The Last Mile Lens with Pam Simon, Conference Chair for Manifest

Manifesting a Logistics Community: The Last Mile Lens with Pam Simon, Conference Chair for Manifest

The global supply chain is evolving faster than ever, and here at UniUni, we’re proud to be part of shaping a more innovative, efficient, and connected last mile. As this transformation accelerates, collaboration across the ecosystem has never been more critical.

That’s why Manifest has become a must-attend gathering for forward-thinking leaders in logistics and supply chain innovation. Returning February 9–11, 2026, at The Venetian in Las Vegas, it will gather more than 7,200 global executives and thought leaders, including UniUni’s team.

Ahead of Manifest 2026, we caught up with Conference Chair Pam Simon to talk trends transforming the supply chain, the evolution of last-mile delivery, and what’s ahead for next year’s event. 

Let’s dive right in, Pam. What trends or technologies are making the biggest impact across the global supply chain right now?

We’re seeing innovation ripple across every part of the value chain. AI is now playing a major role in how companies approach planning, procurement, and risk mitigation. We’re also seeing a big push toward end-to-end visibility, with Internet of Things (IoT) and digital platforms giving companies real-time operational insights. Automation and robotics continue to gain traction, while circularity and sustainability are becoming non-negotiables as companies look to reduce waste and control costs. We’re also witnessing changes in cross-border and temperature-controlled shipping as well as companies leaning into strategic partnerships to build cost-efficient, flexible networks.

How are retailers and e-commerce brands rethinking their supply-chain strategies to meet changing consumer expectations?

First, they’re taking consumer personalization to the next level. Customers expect brands to know them, to understand their needs, and proactively offer tailored experiences, products, and better communications, which can include maintaining a conversation over multiple platforms.

This leads into the next expectation: immediacy. Consumers want instant, real-time responses and fast, efficient resolutions for the issues that arise. This has become the baseline expectation for brands. And lastly, consumers are paying attention to brand values and ethics, meaning brands need to be transparent about everything. 

From what you’re seeing, how is innovation shaping the supply chain and logistics space? How do you see the last mile evolving?

Innovation is reshaping how we think about our supply chains. It’s no longer a linear process. Instead, we’re moving toward more responsive, multi-tier, digitalised and flexible networks. And innovation is enabling this shift, allowing companies to compete not just on cost, but also on speed, service, sustainability, and flexibility. It’s giving companies the tools to manage risks when disruptions and geopolitical events hit. 

When it comes to the last mile, disruption is happening on several fronts, from AI-driven route optimization to autonomous delivery robots cruising sidewalks and microfulfillment centers bringing goods closer to customers. We’re also seeing greener last-mile delivery options and an increased focus on the customer experience. 

Looking ahead, I think we’ll see more hybrid delivery models combining humans, robots, and drones. Sustainability metrics will become even more important as companies aim to measure and reduce their carbon footprint. And customer expectations will continue to rise, driving more hyper-personalized, instant delivery experiences. It’s a truly exciting time for the industry.

What do you think makes partnerships between startups and more established logistics companies work well?

Successful partnerships really come down to alignment and communication. It’s critical both sides are clear on what success looks like — whether that’s reducing costs, improving delivery times, or reaching new customer segments — and measure progress against those goals. 

Setting clear expectations, KPIs, and defined roles/responsibilities from the start will keep everyone on the same page. It’s also important to approach the relationship as true partners, not just as a vendor and a client. That entails having a proper governance structure in place, including a steering committee, regular check-ins, and clear escalation paths that keep the collaboration on track and avoid misalignment. Finally, flexibility and a learning mindset of continuous improvement are key. The most successful partnerships treat pilots as the start, not the end, and a chance to refine, adapt, and scale together as both sides learn and grow.

The supply-chain industry has faced constant disruption and reinvention in recent years. What gives you the most optimism about where it’s heading?

For a long time, supply chains were viewed simply as cost centers, with leaders focused on how cheaply they could move goods. Now, supply chains are seen more as a competitive advantage where faster delivery, flexibility, transparency, and sustainability are becoming differentiators.

After the disruption-heavy years of the pandemic, supply shortages, and trade shocks, organizations are now more aware of risk and are building for resilience. Their supply chain is no longer an afterthought, but a priority. This means future shocks can be managed more intelligently with a more dynamic response. When supply chains become more strategic, investment goes up, experimentation increases, and we are more likely to see innovation. And when you combine network effects with digital tools and shared goals, the potential is significant. 

I’m optimistic because the supply chain is no longer just isolated silos moving from manufacturing to transport, warehouse and retail. This is exactly why Manifest was created. We’re seeing heightened connectivity among suppliers, logistics providers, customers, and digital platforms, opening the door for shared data, innovation, and ecosystem thinking.

I feel unbelievably lucky to be able to bring this dynamic ecosystem of investors, startups, shippers, brands, technology, and industry leaders from around the world together and provide the space for these conversations to take place, as we have seen it leads to real-world impact. 

As you look ahead to Manifest 2026, what themes or conversations are you most excited to see unfold?

Some of the key themes shaping next year’s agenda include AI, nearshoring, supplier diversification, manufacturing innovation, and planning and procurement transformation. While all of these are top of mind for supply chain leaders right now, I’m most excited about the conversations happening around how BCOs and CSCOs are actually using Agentic AI to drive smarter, faster decision-making across their supply chains. We’ll also be diving deep into the technologies transforming end-to-end visibility, how companies are de-risking procurement, and the strategies they’re using to navigate ongoing global and geopolitical disruptions. 

Anything else we should be on the lookout for at Manifest 2026? 

Next year’s Manifest will feature an expanded show floor and a meeting center nearly double the size of 2025, plus fan favorites like puppies and mocktails alongside new additions, including an iced tea and lemonade stand and spa. We’ll also debut a Cold Chain Pavilion with expanded sessions and an expo area featuring innovators like Lineage, Hy-Tek, and Dane Technologies. 

As supply chains become more connected, the future of logistics is being shaped by those willing to experiment and collaborate. Manifest 2026 promises to capture the moment’s momentum, uniting innovators from every corner of the industry to seek out what’s possible.

Keep an eye out for more UniUni conversations with the leaders shaping the future e-commerce, technology, logistics, and supply chain. As always, reach out to learn more about our last-mile delivery offerings to hello@uniuni.com.