Tee off your conference experience in style, joining colleagues and industry peers on the pristine greens and landscaped fairways of The Cardinal golf course at Saint John's Resort in Plymouth, Michigan.

08:00 - 15:30

You will receive your official ticket via email on the morning of Tuesday, 22 September, sent directly from 'Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global'. Please have this ready on your phone when collecting your badge. The registration desk will be open from 2:00 PM on 22 September in the Monarch Foyer at Saint John's Resort.

New to Automotive Logistics & Supply Chain Global?

The First Mile is an informal networking reception designed exclusively for first-time attendees, giving you the opportunity to make meaningful connections before the conference gets underway. Join fellow newcomers, Automotive Logistics editors and members of the wider AL community for a relaxed drink, meet industry peers and start conversations before the main Welcome Reception.

Whether you're attending to build your network, discover new business opportunities or learn from the industry's leading voices, The First Mile is the perfect way to begin your ALSC Global experience.

17:00-18:00

Join us on the eve of North America’s premier gathering of automotive logistics and supply chain leaders and experts for a relaxed and engaging evening of networking and socialising at the Saint John’s Resort in Plymouth.

Catch up with colleagues and old friends, make new connections and kick-start the discussions on the key trends, challenges and opportunities driving the industry forward.  

Dress code - Business casual  

18:00-21:00

Opening times: 8:00-16:00

Connect with fellow attendees through Braindate, book targeted 30-minute 1-to-1 meetings and 45-minute group discussions.
Head to the Braindate Lounge at your scheduled time, where our Learning Concierges will welcome you and introduce you to your matches.

Learn more

Automotive Logistics’ Chief Content Officer Christopher Ludwig opens the conference exploring the forces reshaping North America’s automotive logistics and supply chains. He will share data and insights from the latest Automotive Logistics North America Market report and results from the latest Automotive Logistics Global survey. He will set the scene for why automotive manufacturers must run operations that can pivot and adapt faster than ever.

Setting the stage for ALSC Global 2026, the opening of the conference will share insights into the major trends, drivers and disruptor reshaping OEM, supplier and logistics strategies across North America.

The opening of the conference will share insights, including:

• Global disruptors impacting production, sourcing and logistics networks
• The evolving balance between global scale and regionalisation
• Data and insights from the latest Automotive Logistics business intelligence, including the Automotive Logistics North America Market report and latest global logistics and supply chain survey
• Where logistics, supply chain and technology providers are gaining strategic influence

As disruption becomes constant, supply chains must evolve beyond firefighting and embrace permanent uncertainty strategies to create antifragility models. This session explores how leading organisations are embedding discipline, visibility, and integrated planning to move from reactive survival to sustained competitive advantage.

Explore how OEMs, suppliers and logistics partners are reshaping operating models through:

• Stronger process discipline and governance across planning and execution
• End-to-end visibility and shared KPIs across multi-tier supply networks
• More deliberate sourcing strategies balancing resilience, cost and efficiency
• Aligning capacity, inventory and transport flows to realistic demand signals

Connect with OEMs, tier suppliers, logistics providers, and technology leaders during dedicated networking breaks and receptions, designed to help you build valuable relationships and spark new business opportunities.

Understand how automotive manufacturers and partners are adapting logistics and supply chain strategies to meet changes in supply, trade and vehicle technology.

Experts will discuss global and North American logistics capacity and requirements, digitalisation and the strategic assets needed for automotive manufacturers and partners to meet performance and cost requirements.

As global logistics and automotive supply chains face geopolitical, trade and market disruption, this session will explore the state of capacity for supply chains and logistics, and how manufacturers, suppliers and logistics providers are adapting supply chain strategies and logistics requirements for model launches and new vehicle technology, including hybrids, EVs and software-defined vehicles.

