CILT International President Jan Steenberg serves as emcee at European Supply Chain Summit 2026
CILT International President Jan Steenberg FCILT joined senior supply chain leaders in Düsseldorf, Germany, on 20 and 21 October 2026, serving as emcee for the People and Process stream at the European Supply Chain Summit.
Organised by Generis Group, the two-day event brought together around 120 industry leaders to explore the challenges, emerging technologies and opportunities shaping the future of global supply chains.
Jan welcomed leaders from organisations including Bosch, Mars, HP, Schneider Electric, Sanofi, Bayer, BASF, Pandora, Schaeffler, Boehringer Ingelheim, AstraZeneca and SMS Group.
Key challenges facing supply chain leaders
Reflecting on discussions throughout the summit, Jan highlighted several challenges emerging across the sector, particularly as organisations navigate technological change and an increasingly unpredictable operating environment.
Skills shortages and artificial intelligence were among the prominent concerns. As businesses introduce more AI functionality into their operations, gaps in specialist skills are becoming increasingly apparent, particularly in planning, sourcing and procurement.
Supply chain resilience was another major focus, with organisations recognising the importance of building agile operations capable of responding quickly to disruption.
As Jan observed:
Visibility is key, but so is directing that visibility to the right people who are then empowered to make decisions, fast.
Cybersecurity and risk management also featured prominently in discussions, with organisations placing considerable emphasis on data protection, regulatory compliance and the potential consequences of security failures.
The value of professional connections
Jan highlighted the importance industry leaders continue to place on networking and knowledge sharing.
Such conversations demonstrate the value of international professional networks in connecting expertise, supporting continued learning and helping organisations navigate shared industry challenges.
Strengthening international industry engagement
CILT International also supported the summit as a media partner, extending the Institute’s engagement with senior industry professionals and organisations across Europe and beyond.
Through its international network, CILT remains committed to connecting professionals, encouraging knowledge exchange and supporting the continued development of the logistics, transport and supply chain profession worldwide.
