Startups, Investors & A Whole Host Of Innovation: What To Expect From Manifest Vegas 2025 | Spotlight Series

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I am one of your co hosts for today's interview, Chris Walton and I.

Man Mazinga and we are pleased to.

Welcome Pam Simon, the Executive Vice President and Conference Chair of Manifest.

Pam, welcome back to Omnitalk.

It is great to see you again.

Thank you so much for having me.

Good to see you both.

Pam, we are so excited to have you today.

I want to start by giving the audience for those who've never been to Manifest or who might want a reminder as to why they need to be returning to Manifest this year, tell everybody what Manifest Vegas is all about.

How is it really the conference entire end to end for supply chain and logistics?

Yes, Manifest is the premier global conference end to end supply chain event that's going to be taking February 10to12 at the Venetian in Las Vegas.

So I got that right.

I said that, I said the whole end to end.

Okay, perfect, perfect.

We are an ecosystem event so attracting startups, investors and industry leaders including any company that is shipping, moving goods around the world.

So from CPG to fresh pharma, e commerce, automotive, you name it, as well as three PLs, carriers, brokers, ports, I mean really anyone involved in the global supply chain and it's all about innovation.

So innovation is what you will see on our stages as well as our expo floor.

And if you have a startup or you know that or a company that's moving things around, you definitely need to be at Manifest.

We are for 2025, we are expecting 6,000 executives from 50 different countries and we will feature more than 150 conference sessions and more than 300 exhibitors on our expo floor.

So we're really excited about moving to the Venetian and we encourage everyone to stay on property to take advantage of all of the exciting networking opportunities that happen when you're just walking around the property on your way to all of the Manifest activities.

Yeah, that's great, Pam.

I was going to say.

Yeah, it's much bigger this year too.

And you've moved up, you've moved it up into the Venetian too, which is a huge, massive convention hotel too, at Vegas.

So.

All right, so our next question is for many, for many that come to these kind of events, right.

And Ann and I go to quite a bit of them.

I think we probably average about two or three a month, quite honestly.

But for many people it's, it's all about the money.

You know, as, as much as, you know, I might not want to, might not want to admit that it's all about the money and that by that I mean investors who have money to spend and startups that are competing for that cash.

What is it about having both of these groups at Manifest Vegas that makes your event so unique?

Well, so first off, we invest in things that help all of our participants succeed, including our smart badges that allow people to exchange information at the click of a button and our private booking app that's released about a month before the show so you can start scheduling meetings and connecting with folks before you arrive.

At this year's show, we had over 200 funds in attendance and that's super early stage through your private equity investment bank, family office, etc.

So we'll be expecting even more of them at next year's show and we have about 37 different investors on stage.

So why is Manifest unique?

It really provides a one of a kind experience for investors to make the most of their time in Vegas.

Like it's a chance to connect with potential co investors, partners, customers.

All of your portfolio companies and investors are even walking away with some GPs and LPs for their funds.

So it's really unique that you're able to find funding for your companies, for yourself, for everybody involved.

And we've seen a lot.

M and A is not slowing down, so we're seeing that gain a lot more momentum.

And we'll feature a session on that at Manifest where we'll dive into how companies can effectively integrate supply chains post merger to maximize their synergies and due diligence in supply chain operations that impact, you know, the success of M and A transactions.

So we're really covering the full gamut of ways that investors and companies of all sizes are able to connect and do business together.

Now, Pam, will you dive in a little bit more too?

I mean, I can understand from the content perspective like that they'll be able to see these startups who are just coming into the space, who are gaining traction.

But how do the investors and startups kind of get one on one time with each other?

Can you elaborate a little bit more on what's set up for them for those interactions?

Great question.

Of course our office hours on Tuesday afternoon provide an opportunity to have one on one meetings with investors to your next round.

And our innovation stage is at the heart of our expo hall which features about 40 different disruptive companies from around the world and will also include product launches.

So I'm pretty sure if you are anywhere in the vicinity of our innovation stage, there will be investors lurking around.

That's awesome.

Great to hear.

Really good investment for those startup companies too.

That makes sense.

Yeah, it's a great place to be if you're startup.

All right, so.

So you've already mentioned this, the startups and the investors.

But there of course is another group that's essential to moving goods around the globe, as they say.

And these are the leaders that.

Yeah, I might be ad.

We might be getting there.

