Meet the Experts: Speakers at the 2025 MHI Annual Conference
Now is the time to register for the 2025 MHI Annual Conference taking place October 12–15 in Tucson, Arizona. Join us for an interactive thought leadership event designed for manufacturing, material handling, and supply chain professionals. This year’s program explores the future of the industry through three core tracks: supply chain excellence, tech forward, and human centered.
While tackling today’s challenges head-on, discover how technology, leadership, and innovation are shaping tomorrow’s supply chains. You will also enjoy powerful networking events, Industry Group meetings, and community building sessions designed to spark new ideas and connections.
However, most importantly, you’ll experience a powerhouse lineup of forward-thinking experts who will share insights on topics ranging from workforce development to global economics. Below are a few highlights of their sessions:
The Untapped Talent of Autistic Adults: Developing a New Workforce
Tara N. May, CEO, Aspiritech
CEO of Aspiritech, Tara N. May is a recognized leader in the movement for workplace neurodiversity. At Aspiritech, Tara has been at the forefront of showing how neurodiverse hiring brings innovation, retention, and stability to organizations. In her session, Tara will share real-world success stories of companies that have significantly benefited from inclusive hiring programs.
Uncovering Potential Amid Pressure: The Economic and Material Handling Outlook for the Year Ahead and Beyond
Jason Schenker, President of Prestige Economics and Chairman of the Futurist Institute
Top-ranked economist and bestselling author Jason Schenker will share forecasts and analysis for the economy and material handling industry. Key themes include labor market dynamics, financial market expectations, e-commerce trends, supply chain challenges, and Cold War Two® geopolitical tensions. You will leave with frameworks and strategies to navigate risks, capture opportunities, and position your organization for success in 2026 and beyond.
A Conversation with Oscar Munoz: Leading with Heart, Turning Around with Purpose
Oscar Munoz, Former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines
Oscar Munoz, former CEO and Chairman of United Airlines, will share his leadership journey of guiding the airline through one of the most challenging times in its history. Under his leadership, United achieved financial recovery, renewed employee trust, and industry leadership in sustainability. Drawing from his memoir “Turnaround Time,” Oscar will highlight lessons on resilience, authenticity, and putting employees first.
Fortifying the Digital Supply Chain: Safeguarding Material Handling Operations in the Cyber Age
Chris Finan, Cybersecurity Entrepreneur and Former White House Cybersecurity Official
Join Cybersecurity Entrepreneur Chris Finan as he addresses the vital role of cybersecurity in today’s rapidly evolving material handling landscape. From smart warehouses to automated logistics, he’ll uncover the vulnerabilities and risks within modern supply chains and share strategies to strengthen defenses. You will gain actionable insights to safeguard operations and build resilience in an increasingly digital world.
Disrupting Disruption: Turning Change into Competitive Advantage
Mitch Joel, Co-Founder, ThinkersOne
Called “one of North America’s leading visionaries” by Strategy Magazine, Mitch Joel, brings his signature blend of insight and energy to a session that will challenge how we think about disruption. In this fast-paced talk, Joel explores how companies can stop reacting to change and start using it as a strategic advantage. Attendees will learn how to decode the future, leverage AI and emerging technologies, and rethink outdated approaches to leadership and culture.
Bending Supply Chains without Breaking Them: The Search for Agility and Resilience
Dr. Thomas Goldsby, Dee and Jimmy Haslam / Chair of Logistics, Professor of Supply Chain Management, Haslam College of Business, The University of Tennessee Knoxville
Join leading supply chain scholar and author Professor Goldsby for an in-depth look at how businesses can design supply chains that thrive amid today’s volatility. His keynote will cover strategies in supply chain planning, technology adoption, and execution that help organizations pivot quickly, mitigate risks, and strengthen resilience. Attendees will leave with actionable insights to enhance service offerings, elevate their roles as trusted partners, and drive client success in an evolving global landscape.
Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence
Erica Dhawan, Award-Winning Keynote Speaker and Author
Join collaboration expert and bestselling author Erica Dhawan to discover the power of Connectional Intelligence (CxQ)—a game-changing skill for the 21st century. In this fast-paced session, Erica will share how Connectional Intelligence enables leaders and teams to accelerate innovation, break down silos, and drive breakthrough impact. You will gain practical tools to strengthen collaboration, boost agility, and achieve greater results in today’s hyper-competitive business environment
Oxford Economics
Handling the U.S. Economy: The Economic Impact of the Material Handling Industry
Oxford Economics will present findings from MHI’s landmark economic impact study, quantifying the material handling industry’s vital role in the U.S. economy. Supporting over 1.6 million jobs and contributing more than $173 billion, the industry is the backbone of the supply chain. This session will highlight key insights on GDP contributions, workforce demographics, and regional impact. Come discover how your company and regions fit into the bigger economic puzzle.
With a standout speaker lineup and fresh insights, the 2025 MHI Annual Conference in Tucson, Arizona is your chance to explore what’s ahead for the supply chain industry. Be sure to reserve your spot and register today.
