Ready to warm up at NASSTRAC

Despite the never-ending state of cold weather in the Northeast, which really is no exaggeration as I see falling snow out of my office window at the moment the calendar says that next week marks the kickoff of the annual NASSTRAC Shippers Conference and Transportation Expo.

This is good news for a few different reasons. One is that it gets me out of this interminable winter and down south for a few days to warm up, and the other is that this event is excellent in various ways, many of which I have touched upon in past years, but they bear repeating all the same.

First and foremost, one reason this event is worth the travel and time out of the office is the people. Each year, you see many of the same faces from previous years, coupled with new ones, too, from all facets of the freight transportation and logistics sectors. This includes shippers, carriers, 3PLs, technology types, brokerage people, academics, and others, too.

By my count, this year marks the ninth time I will have attended NASSTRAC, and along with catching up with and making new friends, the quality of the sessions is also “top notch” to say the least.

With sessions ranging from things like regulatory affairs inside the Beltway to current market conditions for different modes and markets to logistics as a career path, among other topics, there is really something for everyone.

As I have mentioned in past years, the educational value of this event 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.

Back to the people portion mentioned above, 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, and, again, see old friends and make new ones. I also cannot wait for warmer weather, which I will think about often today as I am shoveling (again).

Hope to see you there.