What is Connections?

It’s a three-day supply chain event produced annually by SMC³ that provides the ideal environment for qualitative, valuable networking and industry education. Carriers, shippers, logistics service providers and technology providers consistently attend the summer’s premier collaborative supply chain intelligence event for its unrivaled networking opportunities, top-tier presenters and timely content to finish the year strong.

What Attendees are Saying

Key
note

Connections Keynote

Scott Hamilton

Olympic Gold Medalist

The most recognized male figure skating star in the world, Scott Hamilton has won 70 titles, awards and honors including an Emmy Award nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and a privileged member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. He is also the founder of the Scott Hamilton Skating Academy at the Ford Ice Centers in Antioch and Bellevue, TN, where he may frequently be found and sharing his love of skating, coaching Learn to Skate students and supporting the work of athletes in the SHARP 4 Sports: Specialized High Aptitude Resource Program under the Skating Academy umbrella, to build elite figure skating in Nashville.

Leader
ship
Series

  • TIM HOTZE

    Sr. VP – Operations Plannning, Network Steering and Optimization
    Target

Spea
kers

  • JEFF BERMAN

    Group News Editor
    Peerless Media

  • GRANT CRAWFORD

    VP - LTL
    Total Quality Logistics

  • GEORGE LAURIAT

    Editor-in-Chief
    American Journal of Transportation

  • KEITH PRATHER

    Managing Director
    Armada Corporate Intelligence

  • CATHY ROBERSON

    Trade Analyst
    Journal of Commerce

Age
nda

  • , June 23
  • 6:30 am - 4:00 pm

    Registration & Guest Relations

  • 7:00 – 9:00 am

    Networking Breakfast

    Networking

  • 9:00 – 10:15 am

    Keynote Address

    Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist

  • 10:15 am – 4:00 pm

    Guest Event: Experience the Thrill of Winter Olympics!

    Guest Event

  • 10:15 – 11:00 am

    Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

    Leadership Series

  • 11:00 – 11:15 am

    Networking Break

    Networking

  • 11:15 am – Noon

    General Session 1: Charting the Course – LTL Financial Outlook & Freight Recovery

  • 12:00 – 1:15 pm

    Networking Lunch

    Networking

  • 1:15 – 2:00 pm

    Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

    Leadership Series

  • 2:00 – 2:30 pm

    General Session 2: Unveiling the Future of LTL Demand

  • 2:30 – 3:15 pm

    General Session 3: Evaluating Tariff Disruption

  • 3:15 – 3:30 pm

    Networking Break

    Networking

  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm

    General Session 4: The Transformation of Cross-border Trade

  • 5:00 – 6:30 pm

    Networking Reception

    Networking

  • , June 24
  • 6:30 am - 1:00 pm

    Registration & Guest Relations

  • 7:00 – 9:00 am

    Networking Breakfast

    Networking

  • 9:00 – 9:45 am

    Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

    Leadership Series

  • 9:45 – 10:30 am

    General Session 5: Economic Showdown - U.S. - China Trade

  • 10:30 – 10:45 am

    Networking Break

    Networking

  • 10:45 – 11:15 am

    Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

    Leadership Series

  • 11:15 am – 6:00 pm

    2025 SMC³ Golf Classic

    Networking

  • 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

    Networking Lunch

    Networking

  • 1:30 – 2:45 pm

    Guest Event: Everything Grand – Art & History Tour

    Guest Event

  • 3:00 – 4:00 pm

    Guest Event: It is Grand – Afternoon Tea

    Guest Event

  • 6:30 – 10:00 pm

    Networking Reception: A Midsummer Night’s Dream

    Networking

  • , June 25
  • 7:00 am - Noon

    Registration & Guest Relations

  • 7:00 - 9:00 am

    Networking Breakfast

    Networking

  • 9:00 – 9:45 am

    General Session 6: Evolving Shipper Strategies for a Dynamic Landscape

  • 9:00 - 11:00 am

    Guest Event: Rise & Shine with SMC³

    Guest Event

  • 9:45 – 10:15 am

    General Session 7: Revolutionizing the Work Environment with AI Agents

  • 10:15 – 10:30 am

    Networking Break

    Networking

  • 10:30 – 11:00 am

    General Session 8: Unleashing the Future - Transform, Resilience, Thrive!

  • 11:00 – 11:15 am

    Grand Prize Drawings

    Prizes

Venue

The Grand America Hotel

555 South Main Street, Salt Lake City, UT 84111

555 South Main Street
Salt Lake City, UT 84111

From the finely trimmed topiaries and the coordinated bloom of tulips each spring to the carefully sliced tea sandwiches and the always-shimmering chandeliers, at The Grand America, excellence is in the details. Our commitment to the details is a commitment to perfect place settings at every table in the Grand Ballroom, pristine French patisserie baked in-house each morning, and a warm welcome waiting every time a bellman opens our golden doors.


Grand America Concierge: 801.258.6703

*You must be registered for the conference to make a hotel reservation. A booking link will be included in your registration confirmation email.

