University News

WIU to Host Third Annual ConNEXT Conference April 1

March 12, 2025

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MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Approximately 40% of all United States jobs are supply chain-related. To help regional high school students explore these high-paying, in-demand careers, Western Illinois University and Eastern Iowa Community College will host the Supply Chain Management (SCM) ConNEXT Conference from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Tuesday, April 1, on the WIU Quad Cities campus in Moline.

This conference is designed to give students an understanding of the broad field of supply chain management, which encompasses the business functions that plan, source, make and deliver. Supply chain management and logistics have been further emphasized in the current economic environment, increasing awareness of the industry's vital role in the economy.

During the event, students will rotate through four breakout sessions, each led by a panel of regional industry professionals. These sessions will cover key areas within supply chain management, including sourcing and procurement, manufacturing and operations, distribution and warehousing, and transportation. Each panel will discuss the types of careers available in these sectors and the skills necessary for students interested in entering the workforce immediately or pursuing further education.

The conference aims to highlight the wide-ranging opportunities in supply chain management, which is essential to industries such as agriculture, hospitality, entertainment, retail, healthcare and manufacturing. This event is open to all high school and college students interested in learning more about supply chain and logistics careers.

Tentative Schedule:
8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Student arrival and check-in
9:15 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Opening remarks and introduction to supply chain management
10 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Breakout Session 1
10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. Breakout Session 2
11:10 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. Breakout Session 3
11:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Breakout Session 4
12:20 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Concluding remarks
12:30 p.m. - 1 p.m. Picnic-style box lunches served on the lawn (weather permitting)
1 p.m. Departure

To register for the event, visit go.wiu.edu/41VrUU1.

For more information, contact the WIU School of Accounting and Business Administration at (309) 298-1152. To learn more about the Supply Chain Management program at WIU, visit wiu.edu/scm.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing