WERC 2025: Leading with Vision in Warehousing
In this special episode of The New Warehouse Podcast, Kevin chats with Kristi Montgomery, VP of Innovation, Research, and Development at Kenco Logistics, and Mel Alwood, Regional VP of Operations at Neovia Logistics, to preview the upcoming WERC Conference taking place June 8–11, 2025, in New Orleans. Hosted by the Warehouse Education and Research Council (WERC), the conference centers on one powerful theme: Leading with Vision. Kristi and Mel share how this year’s focus mirrors the realities of today’s warehousing challenges and opportunities, including workforce transformation, AI, peer learning, and networking. Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a longtime member, this conversation unpacks why the WERC 2025 Conference remains the go-to educational event for warehouse professionals.
Courage, Vision, and Long-Term Relevance
The 2025 WERC Conference theme, Leading with Vision, isn’t just a slogan—it’s a necessary mindset for today’s supply chain leaders. Mel Alwood explains, “Leading with vision means you set a course, and even when you have to adapt, you stay centered.” She points out that in a volatile geopolitical and economic climate, vision keeps organizations aligned and moving forward.
Kristi Montgomery adds: “It’s about having the courage and tenacity to say, ‘This is where we’re going’ and bring people along with you.” Warehousing has evolved from a back-office function into a frontline strategic driver, and that shift requires bold leadership. She emphasizes that organizations now view warehousing as critical to long-term success, noting, “We’re seeing our customers a lot more open to taking a risk and investing in their warehouse operations.”
That shift includes investment in automation, digitization, and workforce development. Warehousing is no longer a side conversation; it’s front and center for long-term competitiveness.
Workforce, Technology, and the Pressure to Adapt
One of the conference’s top topics? Labor. And not just availability, but also how companies can adapt to a shrinking and multigenerational workforce. “We have to start getting creative,” Mel says, highlighting the growing importance of flexibility and inclusive hiring practices. From gig workers to underutilized talent pools, warehouses are rethinking their workforce models.
Kristi also sees this transformation through the lens of technology. “How do we augment the workforce we do have? Give them better tools to make better decisions?” she asks. Tools like AI, gamification, and real-time feedback loops are reshaping what a modern warehouse team looks like.
Technology without real-world understanding, however, falls flat. Kristi warns: “Too many companies come into our industry with a great robot, but no understanding of warehousing. They won’t make it unless they understand the people doing the work.” It’s a reminder that the warehouse of the future still relies on the people who power it.
What Makes the WERC 2025 Conference Unique
WERC isn’t just another conference—it’s a focused, practitioner-led event designed by and for warehouse professionals. From keynote sessions and peer-to-peer roundtables to site tours and networking events, the conference offers real-world education and connections.
Mel shares: “We spend a lot of time really trying to make it meaningful. One thing that sets us apart is our peer-to-peer approach. It’s not being led—it’s the people in the room.”
Kristi encourages attendees to fully participate: “Put yourself out there. Walk up to someone and ask, ‘What are your challenges? What are your gaps?’ That’s how you learn and build relationships.” She highlights the “Networking 101” session happening Sunday for newcomers, as well as a can’t-miss Tuesday night event at the Mardi Gras Museum.
Whether you’re exploring digital transformation or navigating global uncertainty, WERC offers insights you can act on today—and relationships that last a lifetime.
Why Attend WERC 2025 Conference
- Peer-to-Peer Learning: WERC is designed by and for warehouse professionals, with roundtables and discussions led by attendees, not just speakers.
- Real-World Relevance: Sessions cover practical, timely topics such as labor, automation, change management, and technology integration.
- Strong Community: Whether you’re new or experienced, WERC offers a welcoming, collaborative environment focused on shared growth.
- Unique Networking Opportunities: From “Networking 101” for first-timers to the Tuesday night Mardi Gras Museum event, WERC makes relationship-building easy and fun.
- Practitioner-Led Content: Hear directly from people working in warehousing every day, not just consultants or vendors.
- Actionable Takeaways: Walk away with strategies, tools, and ideas you can implement immediately in your operation.
- Visionary Leadership: Learn how top leaders are navigating disruption and preparing their teams for the future of warehousing.
Listen to the episode below and leave your thoughts in the comments.
Guest Information
For more information on Kenco Logistics Services, click here.
To connect with Kristi on LinkedIn, click here.
For more information on Neovia Logistics, click here.
To connect with Mel on LinkedIn, click here.
Register here for the 2025 WERC Conference
For more information about the WERC 2025 conference, check out the content below.
Everything you need to know about WERC
5 THINGS THAT CAN ONLY HAPPEN AT A LIVE EVENT LIKE WERC 2025