From the finely trimmed topiaries and the coordinated bloom of tulips each spring to the carefully sliced tea sandwiches and the always-shimmering chandeliers, at The Grand America, excellence is in the details. Our commitment to the details is a commitment to perfect place settings at every table in the Grand Ballroom, pristine French patisserie baked in-house each morning, and a warm welcome waiting every time a bellman opens our golden doors.

*You must be registered for the conference to make a hotel reservation. A booking link will be included in your registration confirmation email.

Getting There

Contact the Grand America Concierge at 801.258.6703 or gaconcierge@grandamerica.com to arrange transportation reservations via hotel or private driver services.

Parking

Self-parking is available onsite.

Golf

2025 SMC³ Golf Classic

Named one of the “Best Golf Courses You Can Play in Utah” by GolfWeek Magazine, Thanksgiving Point Golf Club opened for play in 1997. This 7,714-yard Johnny Miller Signature Golf Club cradles the most spectacular gardens in Utah, and creatively uses the Lehi natural mountain desert landscape to enhance the overall golf experience.

Thanksgiving Point has hosted numerous high-profile golf events, including the Web.com Tour’s Utah Championship; The Champions Challenge, which featured the likes of Jack Nicklaus, John Daly, Laura Davies, Fuzzy Zoeller, Gary Player and more; and the Utah State Amateur Championship.

*Golf teams are assigned by handicap prior to the event. Switching teams at the event is strongly discouraged and may result in a one-year suspension from participation.

Tournament Registration:

Registration fee: $250 per player

Registration fee includes 18 holes of golf, golf cart and green fees, lunch plus refreshment beverage cart

Sponsor a Hole!

For more information, contact Kristin Allen at kallen@smc3.com or 770-486-5894.

Spon
sors

Diamond Sponsor
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Benefactors
Media Partners

PRICING

Ends
April 4

SMC³ Carrier Members

$1,195

Ends
April 4

SMC³ Associate Members

$1,495

Ends
April 4

General

$2,595

Ends
April 4

Guest

$495

Ends
April 4

Golf

$300

Ends
May 23

SMC³ Carrier Members

$1,395

Ends
May 23

SMC³ Associate Members

$1,695

Ends
May 23

General

$2,795

Ends
May 23

Guest

$495

Ends
May 23

Golf

$300

Ends
June 26

SMC³ Carrier Members

$1,595

Ends
June 26

SMC³ Associate Members

$1,895

Ends
June 26

General

$2,995

Ends
June 26

Guest

$495

Ends
June 26

Golf

$300

Keynote Address: Scott Hamilton, Olympic Gold Medalist

, June 23  |  9:00 - 10:15 am

The most recognized male figure skating star in the world, Scott Hamilton has won 70 titles, awards and honors including an Emmy Award nomination, induction into the United States Olympic Hall of Fame and a privileged member of the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame. In 1984, Scott captured the attention of the world with his Olympic Gold medal performances in Sarajevo and since has shared his love and enthusiasm for the sport as an analyst/commentator, performer, producer and best-selling author (Fritzy Finds a Hat, 2020, Finish First: Winning Changes Everything, 2018, The Great Eight, 2009 and Landing It, 1999). Scott further inspires others as a speaker, humanitarian, and as a cancer and pituitary brain tumor survivor.

Guest Event: Experience the Thrill of Winter Olympics!

, June 23  |  10:15 am - 4:00 pm

Get ready for an exhilarating adventure at Utah Olympic Park in stunning Park City! Guests will start the day with a tour of the Alf Engen Ski Museum and the SLC 2002 Olympic Winter Games Museum, diving into the rich history and evolution of U.S. winter sports. Everyone will enjoy a delicious lunch onsite before heading out for a Behind-the-Scenes Tour. But the excitement doesn’t end there! Prepare to be amazed by The Flying Aces All-Star Show, a thrilling exhibition featuring Olympians and National Team skiers and snowboarders performing acrobatic feats as they soar 60 feet in the air showcasing their awe-inspiring skills and passion. This is an exclusive chance to secure a front-row seat and witness the dedication and prowess of elite athletes in action.

Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

, June 23  |  10:45 - 11:15 am

Embark on a journey through a series of captivating, exclusive interviews with the foremost leaders in logistics and supply chain management. We’ll uncover their strategic visions, cutting-edge insights, and industry expertise that are driving growth and innovation. Explore how these executives are mastering and excelling in the ever-evolving world of modern transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.

General Session 1: Charting the Course – LTL Financial Outlook & Freight Recovery

, June 23  |  11:15 am – Noon

As the freight industry emerges from a period of significant volatility, LTL faces a unique set of challenges and an abundance of opportunities. This session will explore the current state of freight recovery and provide a comprehensive financial outlook for LTL.

Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

, June 23  |  1:15 – 2:00 pm

Embark on a journey through a series of captivating, exclusive interviews with the foremost leaders in logistics and supply chain management. We’ll uncover their strategic visions, cutting-edge insights, and industry expertise that are driving growth and innovation. Explore how these executives are mastering and excelling in the ever-evolving world of modern transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.

