MTSU offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree in supply chain management.

For more information, visit https://mtsu.edu/management/index.php and click the appropriate links under “academic programs.” Or call 615-898-2736 or email management@mtsu.edu.

— Jimmy Hart (Jimmy.Hart@mtsu.edu)