By Mark DeFabis, CEO Integrated Distribution Services and

Immediate Past Chairman of IWLA

The 2017 International Warehouse Logistics Association Convention & Expo marked many milestones:

• It was the culmination of the association’s 125^th
• It was the largest gathering of industry professionals in IWLA’s history.
• And it marked the launch of the IWLA Fulfillment Council.

Since many IWLA members already offer fulfillment services – and over one-third of all new members cite fulfillment services as either a primary or major service offering – it was no surprise that the initial meeting of the IWLA Fulfillment Council was a standing-room-only session.

No other trade association represents the interest of fulfillment service providers. And, given the explosive growth of this segment of the 3PL industry, IWLA was a natural place for fulfillment companies to come together to understand best practices, learn about new technologies, and to join with a collective voice to speak to federal, state and local regulations that impact their businesses.

These fulfillment service providers’ thirst for knowledge was evident during the meeting. Large and small providers all share a desire to gain better understanding of the technologies and business processes that improve operations and allow for better customer service their customers. With that in mind, IWLA is offering educational opportunities specifically targeted to fulfillment service providers.

Beginning with the 2017 IWLA Technology & Operations Conference, Sept. 7 & 8, IWLA will include fulfillment-focused content throughout the event. In November, the IWLA Insurance & Legal Symposium will also devote multiple sessions to fulfillment. Members of the Fulfillment Council are working on the specific subject matter that will be delivered during these two events.

These events will be the first to offer specific content directed at fulfillment service providers. No other professional organization is offering the type of hands-on, usable information that the IWLA will be providing. With companies such as Saddle Creek, FedEx, UPS, Geodis, Integrated Distribution Services and many others, IWLA is bringing together some of the biggest and best fulfillment service providers with a platform to learn, connect, and network.

Throughout 2017 IWLA will be reaching out to even more fulfillment service providers to tell them about the benefits IWLA will be offering through the Fulfillment Council. I am proud to be a part of IWLA’s efforts to bring fulfillment service providers together in a way that will benefit each and every company – and in the end better serve the fast-growing ecommerce industry.

Look for more information from the IWLA on the work of the IWLA Fulfillment Council as the year goes on.