General Session 2: Unveiling the Future of LTL Demand

, June 23  |  2:00 – 2:30 pm

Prepare for a game-changing session with Keith Prather from Armada Corporate Intelligence as he unveils a revolutionary solution set to transform LTL forecasting. This cutting-edge product promises to deliver unparalleled insights and precision, empowering carriers and 3PLs to navigate the complexities of the LTL market with greater certainty. Be among the first to hear this transformative announcement.

General Session 3: Evaluating Tariff Disruption

, June 23  |  2:30 – 3:15 pm

As tariffs become a central business issue, this session will explore the profound effects on shippers and service providers. Experts will outline the current tariff landscape before diving into actionable strategies for companies to adapt to these rapid changes. Key discussion points will include how to ready your company for tariff disruption and effective methods for assessing and mitigating risks. This panel will also tackle enhancing supply chain resilience and redundancy in 2025, and the importance of re-evaluating the risk profiles of business partners.

General Session 4: The Transformation of Cross-border Trade

, June 23  |  3:30 – 4:30 pm

As the United States and Mexico usher in new leadership, the landscape of cross-border trade is set for significant transformation. This session will delve into the far-reaching implications of these changes, with a particular focus on the accelerating trends of onshoring and nearshoring.

Guest Event: Everything Grand – Art & History Tour

, June 24  |  1:30 - 2:45 pm

The Grand America Hotel is adorned with museum-quality paintings, sculptures and priceless antiques. Guests will embark on a guided tour to uncover the many treasures which were hand-selected by the hotel’s owners, the Holding Family. The Holdings dedicated considerable time and attention to each selection, thoughtfully choosing each piece’s placement within the hotel to enrich The Grand experience for all to enjoy.

Guest Event: It is Grand – Afternoon Tea

, June 24  |  3:00 - 4:00 pm

Guests will indulge in the timeless tradition of an Afternoon Tea. This memorable experience features a traditional English Tea Service, complete with tiers of tasty treats that are almost too pretty to eat. Savor each bite and be soothed by beautiful garden views and the gentle melodies of a harp softly playing in the lounge.

Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

, June 24  |  10:45 – 11:15 am

Embark on a journey through a series of captivating, exclusive interviews with the foremost leaders in logistics and supply chain management. We’ll uncover their strategic visions, cutting-edge insights, and industry expertise that are driving growth and innovation. Explore how these executives are mastering and excelling in the ever-evolving world of modern transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.

General Session 5: Economic Showdown – US-China Trade

, June 24  |  9:45 – 10:30 am

As US-China trade relations grow more complex, this session will delve into the expected shifts in tariff and trade policies, as well as potential disruptions on the horizon. Industry experts will provide insights into market trends, regulatory challenges, and the transformative potential of AI in addressing these issues. Additionally, the session will highlight the crucial role and critical needs of modern ports in managing the investment demands required to handle unprecedented volumes transiting America’s ports.

General Session 6: Evolving Shipper Strategies for a Dynamic Landscape

, June 24  |  9:00 – 9:45 am

As the global shipping landscape undergoes rapid transformation, senior-level shippers are confronted with unprecedented change and global disruptions. These circumstances demand agility, innovation, and AI solutions. This panel convenes industry leaders to explore the most critical issues and disruptive forces poised to shape shipper strategies in the coming year.

Guest Event: Rise & Shine with SMC³

, June 25  |  9:00 - 11:00 am

Finish off the week at the annual SMC³ Rise and Shine! Enjoy a soothing chair massage before heading home. Relax, rejuvenate and recharge the mind, body and spirit.

Connections 2025 Leadership Series: Unfiltered – Conversations with Leadership

, June 25  |  9:00 – 9:45 am

Embark on a journey through a series of captivating, exclusive interviews with the foremost leaders in logistics and supply chain management. We’ll uncover their strategic visions, cutting-edge insights, and industry expertise that are driving growth and innovation. Explore how these executives are mastering and excelling in the ever-evolving world of modern transportation, logistics, and supply chain management.

General Session 7: Revolutionizing the Work Environment with AI Agents

, June 25  |  9:45 – 10:15 am

Join us for an eye-opening session where we delve into the groundbreaking impact of AI agents on logistics and supply chain management. Discover how AI agents are not just tools, but game-changers that amplify human capabilities. These intelligent agents seamlessly integrate into workflows, enhancing decision-making and boosting operational efficiency. Get ready to witness the future of collaboration, where AI agents and human expertise converge to redefine what's possible.

General Session 8: Unleashing the Future - Transform, Resilience, Thrive!

, June 25  |  10:30 – 11:00 am

Get ready to dive into the future of logistics! Join us for an electrifying session uncovering the biggest game changers set to revolutionize the LTL and 3PL industries in 2026. Explore how digital transformation, supply chain resilience, and workforce development are reshaping the competitive landscape. Learn about the newest strategies to boost efficiency and cut costs. This is a must-attend for logistics professionals aiming to stay ahead and confidently navigate the future of LTL.