Key talking points will include: 

• Gearing up supply chains and logistics in the current environment, including strategies to best manage logistics, supplier, driver and freight capacity
• Insight into optimisation opportunities and logistics requirements for ramping up production of new technologies, including EVs and software-defined vehicles
• Insight into global and North American logistics capacity developments across ocean, air and road freight capacity relevant for automotive supply chains
• How manufacturers and logistics providers are adapting to changing trade lanes, new partnerships and localisation 
• Opportunities in digitalisation, AI and logistics automation 
• Service and network innovations to improve delivery performance, from consolidating freight to changing packaging and returnable container models

As production patterns, trade and regulations shift, OEMs and service providers must adapt finished vehicle logistics networks and facilities to changing capacity requirements, manage driver shortages, mitigate quality, theft and other risks.

In this session, learn about the strategies and visibility needed to maintain a balanced network and ensure customer satisfaction in a competitive market. 

Hear how OEMs, vehicle logistics experts and technology partners are adapting vehicle logistics network strategy, including capacity management, process optimisation and digitalisation.

Key talking points include:

• Moving beyond cost-per-unit metrics toward holistic network performance
• Strengthening partnerships to increase capacity and yard utilisation
• Adapting network design to shifting demand, sales channels and lead times
• Solutions to address capacity and driver issues across road, rail and ports 
• Digitalisation and visibility opportunities across vehicle logistics 
• Strategies to mitigate and reduce theft and other risks across the network

Service parts logistics faces growing complexity and customer expectations. How can organisations transform their operations to optimise inventory, distribution and responsiveness without inflating costs?

Explore how OEMs and aftersales logistics specialists are evolving service parts networks through:

• Optimising inventory across multi-echelon distribution networks
• Improving fill rates and delivery performance
• Designing efficient distribution centre and transport strategies
• Leveraging data to improve forecasting and replenishment

With supply chains in flux and facing capacity and cost pressures, this session will explore strategic network planning, optimisation and innovations to ensure the best performing logistics across North America.

Leaders will discuss insights into driving logistics flexibility, working with different logistics and forwarding partners, adapting to specialised transport and warehousing requirements, and opportunities to improve planning and execution. 

Gain insights into how automotive manufacturers are working with 3PLs and freight forwarding partners to adapt logistics speed, quality and capacity at the right cost and service.

You will also learn about how growing volumes in new supply chain and industry segments, like data centres, are impacting requirements logistics and warehousing, specialised transport and equipment:

• How manufacturers and providers are pivoting across transport modes and networks globally and in North America
• Leveraging data and AI to target and optimise logistics capacity
• Network engineering and optimisation
• Cost and performance implications across non-asset and asset-light partnerships
• Impacts on North American logistics from growth in data centre, energy storage and other segments

This session will focus on how quality is becoming a defining factor in finished vehicle logistics. Learn about opportunities to reduce damage and improve outcomes through the automation of inspection and claims, innovations in protection and equipment standardisation.

Hear how OEMs, carriers and technology partners are improving quality outcomes through:

• Preventing damage across rail, truck, port and yard operations
• Using digital tools to enhance inspections and claims processes
• Applying data analytics to identify root causes faster
• Working to align vehicle and equipment standards to help reduce damage and improve efficiency

Discover how leading OEMs, service parts logistics and technology providers are driving cultural and operation change by putting customers at the heart of aftersales supply chains, ensuring that ways of working, digital tools and transport services achieve the goals of improving dealer experiences whilst improving efficiency and value-added work.

Explore the real-world approaches automotive aftersales leaders are using to reshape parts and service operations to reflect customer needs even in the face of changing customer expectations, new opportunities in technology and AI, and logistics capacity challenges, including:

• Enhancing visibility and access to data across the supply chain on customer, supply and logistics through improved asset tracking, digital tools and planning systems from supplier plants, through parts distribution centres, crossdocks and dealers  
• Recalibrating transport modes and network design to balance speed and availability with cost, reliability and fill rates
• Optimising regional warehousing footprints to reduce lead times, unnecessary movements and damage  
• Transforming working culture and fostering cross‑functional collaboration between supply chain, IT and dealer stakeholders to ensure digitalisation and AI keep customer needs in mind and achieve common objectives

End-to-end alignment is becoming the defining factor in supply chain performance. Learn how improved forecasting, integrated planning and real-time data are reducing volatility and improving delivery accuracy.

Hear from OEMs, suppliers and logistics partners on improving end-to-end synchronisation, including:

• Enhancing visibility from order capture through to final delivery
• Connecting demand planning, production scheduling and logistics execution
• Moving from local optimisation to enterprise-wide decision-making
• Using shared data to anticipate disruption and respond faster

The introduction of tariffs, sourcing and due diligence requirements can increase cost and risk but enhancing visibility and collaboration across suppliers can help strengthen the overall supply chain.

Trade and compliance complexity has significantly increased. But as manufacturers better understand, develop tools and standards to manage these, they can gain better visibility, establish streamlined practices and ultimate reshape supply chain and logistics design.

This session explores strategies for managing risk, ensuring compliance and building resilient cross-border operations.

Hear from policy experts and trade specialists on manufacturers and logistics providers must adapt to new trade realities, including:

• Managing tariffs, USMCA and customs complexity
• Strengthening compliance and cross-border capabilities
• Reconfiguring networks in response to trade shifts
• Balancing global efficiency with regional resilience

As North American automotive manufacturers accelerate new model launches and ramp up localised production, logistics experts are seeking the most competitive end-to-end processes for holistic transport, material and packaging flows.

This session will explore how cross-functional collaboration is improving efficiency, reducing waste and helping to mitigate cost and complexity across freight networks, packaging and intralogistics. 

Driving logistics cost and performance improvements depends on holistic considerations across functions, and working collaboratively from design phases through to serial production.

In this session, experts will discuss strategies for end-to-end logistics management, from integrating parts design with packaging and material flows, to ensuring standardisation from supplier through to line-side delivery.

Discover how automotive manufacturers can shorten value chains and improve material flow, including through logistics and supplier network design, packaging engineering, plant logistics and production control. 

Discover how OEMs and providers are integrating logistics across inbound, packaging and plant operations, including:

• Strategies for end-to-end logistics integration, from supplier release through transport and line-side delivery
• Integrating packaging engineering into early product and logistics design
• Optimising logistics, material flow and parts handling in plants and warehouses
• Ensuring efficient returnable packaging and container management systems
• Logistics partnership models that best support end-to-end logistics

Marc Menden, GM’s executive director for global supply chain, reflects on how the automotive industry can achieve more balanced, resilient and coordinated planning and execution. He will discuss opportunities to leverage visibility and data tools, better collaborate across suppliers, and to adapt supply chain volumes in a dynamic market.

Discover how organisations are connecting data, systems and partners to enable faster, more reliable supply chain execution and practical operational improvements.

As digitalisation moves beyond dashboards to decision-making impact, understand how supply chain and technology leaders are enabling greater control through:

• Integrating planning, transport and execution data into unified platforms
• Building digital control towers for end-to-end visibility of materials, packaging and vehicles
• Breaking down siloes across OEMs, suppliers and logistics providers
• Leveraging real-time, AI-driven digital twins to enable faster, scenario-based decision-making

With automotive logistics criminal activity on the rise, discover the latest trends, risk indicators and prevention methodologies to keep the supply chain secure.

As theft, trespassing, organised criminal activity, and facility disruptions continue to impact automotive logistics operations, the true cost often extends far beyond the value of stolen assets.

Bringing together experts in physical security and digital intelligence, the discussion will explore how physical solutions, market intelligence, real-time analytics, risk assessment and technology are enabling faster, more proactive decisions to strengthen resilience and protect throughput.

Leading security experts will explore:

• Current North American automotive cargo theft and facility intrusion trends, emerging risk indicators, and evolving criminal methodologies
• The hidden operational costs of disruption across inventory accuracy, freight flow, claims, insurance and customer satisfaction
• How to use market intelligence, real-time analytics and security software to identify theft hotspots, improve situational awareness and support proactive risk management
• Building resilience through layered physical security, process improvement, route planning, driver discipline, and technology-enabled prevention
• Security as a strategic contributor to supply chain performance, protecting assets, people, and operational continuity

Digitalisation, AI and automation are transforming logistics and supply chain, including systems and tools to drive resiliency and efficiency across operations and distribution. But it is also important to understand how digitalisation can deliver the most value for associates, partners and customers – from ensuring the right data strategy and governance, to implementing technologies which meet shared objectives.

