WHY ATTEND

A PERSONAL NOTE FROM YOUR WERC CONFERENCE CO-CHAIR, MEL ALWOOD

When I think about the WERC Annual Conference, the first thing I think about are the people. Every year, this event brings together the people who run the nation’s warehouses and distribution centers. We attract all levels of individuals from companies of different sizes, sectors, and stages of operational maturity. That mix is powerful. It allows ideas, trends, and techniques to cross-pollinate in ways that simply don’t happen elsewhere.

What makes WERC truly special is its intimacy. There’s something invaluable about being able to sit in a room with your peers and have an honest, unfiltered conversation about what’s working—and what isn’t. Whether you’re wrestling with throughput issues, considering automation, or trying to improve team culture, you’ll meet people who have faced the same challenges and are willing to share what they’ve learned. These candid exchanges pave the way to real professional growth.

Of course, learning doesn’t stop in the educational sessions. Networking is woven into every part of this conference. This year, we’ll kick off Sunday evening with an optional Effective Networking 101 session, an excellent resource for first-time attendees or people who would like to strengthen their ability to connect. Over the years, I’ve built lasting relationships at the WERC Conference. The more you participate in the sessions, facility tours, and built-in social events, the more these connections grow, multiplying into a powerful network. 

I hope you’ll join us in Jacksonville this May. Whether you’re coming to improve your operational knowledge, expand your network, or gain perspective on where our industry is headed, you’ll leave with practical insights. You’ll also gain a community of peers who will support you long after the conference ends.

 

headshot of Mel Alwood

 

Mel Alwood
WERC Conference Co-Chair
Sr. Director EHS&S, Neovia Logistics

 

THE WERC GUARANTEE

The Warehousing Education and Research Council stands behind the quality of our conference program; therefore, if the conference does not deliver a quality educational and networking event, we want to hear from you. WERC will provide you with a credit certificate toward any national educational program, or refund your money.

MAKING THE CASE

WERC is committed to helping distribution logistics professionals pursue education and networking opportunities. We’ve created a template letter that you can use to help secure approval to attend the WERC 2026 Annual Conference in Jacksonville, May 17-20.

HOW TO USE THIS LETTER

  1. Download the Word document WERC Conference Making the Case.
  2. Personalize it with your employer’s name, your preferred sessions and the estimated costs. 
  3. Print, sign and submit to your supervisor along with any internal documentation you may require.