When Sourcing Journal launched 15 years ago things were indeed quite different. 

Excel spreadsheets were the industry standard, sustainability jobs and initiatives were just coming online and artificial intelligence was the stuff of science fiction. Times certainly have changed. In the rear-view mirror of the present, those times look almost unrecognizable.

The annual Super Bowl of Sourcing this year will take a look back at where we came from, take stock of where we are today, and look ahead to divine what’s coming next. 

Covering a wide range of topics including trade, politics, traceability, raw materials, sustainability, machine learning, and of course, sourcing, the Summit will convene the biggest names in our industry to share invaluable ideas and insights, making it a must-attend event.

Our landmark annual Summit is particularly special to me because it brings together the entire spectrum of our industry—from regenerative farming to last mile to supply chain mapping—in one venue to discuss shared challenges and opportunities. The “dirt to shirt” approach of the Sourcing Journal ecosystem fosters a truly unique environment that not only offers diverse perspectives but also stimulates meaningful conversations.

As many of us, and the organizations we represent, transition back to more regular office hours, the remnants of remote work via Zoom remain. While this of course has its advantages, the value of face-to-face interactions—exchanging ideas and sharing a laugh—cannot be overstated.

And there is certainly no shortage of things to talk about this year. With daily emerging challenges such as labor strikes, global unrest, altered shipping routes and a surge in new legislation, staying on top of our game is increasingly complex.

Please join us on November 12 at 583 Park Ave. to delve into these topics and more. I look forward to seeing you there.

Peter Sadera
Editor in Chief
Sourcing Journal