Learn how to prioritise investments and integrate digitalisation into real-world supply chain operations.

Discover how manufacturers and logistics providers are digitally transforming their supply chain and logistics operations to benefit automotive operations and costs, but also to improve work for associates – and to deliver more value to customers.

Key talking points will include:

• Identifying the right use cases across parts logistics, packaging and logistics operations for the right systems and tools, from TMS/WMS to data analytics and AI, to automating key processes
• Ensuring that digitalisation, automation and AI are implemented with clear goals that benefit workers and customers, from reducing errors, increasing safety, accuracy and satisfaction 
• Having the right governance and data strategy to help build trust and engagement from associates and partners
• Innovations in technology including AMRs, drones and material handling systems
• Balancing ROI, scalability and operational flexibility in digital and physical automation
• Lessons learned from deployment across global networks

Connect with OEMs, tier suppliers, logistics providers, and technology leaders during dedicated networking breaks and receptions, designed to help you build valuable relationships and spark new business opportunities.

This fireside conversation with GM’s top executive for logistics, Marcio Lucon, will focus on strategic developments in logistics, including practical applications of AI and digitalisation, building long-term partnerships and prioritising enterprise performance over short-term gains.

In this wide-ranging fireside chat, Marcio Lucon will discuss the most important trends and developments in global automotive logistics across the sector. Join to hear insights into practical approaches to embedding AI in logistics, building long-term partnership models that prioritise resilience over short-term gains, and designing flexible operating models that can adapt rapidly to market shifts.

Marcio Lucon will also discuss how automotive logistics can further evolve from a cost centre to a strategic enabler of enterprise performance beyond logistics.

Key takeaways of the session will include:

• How to consider the development of AI effectively in logistics: training people, tools, and processes to deliver measurable business value
• The case for long-term partnerships: aligning incentives, prioritising capacity and service, and accepting short-term trade-offs for sustained advantage
• Ensuring logistics is driving and influencing strategic business decisions that deliver business and customer gains
• Building flexible logistics operating models that support rapid change and drive enterprise-wide performance improvements

As OEMs launch new models and factories, localise and pivot products across North America, understand how supply chain planning and logistics can ensure speed and success.

Automotive manufacturers across North American must adapt fast to a changing market with new investment, localisation and model launches, requiring greater levels of logistics and supply chain coordination across network planning, digitalisation, equipment and partners to meet timelines, ensure efficiency, quality and satisfy customers.

Learn about the changing logistics requirements for the latest phase of American launches and localisation:

• Cross-functional alignment across assets, equipment and timelines
• Transport mode and infrastructure planning
• Leveraging data and digitalisation 
• Adapting partnerships to meet long-term objectives
•  Using logistics to driving strategic performance improvements across the enterprise

Exchange business cards and views on the day’s highlights and key discussion points with colleagues and fellow attendees, whilst enjoying fantastic food and refreshing beverages at the ALSC Global networking dinner.

Dress code – business casual  

17:30-21:00

Not ready to call it a night? Join us at Doyle’s Irish Pub right here on site at Saint John's Resort for the official afterglow!

Open until 2:00 AM

Drinks: Grab a pre-poured drink upon entry to beat the line! Bar service is pay-as-you-go for all additional beverages.

Head over, unwind, and keep the networking going into the night!

Opening times: 8:00-14:00

Connect with fellow attendees through Braindate, book targeted 30-minute 1-to-1 meetings and 45-minute group discussions.
Head to the Braindate Lounge at your scheduled time, where our Learning Concierges will welcome you and introduce you to your matches.

Learn more

Gain critical business intelligence on regional and global vehicle volume outlooks and the key trends, and the drivers that will shape supply chain and logistics strategies.

