Managing supply chains – the critical link between creating and distributing goods and services – has become increasingly complex as science fiction becomes science fact.

Smart home speakers that enable consumers to order goods without so much as a single computer keyboard click, coupled with robot-enabled warehouses and productivity monitoring wristbands that feed expectations of two-day delivery, are among the technological changes that have challenged supply chain professionals to be fast and flexible in meeting accelerating marketplace demand.

Auburn University’s Center for Supply Chain Innovation, a research unit of the Harbert College, will bring leading industry professionals to campus for a daylong discussion of how supply chain professionals are adapting to technological disruptions and changing consumer habits.

The 2^nd Annual Fusion 2018 Supply Chain Symposium, scheduled for Thursday, May 3, at the Marriott at Grand National in Opelika, will include keynote speakers and panel discussions focusing on supply chain processes and technology, the integration of online shopping “clicks” and the traditional “bricks” of in-store retail experiences, and blockchain – the distributed, digital ledger that holds the promise of improving efficiency and transparency within supply chains.

Featured speakers and panelists include Harbert College alum Ben Cook, who serves Walmart as senior vice president of supply chain for Sam’s Club, UPS Vice President of Enterprise Account Sales Kelly Hodges, DHL Supply Chain Chief Information Officer Sally Miller, Tailgate Guys Founder Michael Otwell, Auburn University Associate Athletic Director for Equipment Operations Dana Marquez, P&S Transport Vice President of Business Technology Mauricio Paredes, McLeod Software Vice President of Special Projects Ken Craig, GE Renewable Energy Senior Employee Human Resource Manager Shivani Nadarajah, Burris Logistics Vice President of Business Development John Haggerty, University of Bath Senior Lecturer and Program Director Tony Roath, Harbert College Associate Professor Shashank Rao and Center for Supply Chain Innovation Executive Director Brian Gibson.