ASCM adds Nicholas Burns to CHAINge 2026 keynote panel

ASCM has named former U.S. ambassador to China Nicholas Burns to a keynote panel at CHAINge 2026 in Long Beach on Sept. 29-30. The conference will focus on how geopolitics, tariffs and trade volatility are reshaping supply chain strategy, and it will also include a Women in Supply Chain Luncheon on Sept. 30.

Why it matters: - Global trade volatility is forcing supply chain leaders to rethink sourcing, risk management and competitive strategy. - CHAINge 2026 is positioning itself as a forum for executives looking to navigate tariffs, geopolitical shifts and resilience planning. - ASCM is also using the conference to spotlight leadership development and representation in supply chain.

What happened: - ASCM announced that Nicholas Burns has joined the keynote panel for "The New Rules of Global Trade: Navigating Volatility, Geopolitics and Competitive Advantage" at CHAINge 2026. - CHAINge 2026 takes place Sept. 29-30 at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, California. - Burns is a Harvard University professor of diplomacy and international relations and the former U.S. ambassador to the People's Republic of China. - The keynote session will examine how geopolitical shifts are reshaping supply chain strategy, trade policy and competitive positioning.

The details: - Burns served as U.S. ambassador to China from 2021 to 2025. - His diplomatic career also includes service as U.S. ambassador to NATO and Greece. - Burns led negotiations on the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement, a long-term military assistance agreement with Israel and talks related to Iran's nuclear program. - Burns also spent five years on the National Security Council working on Russia and Ukraine policy. - ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi said Burns brings diplomatic expertise, firsthand experience in international negotiations and insight into U.S.-China relations. - The keynote panel will be moderated by Nick Vyas, CHAINge conference chair and executive director of the Randall R. Kendrick Global Supply Chain Institute at USC. - Panelists will also include Gene Seroka, executive director of the Port of Los Angeles; Pete Mento, director of Global Trade Advisory at Baker Tilly; and Salvador Minarro, CEO of Darnel Group. - The panel will cover shifting geopolitical alliances, tariffs, nearshoring strategies, supply chain resilience and global competitiveness. - ASCM also announced a Women in Supply Chain Luncheon for Sept. 30 during CHAINge 2026. - Raina Avalon, executive vice president and chief logistics officer at TJX, will moderate the luncheon. - The luncheon panelists are Amy Augustine of Champro, Christine Barnhart of Miebach, Wanda Johnson of Deloitte and Heather Lane of Ulta Beauty. - The luncheon will focus on leadership, representation and career advancement in a changing industry. - Attendees are expected to discuss emerging opportunities for women in supply chain and how organizations can develop the next generation of leaders.

Between the lines: - ASCM is broadening CHAINge beyond logistics operations to include geopolitics, trade policy and talent issues. - Burns' presence signals that supply chain strategy is now being framed as a geopolitical discipline, not just an operational one. - The women-focused luncheon suggests ASCM is pairing strategic content with workforce and leadership development themes.

What's next: - CHAINge 2026 will bring together supply chain executives, practitioners, educators and innovators in Long Beach on Sept. 29-30. - The event theme is "Turning Complexity into Capability." - ASCM says the conference will feature keynote panels, executive forums, educational sessions and networking focused on more resilient, agile and future-ready supply chains. - More information and registration are available through CHAINge 2026.