Gain insight and expert analysis from leading market analysts on:

• Regional and global production and sales forecasts
• Powertrain transition and product mix evolution
• Ongoing impacts and repercussions from geopolitical issues such as the war in Iran
• The impact of trade policy, tariffs and macroeconomic conditions

Logistics and supply chain experts discuss how changing production, sales, tariff and trade terms are directly impacting the region’s automotive logistics, supply chain across North America in the years ahead. Understand how changing technology and demand patterns, localisation, cross-border and customs requirements will shape and change logistics. 

This discussion will unpack how changes in vehicle production, sales and trade will continue to have repercussions across automotive supply chain and logistics flows:

• How North American logistics flows, consolidation and partnerships could evolve
• Potential consolidation across the supply chain
• Impacts and implications of updates to USMCA and other trade changes
• Expectations for costs, rates and pricing across the supply chain

Connect with OEMs, tier suppliers, logistics providers, and technology leaders during dedicated networking breaks and receptions, designed to help you build valuable relationships and spark new business opportunities.

As fuel costs remain volatile and freight networks grow increasingly complex, Vignesh Jairaj, Supply Chain Strategy Leader at Asahi Kasei Plastics North America, challenges the existing fuel surcharge (FSC) model and presents an innovative framework designed to better reflect real-world transportation costs.

By incorporating regional diesel price variation and payload-dependent fuel economy can create a more accurate, transparent and equitable approach to carrier reimbursement and shipper cost allocation.

Gain practical insights into how manufacturers, shippers and logistics providers can improve transportation pricing through more data-driven fuel cost modelling:

• Addressing the limitations of national diesel price averages and fixed MPG assumptions
• Incorporating regional diesel pricing and payload-sensitive fuel economy into FSC calculations
• Improving cost allocation fairness and reimbursement accuracy between shippers and carriers
• Exploring future opportunities to integrate telematics, machine learning and real-world operating data into fuel pricing models

Learn how tier-1 automotive supplier Autoliv is transformation its IT and digital infrastructure for data and AI insights, and how it will support more resilient, transparent and predictive supply chain and logistics.

The pressure on costs is intense across the industry, but savings cannot just come from cuts to suppliers and providers, but from integrated planning, digitalisation and innovation that ensures production control, logistics and customer targets are met.

In this session, hear how forward-looking leaders are considering holistic, cross-functional supply chain, process and network decisions to improve the bottom line and strengthen performance.

This session will explore logistics and production control strategies to drive out waste in the end-to-end supply chain, from demand and ordering planning, to executing production and supply chain volume, to managing logistics network and partnerships, all with the view of improving total delivered cost, enhancing performance, visibility and stability across operations.

Key talking points will include:

• Processes to reduce waste through early-stage planning across departments, from design, procurement, S&OP, production control and logistics 
• Ensuring more synchronised and dynamic planning and execution across suppliers, logistics and production 
• Implementing digital tools and AI solutions that reduce waste, increase speed and value-add
• Supply chain optimisation, from supplier location and delivery, to logistics network design
• Measuring holistic cost impacts across the supply chain, from cash flow to supplier delivery and logistics speed
• Digital transformation strategies that gain trust and benefit across associates and partners 
• Co-developing solutions with partners that aim for mutual benefit

Digital tools, AI and automation are no longer optional but are becoming critical to performance. This session examines how leaders are overcoming legacy barriers to turn technology into a competitive advantage.

As digital tools and automation become more embedded in operations, the focus is shifting from adoption to impact. This session examines which applications are delivering measurable results, how leaders are scaling successful use cases, and where expectations still outpace reality.

Learn how OEMs, suppliers and technology providers are accelerating transformation through:

• Deploying AI, automation and advanced analytics in logistics operations
• Connecting planning and execution through digital platforms
• Overcoming legacy system constraints and integration challenges
• Building organisational readiness for digital adoption

Strong supplier relationships are the foundation of resilient supply chains. Explore how organisations are working to better align supply and demand, balance logistics and supplier capacity, and ensure holistic partnerships across the supply chain and indirect procurement to reduce risk and unlock value.

