MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5 - (Page 65)

INDUSTRY TRENDS Young Professionals Network presents MODEX education track focused on next generation workforce development BY JEFF WORONIECKI MHI CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER H ow to attract and retain the next generation of supply chain workers to our industry is a frequent topic of discussion. So perhaps it's no surprise that MHI's Young Professionals Network (YPN) is dedicating an entire educational track to the subject at MODEX 2016. On Tuesday, April 5, the "New Generation Supply Chain Workforce" event includes two panel discussions and two speaker presentations. The day concludes with an informal gathering for networking. These sessions are free to all MODEX 2016 attendees. "There's been tremendous interest from both seasoned veterans of the industry and from young professionals just entering our field about how to attract more fresh faces to supply chain careers," says Devon Birch, MHI's director of membership and coordinator of MHI's YPN. "Additionally, there's a lot more inclusiveness in the field than there has been in the past. We're seeing more women, more young professionals and more diversity-which is very encouraging." Birch says the topics and speakers for the track were selected for their relevance to professionals both new and not-so-new to the industry. Panelists and presenters will share insights into how to recruit and keep the next generation workforce engaged, while supporting their successful career development. "The YPN group has hosted several webinars on related workforce topics, as well as partnered annually with the Material Handling Equipment Distributors Association (MHEDA) to present their Emerging Leaders Conference. But this is our first formal educational track," she adds. "YPN is well known for its networking events, which draw not only young professionals, but have also become popular for more senior executives to attend." For that reason, she continues, the sessions are open to attendees at every career level. "We've gotten a lot of feedback from the upper management and executive ranks that they've learned a lot from our webinars about how to relate to and develop the next generation of industry leaders," says Birch. "We hope to see a broad representation of supply chain professionals during each session." About the lineup... First up, from 10 to 11:15 a.m., an industry panel of women in the field will discuss "The Supply Chain: It's Not Just for the Guys Anymore." Although more women are entering the field, they still only represent approximately 10 percent of supply chain leadership. This moderated session of panelists will delve into the challenges that come with being a female supply chain industry professional. Panelists will share both their experiences and their perspective www.mhi.org * MHI SOLUTIONS 65 http://www.mhi.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5

CEO Update
Ensuring Supply Chain Supplier Sustainability and Transparency
Energy Savings in the Supply Chain
The Future is Now
The Internet of Things: Connecting Supply Chains to Sustainability
Sustainable Supply Chains Requires Effective Supply Management Capabilities
The Changing Face of the Supply Chain: Under 35 and on the Rise
Building a Sustainable Supply Chain Workforce
Industry Focus: Apparel
MODEX 2016 Preview
Industry Trends
Economic Market Analysis
Education
“It was the coolest thing I’ve ever seen!”
Safer Handling
Solutions Group Update
Fulfillment Update
Solutions Spotlight
Scholarship Winners: Where Are They Now?
MHI News
Calendar
Index of Advertisers

MHI Solutions - Volume 3, Issue 5