Making an Impact with Sustainability Starts Here

A Millennium Alliance team member will be available at our registration desk right outside of the session rooms to assist executives with checking in and to answer any questions that may come up throughout the duration of the Assembly.

Our executive education roundtables are 1-hour conversations moderated by an industry thought leader. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

Key Discussion Points:

• Lessons learned from recent sources of supply chain disruptions impacting the industry, such as natural disasters, geopolitical instability, trade disputes, and global health crises
• The evolving role of digital technologies in driving agility and innovation across the value chain, from customer engagement to inventory management and fulfilment
• Proven strategies for building trust, transparency, and alignment of interests between retail organisations and their supply chain partners, including suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers
• Opportunities for joint innovation and co-creation to develop resilient, sustainable supply chains that meet the evolving needs and expectations of customers in the European market

Key Discussion Points:

• Evaluating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) risks associated with current supply chain practises, including carbon footprint, labour conditions, and ethical sourcing of materials
• Integrating circular economy principles to promote product lifecycle extension, reuse, and recycling, thereby minimising environmental impact and maximising resource efficiency
• Setting measurable goals and KPIs to track progress towards building resilient, ethical, and sustainable tech supply chains in alignment with European regulatory frameworks and global sustainability standards

Key Discussion Points:

• Utilising advanced analytics techniques such as machine learning and AI to identify patterns, anomalies, and opportunities for process optimisation within the supply chain
• Integrating data analytics into demand planning, procurement, and supplier management processes to improve forecasting accuracy, mitigate risks, and enhance supplier collaboration
• Cultivating a culture of data literacy and empowerment within the organisation, ensuring that stakeholders across functions understand the value of data-driven insights

Key Discussion Points:

• The benefits of transitioning to a circular economy model and its relevance in Europe, including reduced resource consumption, lower environmental impact, and new opportunities for innovation and value creation
• Opportunities for implementing circular supply chain practises, such as product redesign for durability and recyclability, material recovery and recycling programmes, and reverse logistics for product take-back and refurbishment
• Addressing regulatory frameworks and market drivers shaping the adoption of circular supply chain practises in Europe, such as extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulations, eco-design directives, and consumer demand for sustainable products

Key Discussion Points:

• The transformative potential of digital twins in optimising operations, improving decision-making, and driving innovation in the European context
• Common use cases of digital twins in optimising inventory management, demand forecasting, production planning, and logistics optimisation
• Addressing key considerations and challenges in implementing digital twins within European organisations, including data integration, interoperability, and cybersecurity concerns

Key Discussion Points:

• Utilising data analytics and performance metrics to pinpoint bottleneck areas and prioritise improvement efforts within the supply chain
• Real-world examples of AI applications in supply chain management, such as predictive maintenance, demand forecasting, and route optimisation, used to alleviate bottlenecks and improve overall efficiency
• Encouraging collaboration between supply chain stakeholders, data scientists, and AI experts to identify opportunities for process optimisation and automation

Key Discussion Points:

• The impact of strong partnerships on enhancing supply chain agility, responsiveness, and overall competitiveness in dynamic market environments
• Best practises for identifying and selecting reliable partners with aligned values, capabilities, and long-term goals
• Strategies for developing collaborative agreements, performance metrics, and governance structures to ensure accountability and alignment of interests among partners

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionising supply chain operations, from demand forecasting to inventory optimisation and logistics management
• Unpacking the adoption trends and challenges associated with integrating AI into existing supply chain frameworks, including data silos, talent shortages, and change management considerations
• Strategies for building organisational capabilities and infrastructure to support AI adoption and deployment within the supply chain

A casual opportunity for executives to network with their peers with the opportunity to enjoy beer, wine, signature drinks, and light appetisers.

A formal sit down event that includes a three-course dinner, followed by an address from our Keynote Speaker.

A buffet-style breakfast where executives can enjoy the most important meal of the day, followed by a Keynote Panel.