Hear how organisations are strengthening partnerships across the value chain, including:

• Building visibility across OEM, supplier and logistics networks
• Moving toward long-term, collaborative partnership models
• Managing demand signals versus real-world call-off volatility
• Balancing capacity commitments with operational flexibility

Year on year, supply chain teams face growing pressure to deliver more with less. In this keynote, Nissan’s Christopher Zilly will share a practical framework for building an organisational culture with tactical innovation at its core and highlight how this approach helps address today’s operational challenges, embed a continuous improvement mindset and lay the foundations for high-performing logistics organisations of the future.

Technology isn’t enough to create resilience, adaptive supply chains – people and leaders remain the key differentiator. Learn how to develop talent, integrate AI capabilities and create a culture of continuous improvement.

Hear how industry leaders are building future-ready teams through:

• Aligning skills and roles with evolving supply chain requirements
• Integrating human expertise with AI and digital tools
• Developing talent pipelines and leadership capabilities
• Fostering a culture of continuous learning and innovation

North America’s parcel and LTL sector faces significant disruption and change creating new challenges along with new opportunities for automotive shippers to control costs, negotiate better rates and strengthen their parts logistics and distribution strategies.

The parcel and LTL logistics market is evolving rapidly, with shifting freight rates, exposure to sustained higher fuel costs and the emergence of a major a new provider in B2B logistics reshaping the competitive landscape.

This session will explore the key dynamics affecting automotive shippers and provide practical insight into managing costs, identifying opportunities and responding to changing market conditions.

Attendees will gain practical negotiation tactics for securing better rates, maximizing discounts and improving carrier contract terms, alongside insight into the short and longer-term impact Amazon’s expanding role in the B2B supply chain.

Key topics and takeaways:

• The changing dynamics of the parcel and LTL logistics landscape and what they mean for automotive shippers
• Current freight-rate trends and how increased carrier competition is creating opportunities for stronger pricing and discounts
• The cost impact of fuel surcharges, including live insights into current domestic and international rates, typical fuel discounts and how net fuel pricing works
• Amazon’s expanding role in B2B supply chain, parcel, trucking and air freight, and the potential implications for carrier strategies and pricing

This session and exchange is for students attending the event, with the aim to bridge the gap between practitioners  and the next generation of talent. A group of professionals and supply chain students connect an interactive discussion on integrating generations, developing future-ready skills, and ensuring automotive logistics remains an attractive and dynamic career path.

Industry leaders below will each host a group of students in open exchange and dialogue. 

Understand the measures that automotive logistics leaders are taking to maximise utilisation of truck and multimodal capacity, whilst taking steps to mitigate ongoing shortages in key drivers and logistics capacity. This session will also focus on what the industry can do to better balance operational capacity and to develop its workers and associates and to meet business and individual needs.

The North American logistics industry has faced perennial shortages, which  new regulations are also impacting, whilst technology is further changing the landscape.

Automotive manufacturers and logistics providers need to both adapt processes and operations to mitigate these shortages and maximise capacity utilisation, driver turns and loading efficiency. They also need to work together to address long-term shortfalls and help train and retain drivers and workers in critical operational areas.

This session will explore where automotive manufacturers and logistics providers see potential risks, including how to manage and meet regulatory and compliance topics.

Experts will discuss best practice to address driver and capacity shortages, including improvements in operational performance, as well as what stakeholders should do to retain and gain labour – and where it should remain flexible.

Key talking points include:

• Hot spots for labour and driver shortages and how automotive logistics can mitigate risks
• Best practice and operational excellence in increasing capacity utilisation, driver turns and logistics performance across modes
• How digitalisation and automation are changing logistics worker and driver requirements
• How manufacturers and logistics providers should adapt to changing policy and regulations
• How manufacturers and logistics providers should partner to address chronic shortages and longer-term capacity and driver shortages 

The journey from chaos to control culminates in execution. This closing session brings together key insights on how to align strategy, operations and technology to deliver consistent, high-performance supply chains.

Reflect on the priorities shaping the next phase of supply chain transformation, including:

• Key insights from OEMs, suppliers and logistics leaders
• Aligning strategy with operational execution
• Strengthening resilience through discipline and collaboration
• Defining the path from disruption to sustained performance