3PL Perspectives
Neil Humphrey | TRANSPORTATION INTERMEDIARIES ASSOCIATION
MORE THAN 540 attendees ranging from members to nonmembers to press and staff, gathered virtually May 11-13 for the 2021 TIA Capital Ideas Conference. After having a yearoff hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TIA hosted its largest event of the year on the virtual event platform, Pathable. With three jammed-packed days and more than 30 general sessions, learing labs, and educational sessions, attendees received development tools delivered by 3PL and freight brokerage experts. Topics included carrier and shipper relationships, data security, economic and marketplace updates, effective leadership, short and long-term trends, TMS innovation, and more!
TIA’s President & CEO, Anne Reinke, kicked off the event with Outgoing TIA Board Chairman Brian Evans, CTB – President & CEO of L&L Freight Services. Reinke and Evans discussed the new initiatives for TIA in 2021 and recapped an incredible and undeniably unique year for the 3PL industry. The annual conference also included more learning sessions and events, specifically several recognitions.
On Day 2, Brian Evans passed the symbolic torch to the new Board Chair – Mike Riccio, CTB, Chief Marketing Officer at Leonard’s Express. Mike and Anne were joined by Ellen Voie, President & CEO of the Women In Trucking Association, for the presentation of the 2021 Distinguished Woman in Logistics Award (DWLA), sponsored by TIA and Truckstop.com. The 2021 DWLA was awarded to Angela Eliacostas, President & Founder of AGT Global Logistics.
“I started as a billing clerk, worked my way up to Operations Manager, to General Manager, and sought out expertise from people who could teach me about the financials, legality and operations,” said Eliacostas. “I decided to take that leap of my own in 2005. Since then, AGT Global has grown, employing 65% female team members, we see WMBE Enterprises for partnerships, and we are proud to combine the old-fashion values of integrity and honesty with the ever-changing waves of technology in tracking and communication. I hope to represent Women In Trucking and this award by sharing encouragement and advice. To all of the women steering their ways in the world of transportation and logistics: remember, achievement isn’t reaching a final destination; achievement doesn’t stop, it means realizing your dreams and then striving to do more. There will be frustrating times. Always keep pushing. Believe in what you’re doing, whether in a male-dominated industry or otherwise. Have faith in yourself and your abilities.”
Closing out the three-day event was the keynote address, Leadership & Risk Management: Taking Command, delivered by William H. McRaven, a retired Four-Star U.S. Navy Admiral. During his address, ADM. McRaven captivated the audience with his exceptional leadership experiences. In his address, he explored today’s geopolitical environment and looked forward to America’s place in an ever-changing global community. He shared impactful narratives, lessons, and insights on authority amidst turmoil and instability, the force of teamwork and personal initiative, resilience in the face of opposition, and the unconditional importance of never giving up.
The 2021 TIA Capital Ideas Conference was a resounding success and we thank all of our incredible sponsors and amazing attendees for joining us. As life begins to return to “normal,” we’re excited to be returning to in-person events, starting with the members-only 2021 TIA 3PL Policy Forum taking place in Washington, D.C., September 28-29. Stay tuned for more information on this and other events at tianet.org/meetings.
Neil Humphrey is the Marketing & Communications Manager at TIA. He can be reached at [email protected]
Image credit: ISTOCK.COM/METAMORWORKS
