WASHINGTON, D.C., Mar. 20, 2014 – The dramatic changes in the same-day logistics industry will be highlighted at the 2014 Annual Meeting of the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association. Held from Wednesday, May 14 to Saturday, May 17, the meeting will be at the Westin Kierland in Scottsdale, AZ. This is the largest gathering in the industry, featuring a combination of education, networking with shippers and others in the industry as well as the latest in technology.
The meeting’s theme is the “Same-Day Logistics Revolution” because it devotes much of the program to helping participants recognize, adapt to and benefit from the recent changes in the industry.
Kicking off the business meeting on May 14 will be a high-energy keynote speaker, former Marine fighter pilot, Ed Rush. His presentation is titled “Top Gun Success and Fighter Pilot Precision for Logistics & Delivery.” He will be followed by Rob Martinez from Shipware, LLC, a parcel consulting and auditing firm that works to increase its clients’ profitability. He will speak about “Competing With ‘the Big Two’ to Grow Your Regional & Specialized Delivery Business.” He will tee up the CLDA Focus Group.
Friday kicks off with a presentation by industry insider James A. Tompkins, Ph.D., CEO of Tompkins International. He will be following up his prediction-packed presentation on retail and same-day delivery at the CLDA’s 2013 Annual Meeting. “His insights from last year were spot on. His predictions on the escalating pace of change in our industry have all come true. This year, we wanted to continue learning from him to help us plan for the pace of change in the future,” says Kirk Godby, the CLDA Annual Meeting Chair.
Tomkins’ presentation will be followed up by one on making a firm a better competitor by Abe Garver, Managing Director, BG Strategic Advisors. An active player in mergers and acquisitions in the ecommerce world, Garver’s presentation is called, “How an Acquisition Mindset Can Make You a Better Competitor–Even if You Want to Remain Independent.”
After lunch on Friday, a panel of shippers, including Mike Fiorito of Shutl/eBay and Mitch Williams of Wayfair.com, will talk about what they do, why they are looking to work with customized delivery companies, and how companies can better prepare their business to work with them. There will be an opportunity for conference participants to network with them after the panel and later that evening.
Friday will conclude with an update on CLDA’s legislative efforts to keep the industry successful. The association’s panel of Government Affairs resources will talk about key issues affecting the industry in Washington and in State Houses across the country.
Throughout the meeting, participants will get the opportunity to meet with others in the industry, connect with agents who can expand their delivery territories and share common problems and solutions. They will also learn about the latest tools from cutting-edge vendors that work with the customized logistics and delivery industry.
Those registering before April 11 will get a $100 discount. After April 11, the cost for members will be $795 and $975 for non-members. Sponsorships and booths for vendors are still available and include registration fees. On-site registration is available for an additional charge.
Reservations do not include hotel. For hotel reservations, call (800) 354-5892 and reference CLDA. Or reserve online. CLDA has obtained a special group rate of $259.00 single or double per night, exclusive of applicable taxes. This room rate is available until Friday, April 18, 2014, based on availability. Registration to attend the meeting does not serve as a hotel confirmation.
For more information, go to www.theclda.com or contact Tara Wagner at twagner@kellencompany.com or (202) 207-1131.
About the Customized Logistics and Delivery Association
The CLDA is the voice of the customized logistics and delivery industry, representing those who keep the wheels of commerce rolling in North America. CLDA is the largest trade association in the industry that provides time-critical and last-mile deliveries. Since 1987, the association has promoted and advanced the professionalism of the customized logistics and delivery industry through networking, education and advocacy. For more information, see www.theCLDA.com and www.facebook.com/theCLDA
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