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the growing importance of sustainability in the European market, driven by consumer demand, regulatory pressures, and corporate responsibility initiatives
• Identifying and capitalising on opportunities for sustainability improvements across the retail value chain, including sustainable sourcing, ethical manufacturing, energy efficiency, and waste reduction
• Opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing to accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable future for retail and supply chain operations in Europe and beyond

Our roundtables are 1-hour conversations led by a fellow executive or one of our C-Level technology partners. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

Key Discussion Points:

• How attacks on cargo ships by Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have impacted supply chain operations, from delivery delays to skyrocketing shipping costs
• How retailers are making changes to navigate these challenges, including ramping up nearshoring and rerouting cargo ships
• Strategies for collaboration between retailers and suppliers in the short term and the long-term impact of the Red Sea disruption

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the current state of digital transformation across Europe, including trends, challenges, and opportunities specific to the region
• Regulatory frameworks such as the European Union’s Digital Single Market strategy and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and their impact on digital change initiatives
• Tools and methodologies for facilitating change, such as agile methodologies, design thinking, and employee training programmes
• Addressing cultural barriers to digital change, including resistance to technology adoption, fear of job displacement, and scepticism towards new ways of working

Key Discussion Points:

• Best practises and strategies for optimising each component of the supply chain, such as implementing advanced forecasting models, adopting lean inventory management techniques, and leveraging technology for route optimisation and delivery tracking
• Addressing common challenges faced by retailers in optimising their supply chains in Europe, such as fragmented markets, regulatory complexities, and sustainability considerations
• Emerging opportunities for innovation and disruption in retail supply chain management, such as the integration of AI, blockchain, and sustainability-driven practises, to stay ahead in the competitive European retail landscape

Our roundtables are 1-hour conversations led by a fellow executive or one of our C-Level technology partners. During these open discussions, our attendees have the opportunity to chat about the most relevant and current topics in the industry and share their thoughts with their peers.

A buffet-style lunch where executives can recharge and prepare for the second half of the day.

Key Discussion Points:

• How shifting consumer preferences, geopolitical factors, and global market trends are influencing supply chain optimisation strategies
• Strategies for demand sensing, scenario planning, and risk management to proactively address uncertainties and disruptions in the supply chain
• The role of sustainability, ethics, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) in shaping the future of supply chain optimisation

Key Discussion Points:

• The importance of sustainability in manufacturing and retail operations, considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors
• Innovative manufacturing techniques and technologies that support a circular economy, including 3D printing, remanufacturing, and closed-loop systems
• Addressing challenges and opportunities in transitioning towards a circular supply chain model, from product design to end-of-life management
• European initiatives and regulations driving the adoption of circular economy principles in manufacturing and retail sectors

Key Discussion Points:

• Unpacking the current state of procurement in Europe, including key challenges faced by organisations, such as regulatory compliance, supply chain disruptions, and market volatility
• How AI-powered algorithms can analyse vast amounts of procurement data to identify cost-saving opportunities, mitigate risks, and optimise supplier selection and negotiation strategies
• Best practises and lessons learned from European companies that have successfully navigated the procurement AI landscape, driving tangible business value and competitive advantage through innovation and strategic transformation

Key Discussion Points:

• Understanding the current landscape of AI and machine learning (ML) adoption in supply chain and retail operations across Europe, including trends, challenges, and opportunities
• Common challenges and barriers to AI and ML adoption in European supply chain and retail organisations, such as data quality issues, talent shortages, and organisational resistance to change, and strategies for overcoming these challenges
• The importance of ethics, transparency, and accountability in AI and ML applications, particularly in relation to data privacy regulations and consumer trust

We’re always striving to make our Assemblies the best they can be and kindly ask each attendee to complete a brief feedback survey on the sessions & meetings they attended. As a token of our appreciation, everyone who submits their feedback packet is then entered into a raffle drawing for a $1,000 Airbnb gift card. We close out Day 2 of the Assembly by drawing the winning ticket and thanking our valued members & partners.