Memphis Logistics Summit
Wednesday, October 22, 2025
The 2025 Logistics Summit, taking place on Wednesday, October 22, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM at The Peabody Memphis in Memphis, TN, will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators for a full day of strategic dialogue focused on the future of freight, trade, and supply chain resilience.
With sessions spanning global shipping trends, AI-driven logistics, infrastructure investment, and manufacturing revival, the summit is designed to spotlight key forces shaping the Mid-South’s role in national and global logistics. Attendees can expect high-level discussions, cross-sector collaboration, and forward-thinking insights that reflect the region’s commitment to innovation, economic development, and smart logistics solutions.
2025 Memphis Logistics Summit Agenda
8:00 - 9:00 AM – Breakfast
8:55 - 9:10 AM – Welcome
Welcome + Sponsor Recognition
Ted Townsend, Greater Memphis Chamber
9:10 - 9:15 AM – Introduction
Introduction
Dustin Crick, The Armstrong Company
9:15 - 10:00 AM – From Panama to the Port of Memphis
Trends in Global Shipping and Inland Reach
Global trade flows are shifting, and inland hubs like Memphis are playing a critical role in connecting U.S. markets to international supply chains. This session explores global shipping trends, the impact of the Panama Canal, and opportunities to optimize inland reach through strategic port partnerships.
Moderator: Ted Townsend, Greater Memphis Chamber
Speakers:
Mickey Diaz, FedEx
Cindy Allen, Trade Force Multiplier
Michael Symonanis, Louis Dreyfus
Louis Terdan, NW Seaport Alliance
10:00 - 10:15 AM – Coffee Break
10:15 - 11:00 AM – Smarter Freight
How AI is Reshaping Logistics
Artificial intelligence and automation are transforming how freight is managed, routed, and delivered. This session will showcase cutting-edge innovations in predictive analytics, digital twins, and real-time freight optimization.
Moderator: Nate Smith, Epicenter
Speakers:
Joel Tracy, IMC Companies
Daniel Booth, Straightline
Adam Smith, FedEx Data & Technology
11:00 - 11:45 AM – Navigating the Swings
What’s Next for America’s Ports
The pandemic brought historic backlogs at U.S. ports, followed by sharp declines in container traffic as tariffs and shifting trade flows reshaped global supply chains. This panel will feature leaders from FedEx, the Port of Memphis, Port NOLA, and the Georgia Ports Authority in a candid discussion on the volatility facing America’s ports and what lies ahead. Panelists will explore the role ports play in national infrastructure, the economic impact of shifting cargo flows, and major investments like Louisiana’s new Intermodal Terminal in St. Bernard Parish that aim to position the Gulf South for the future.
Moderator: Jen Amos, Dunavant Logistics
Speakers:
Randy Richardson, Port of Memphis
Amanda Coates, Port NOLA
Parrish Lawler, Alabama Port Authority
Louis Terdan, NW Seaport Alliance
11:45 AM – 12:15 PM – Lunch
12:15 PM – Introduction of Keynote
Introduction
Michael Scott, Riverhorse Logistics
12:20 - 1:15 PM – Keynote
Keynote
Donna Lemm
Chief Strategy Officer, IMC Companies
1:15 - 2:00 PM – Ask Me Anything
Get answers to your most pressing questions from a stellar panel of industry experts across logistics, ports, trade, AI, startups, and policy.
Speakers:
Dustin Crick, The Armstrong Company
Eric Ellis, CMC Logistics
Suzanne Drumwright, Limber Robotics
Andrew Hooser, Blue Current
Melzie Wilson, Global Zolutions
Richard Mallory, Mallory Alexander International Logistics
2:00 - 2:45 PM – Bringing it Back
The Southern Corridor’s Role in US Manufacturing Revival
This panel explores how Southern states are capitalizing on nearshoring, reshoring, and advanced manufacturing trends through inland port and infrastructure investment.
Moderator: Tyler Chaffee, TVA
Speakers:
Kel Kearns, Amplify Cell Technologies
Eric Watkins, Union Pacific Railroad
Bill Dunavant, Dunavant Logistics
Janine Mansour, Port NOLA
3:00 - 3:45 PM – Driving the Future
How the Mid-South Is Rebuilding America’s Transportation Backbone
Transportation leaders from Tennessee, Arkansas, Mississippi, and Louisiana will discuss how the Mid-South corridor is strengthening America’s logistics network through strategic investment, innovation, and collaboration. This fireside conversation will explore infrastructure priorities, workforce challenges, and the shared vision that’s positioning the South as the nation’s next transportation powerhouse.
Moderator: Ted Townsend, Greater Memphis Chamber
Speakers:
Commissioner Willie Simmons, Mississippi Department of Transportation
Dan Pallme, TN Department of Transportation
TBD, Arkansas Department of Transportation
3:45 - 4:00 PM – Closing Remarks
Closing Remarks + Sponsor Recognition
Duncan Williams
Founder and Chairman, Duncan Williams Asset Management
4:00 - 5:30 PM – Reception
Corner Bar at The Peabody Memphis
149 Union Ave #4, Memphis, TN 38103
Presenting Sponsor
Sponsors