Oh, I hope it's air time.

Okay.

Yes, these are the shippers ads.

So what can we expect from the shippers in attendance at Manifest this February?

We have been working hard on this one, so very excited to share that we have over 120 shippers will be on stage.

So like chief supply chain officers, chief operation officers, chief procurement officers.

This year we'll actually be featuring a number of case studies from the likes of Mattel, Daily Harvest, Microsoft, Alibaba, even the government of the United States Transportation Command.

So they'll dive into, into, you know, how they're approaching a beverly of different technologies and topics as well as change management, operational design and the adoption of technology for effective decision making.

One of the big highlights is also our leadership suite which is an exclusive program mostly for senior, senior level and supply chain manifest.

So it's came by popular demand directly from the leaders that are joining.

So you'll have the opportunity to engage, network, learn from each other and it creates these really unique peer to peer networks so that shippers are able to, you know, have those important conversations with each other as well as discuss all the different technology that they're seeing and what's working, what's not working well.

And Pam, I think it's important to call out Chris and I have been to Manifest several times, but it's important to get there early because you do some really exceptional kickoff events like the maritime symposium which I mentioned.

But can you Go into a little bit about what to expect that first day of the conference and why it's important for people to attend.

Sure.

So the first day is a lot of fun on our kick up day and it is divided into symposiums.

So our maritime port symposium is obviously a favorite and will feature, you know, the Port of LA and Claris, DP World, aapa, dcsa, APM Terminals, Maersk and we'll be diving into, you know, large scale digital transformation enabling complete traceability of container movements and streamlining cargo handling.

Our intermodal workshop will feature Linksys, Telegraph, Union Pacific, JB Hunt, Southwest Airlines.

You know, we'll dive into how cities are becoming world class freight hubs, air cargo transformation and keeping goods and materials moving via strategic partnerships, tools, technologies.

Sustainability is another one which I mean every conversation that I have includes sustainability.

So we'll be exciting to hear from Super Circle and PlantSwitch and Bcomp to discuss scaling climate solutions, holistic sustainability and circularity from reusable to ecommerce.

Since I listened to, I mean we listened to the industry.

So after a lot of feedback coming in, we'll be launching our Cold Chain forum at this year's show featuring.

Wow.

Yes, very excited.

We have a great lineup discussing, you know, different ways that food is moving through the supply chain and scarcity and security as well as temperature control, navigating the pharmaceutical side of things with Vanguard Medical and Candor Expedite B Go.

So we have a lot of stuff that's jam packed into the first day of the show and the expo hall is not open this day.

So this is really the time to go to the sessions, connect with people and start to plan what the rest of your experience is going to be like.

Additionally, you know, stay for the cocktail after as well.

Well Pam, it's impressive to see how fast Manifest Vegas has grown.

I want to go deeper into how shippers are making sure that they're getting the most out of their time at Manifest.

Of course.

So the growth that we've seen in shippers is really, really exciting and we're so happy to see so many shippers getting value from man.

I'm constantly hearing of people that are now working together and deploying new technologies.

So it's very exciting.

This trend really started off with Pepsi.

So big thank you to them because now they're bringing their entire executive team to the show and it allows them to be at the event in a more efficient and productive way.

So you're able to divide and conquer.

Going to educational sessions, going to meetings, meeting More companies on our expo floor to truly get the most out of all the different networking opportunities that we provide.

So it makes sense to divide and conquer.

We're seeing a lot more people bring their teams.

So that's, that's the best way to do it is really like prepare ahead of time and then attack the, attack the scene.

And we also have many shippers taking advantage of our hosted shipper program which gives benefits to both individuals and teams.

They have access to things like our shipper lounge and meeting rooms for larger teams.

And we look forward to seeing even more and more shippers at the show the coming, coming year.

So.

So Pam, I'm curious because you mentioned it, is that the best way to attack the show is to come in with a plan?

Because we talk, we talk to a lot of, especially the retail side of things, the retail executives that attend all these conferences.

And, and honestly we hear different approaches.

Like some people like to just keep it tabula rasa, keep their, keep their agenda completely free and open and just wander around.

Some people like to be incredibly planful.

But you're saying people should plan their day, right?

That's what you think?

That's the way to get the most out of it?

Well, the way to really get the most out of it is bring your team.

Right?

There's only one of you I wish when you figure out how to clone me, let me know.

