Taking stock at CSCMP

Every so often, OK-more like a few times a week, I make a list of things worth covering as a news story or that I will consider for a news story.

These lists are based on different things, including updates to previous topics I have previously covered, an idea I have had on the back burner for a while, an interesting data-driven report, the never-ending well of legislation, financial-related items, and many other things.

But in a little more than two weeks many of us—and maybe you, too—will be at the CSCMP Annual Conference in Philadelphia. I, for one, am really looking forward to this event in that I will have many more things to add to my list.

I have attended CSCMP over the last several years, and it is fair to say I never come home disappointed, as I come back replete with new sources, good story leads, and ideas. In that sense, it is somewhat of an editorial goldmine.

A spin through the conference guide, with detailed information on the nearly 30 tracks and related sessions, got me nervous. How? Nervous in the sense that I am going to have to figure out a way to clone myself in order to hit all the sessions and events on my list.

With so much occurring in the market at the moment, there are no real “bad decisions” to make when compiling a CSCMP “to do” list. I am sure I will spend my fair share of time at the Transportation Sessions, but the 3PL and Inventory ones also look terrific as do many others.

While the sessions are great, one of my favorite parts of this event is catching up with old friends and making new ones, too. I don’t expect to the 2011 edition to be any different in that regard. Putting a face with a name and getting to know people you do business with (or interview) goes a very long way in relationship-building.

The countdown to the 2011 CSCMP Annual Conference has begun. I hope to see you there. If I walk by and don’t see you, please be sure to stop me to say hello.