AHFA Offers August Global Supply Chain Conference

Furniture World News

The convergence of global sourcing, changing business models, new competition and shifting channels of retail distribution is creating “perfect storm” conditions for many home furnishings manufacturers. For help in navigating these unpredictable waters, the American Home Furnishing Alliance will offer its first Global Supply Chain Management Conference Aug. 10-12 at the Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Among key presentations will be “The Seven Principals of Supply Chain Management,” a succinct strategy to help managers balance stormy conditions and, in the process, help their companies achieve profitable growth. “Savvy managers recognize two important things,” explains presenter Donovan Favre, an assistant professor at North Carolina State University. “First, they think about the supply chain as a whole – all the links involved in managing the flow of products, services and information from their suppliers’ suppliers to their customers’ customers. Second, they pursue tangible outcomes – revenue growth, asset utilization and cost reduction.” For companies with import operations, Rob Pisani’s “Customs Update: Integrating Compliance and Security” will be a must-attend session. Pisani, an attorney with international trade and customs law specialists, Pisani & Roll, will provide expert advice on how to avoid customs audits, as well as an update on new enforcement actions under the Wood Packaging Rules and an overview of the new security measures required by C-TPAT (Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism). With the peak 2006 shipping season on the horizon, another critical session for importers will be an overview of the challenges facing West Coast port operations offered by David Bennett, vice president of sales for Globe Express Services. Bennett’s presentation will cover anticipated terminal and rail congestion, labor issues and controversial California legislation with the potential to impact the supply chain. Additional topics during the two-day conference include: “Ensuring Supply Chain Technology Increases Efficiency,” Christopher Norek, Ph.D., senior partner with Chain Connectors Inc., an Atlanta-based supply chain consulting firm. “Navigating a Perfect Storm in the Furniture Industry,” Karin Bursa, vice president of marketing, Logility. “Emission-Friendly Fuels and Logistical Issues,” Chip Sheely, purchasing manager, Southeastern Freight Lines. “Emissions Solution for 2007,” Bill Beckman, territory manager, Cummins Atlantic. “Clearing the Air: Caterpillar and 2007 Emission,” Scott Weyant, national account manager, Caterpillar Truck Engines. “Mega Trends from a Specialized Furniture Carrier Perspective,” Dave Brenner, Caldwell Freight; Ed Massood, MGM Transport, and Rowland Branham, Palmer Transport. Registration is $350 for AHFA members and $450 for non-members. An optional golf outing at Arcadian Shores is planned at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, for those who wish to network in advance of the conference. (Golf fees are not included in the registration.) An opening reception is slated for 6:30 p.m. Aug. 10. General sessions will begin at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11, and adjourn at 3 p.m. that afternoon. Sessions resume at 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, and the meeting will conclude at noon. A registration form is available on the AHFA website at www.ahfa.us, under EVENTS. For hotel reservations, contact the Embassy Suites, Kingston Plantation directly at 843/449-0006. The cutoff date for room reservations at the group rate is July 10. The American Home Furnishings Alliance – located in High Point, N.C. and Washington, D.C. – is the largest association of home furnishings companies in the world and represents more than 200 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, as well as 225 suppliers to the furniture industry worldwide. WANT TO GO? What: Global Supply Chain Management Conference When: Thursday, Aug. 10 through Saturday, Aug. 12. Where: Embassy Suites Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, S.C. Make hotel reservations by calling 843/449-0006 or 800/876-0010 and mention the group code “TLD.” Cutoff for reservations at the group rate is July 10. Arrival/Departure: Arrive by 8 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, to participate in the optional golf outing; by 5 p.m. for registration and the opening reception. Depart Saturday, Aug. 12, after noon. Registration: $350 per person for AHFA members; $450 for non-members (golf extra). Register online at www.ahfa.us. Go to EVENTS and scroll down to Global Supply Chain Management Conference.