But until that's solved, really it's to bring your team.

That way you don't miss anything.

So I mean, or, or divide and conquer.

Like really that's the point of bringing team.

And then before you get to the show, you can determine, you know, who's going to be taking meetings, who's going to go to the educational sessions, who's going to go to the floor.

And it really helps, you know, everyone spread out and then come together following the show to really be able to debrief in the most productive, efficient way.

Yeah, the divide and car care approach is a great one too because like, the other thing I think about having been in these shows when I, when I was working for a retailer too, is it allows you to see different perspectives on the new innovations and technologies that are on display at the show too.

So before we let you go, I want to ask you more about that.

So I think there's going to be a ton of startups in attendance.

You touched on it a little bit earlier, but, you know, can you dig deeper into the kind of companies particularly that you're going to hear from on the innovation stage?

For which, you know, you'd want those diverse perspectives to weigh in on it if you're in attendance.

We have about 40 companies from around the world of all different shapes and sizes that are going to be represented.

And we have, there will be presentations diving into combating fraud and cybersecurity to payments near shoring, rail automation, sustainability, as well as companies that are tackling workflow, automation, enterprise safety, real time tracking and IoT, as well as autonomous shipping with Mythos.

And I think that company is pretty exciting.

So see a number of companies that will be doing product launches.

So I don't know if you realize this, but a lot of news gets broken on stage at Manifest.

So products launched and new announcements.

So it's important to listen to what's happening.

Yeah, we got to catch as much of it as we can.

Pam, I want to close with one thing that I know is very near and dear to you and to me, especially in this industry, and that is promoting diversity and getting new, new fresh blood into the transportation and logistics side of the business.

And one event that you're hosting that I want to make sure that our listeners know about is the Women's Lunch.

This year is the fourth installment.

Can you tell a little, tell our listeners a little bit about where and when they can catch that?

Okay, so this will be taking place Lunchtime on Wednesday, February 12th.

So we have not announced the speaker for our Women's lunch just yet, so stay tuned on that one.

But we do have a brand new initiative that I'm super excited about that we'll be launching at the show and it will be focused around mentorship.

So we've had a lot of C Suite executives and attendees mention that they would be open to mentoring people and wanted to give the opportunities to find mentees.

So this, we're creating this program.

So as part of the RSVP for the Women's Luncheon, we'll be asking folks, you know, to indicate if they would like to be a mentor or a mentee.

And we'll spend some time at the end of the Women's Luncheon with my colleague Katie Date, talking on stage about mentors, mentorship and how to be a great mentor and how as a mentee, you can get the most out of your relationship.

So, I mean, studies have shown that those who have strong mentorship in their life are able to navigate and grow within their careers in a more impactful way.

So I'm really excited that Manifest will be able to use technology to help these matches, help create these matches.

So the mini workshop run by Katie, will focus on how to seek mentorship mentee, how to make the relationship most valuable for both parties, as well as the importance of having your own personal board of advisors.

So attendees walk away with the tool, valuable tools to help them support their mentor in any way.

All right, Pam, so I think we've asked you every question that Anne and I can think of in regards to the conference.

Is there anything we haven't asked you about or anything you want to leave our listeners with here about Manifest Vegas before we let you go?

Well, if you have not registered yet, prices increase in January and on site.

So please take advantage of our deal and register now.

Go to manifestvegas.com and if you backslash OmniTalk, you can save $2 on your registration.

Nice.

Yes.

Yes, yes, that's.

Yes, that's right.

Yes, you can save with us.

So, yeah, so if you're listening to this podcast and you're like, hey, Manifest sounds amazing, just go register@ manifestvegas.com omnitalk and get it done, and we'll see you there.

And I are going to be there.

We've been there.

I think this is our fourth year being there, right, Adam?

Is that right?

Pam's like, shaking her head.

Yes, that sounds right.

Yeah.

When it was originally at Paris back in the day.

So Paris, the hotel.

Not.

Not the.

Not France, but, you know, not yet.

Maybe one day, Pam.

Maybe one day.

All right, Pam.

Well, thank you so much.

That wraps us up.

Pam Simon of Manifest, thanks for sitting down with us today.

And thanks to all of you for listening to this podcast and.

Or if you're watching us on video, thanks for tuning in.

And as always, on behalf of all of us at Omnitalk Retail, be careful out there.