The 2007 Supply Chain Executive Conference takes on the theme of handling strategic risk and opportunity across the global supply chain.

Globalization is a double-edged sword, promising big, untapped markets, but also carrying new and unknown risks. This conference will focus on how business and supply chain leaders are tackling the challenges of globalization all the way from raw material extraction upstream in the mines, forests, and farms of the world to new consumer and industrial markets in emerging economies. The conference keynote will be delivered by former Secretary of State and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Colin Powell, who will draw on his experience as both a soldier and statesman in developing and executing strategies for managing risk while seizing opportunity.

Among the critical supply chain and business questions we will address:

• How does a global company plan for supply network risks in the rollout of new products?
• What are the tradeoffs in doing business in developing economies?
• How can supply chain help business manage these tradeoffs best?
• What are the implications for sustainability as global economic development accelerates?
  
• What role does the retail sector play in globalization?
• How can retail supply chains respond to risk at the consumer level?