Gearing up for NASSTRAC

When it comes to business travel these days, you need to be more selective than ever in determining what conferences and expos to attend—at least we editors do.

One event I never have to think twice about attending is the annual NASSTRAC (National Shippers Strategic Transportation Council) Logistics Conference and Expo, taking place in Orlando from next Sunday-Wednesday.

This will be the sixth time I am attending NASSTRAC, and I have to say it gets better every year.

First off, insight on supply chain, logistics, and transportation trends from some of the industry’s leading thought leaders (TranzAct President and CEO and LM blogger Mike Regan and Werner President and COO Derek Leathers come to mind).

The educational value of this even cannot be understated. It is rare when you can learn about rates, volumes, inventory management, transportation capacity, energy relating to transportation, and the never-ending maze of regulations in a relaxed setting and environment over a few days.

Following this event, I always come back to my office with a slew of ideas and stories to chase and I also feel energized from re-connecting with old friends I have made at this event and making new ones, too.

I know most events promote how networking is a primary component and to be sure, it is. But at NASSTRAC it is taken to a different level. There are specific times for sessions and specific times for networking with no overlap. This format is effective and helps the conference chairs remain on time and the attendees engaged (even at the first session after lunch which can be a test of endurance at times for attendees).

In summary, this is a terrific event, and I cannot wait to get back down to Orlando to learn from some of the best and brightest minds in the business, see old friends and make new ones.

Hope to see you there.