The logistics industry is undergoing a period of rapid modernization, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and the need for greater operational resilience. At the center of this evolution is the ISLI Forum 2026, a premier industry event hosted by KEDGE Business School in France. Scheduled for May 22, 2026, on the Bordeaux campus, this 34th edition brings together leading experts from the supply chain, logistics, consulting, and technology sectors to examine the warehouses of tomorrow.
For professionals and students alike, understanding the direction of global supply chain management is no longer optional—it is a fundamental requirement for career advancement. The ISLI Forum 2026 provides a structured environment to analyze these changes, offering a clear view of how logistics platforms are adapting to automation, data-driven decision-making, and new operational pressures.
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The Evolution of Logistics Education in France
Historically, logistics education focused primarily on the physical movement of goods, inventory management, and basic transportation networks. Today, the discipline demands a comprehensive understanding of international trade, advanced analytics, and systems engineering. France has positioned itself as a key player in this educational shift, with institutions like KEDGE Business School leading the way through specialized, industry-aligned programming.
The ISLI (Institut Supérieur de Logistique Industrielle) Global Supply Chain Management program represents a direct response to industry demands. Rather than relying solely on theoretical frameworks, the curriculum integrates real-world case studies, industry partnerships, and events like the ISLI Forum. This approach ensures that graduates possess not only foundational knowledge but also the practical insights required to manage complex, modern supply chains.
By hosting the ISLI Forum 2026, KEDGE Business School reinforces its commitment to bridging the gap between academic research and corporate reality. The event serves as a live learning laboratory where students and professionals can evaluate the practical application of emerging logistics strategies.
Key Themes Defining the ISLI Forum 2026
The 2026 forum is structured around three primary round tables, each addressing a distinct challenge facing modern logistics operations. These discussions move beyond superficial trends to analyze the structural and managerial shifts required to sustain operational excellence.
Balancing Automation with the Human Element
As warehouses integrate more robotics and automated sorting systems, a critical managerial challenge emerges: maintaining a human-centric workplace while driving strict performance metrics. The first round table, titled “Managing Performance Without Losing the Human Touch,” tackles this paradox directly.
Speakers for this session include Lynda Baumann, Managing Director of Operations at the FedEx CDG Hub; Pierre-Yves Escarpit, Managing Director of ITM Logistique Alimentaire (Groupement Les Mousquetaires); and Yannick Buisson, Director of Customer Experience, Sustainability, Business Solutions, and Technologies at FM Logistic. These industry leaders will discuss how their organizations balance the deployment of high-speed automation with the need for employee engagement, safety, and adaptive problem-solving.
The conversation is particularly relevant for logistics education, as future managers must learn how to oversee hybrid workforces where humans and machines collaborate. Understanding change management, ergonomic workflow design, and upskilling strategies is essential for those entering global supply chain management roles.
Selecting the Right Warehouse Automation Solutions
Automation is a strategic priority, but implementing the wrong technology can lead to significant financial losses and operational bottlenecks. The second round table, “Warehouse Automation – Choosing the Right Solutions,” focuses on the evaluation and integration of automated systems.
This session features Gregory Besson from Dematic, Louis Grand from Exotec, Inés Alcántara from Locus, and Elodie Varlot from GXO. These companies represent different facets of the automation landscape, from goods-to-person robotic systems and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to large-scale mechanized sorting.
Attendees will gain insight into the vendor selection process, the importance of scalability, and the technical requirements for integrating new hardware with existing warehouse management systems (WMS). For students studying logistics in France, this round table provides a practical framework for understanding capital expenditure (CapEx) versus operational expenditure (OpEx) models in automation projects.
Submit your application today to join the next cohort of supply chain professionals at KEDGE Business School.
Leveraging Data for Supply Chain Performance
The third round table, “Data as a Driver of Logistics Performance,” examines the shift from reactive to proactive warehouse management. Real-time visibility, artificial intelligence, and predictive analytics are fundamentally altering how logistics platforms operate.
Speakers include Damien Theodorou, Director of Innovation Projects at STEF; Mohamed Lamine Longou, Head of Supply Chain Consulting at Eurodecision; and Chloé Stievenard, a Senior Supply Chain & Logistics Consultant. They will explore how data captured across the supply chain can be synthesized to improve demand forecasting, optimize routing within the warehouse, and reduce downtime.
A major point of discussion will be the implementation hurdles associated with data strategies. Many organizations struggle with siloed data systems and a lack of standardized metrics. This session will highlight methodologies for creating a unified data architecture that supports agile decision-making—a critical competency for modern supply chain managers.
Strategic Expert Talks on Warehouse Modernization
p>Beyond the round tables, the ISLI Forum 2026 includes focused expert talks that detail the lifecycle of warehouse modernization projects. Moving from initial infrastructure planning to final execution and go-live requires distinct skill sets and a rigorous project management approach.
Contributors to these talks include Laurent Sabatucci, Associate Director at EOL; Xavier Baraton, Supply Chain Director at Motul; and Rani Ladjissi, Platform Director at FM Logistic. These practitioners will share firsthand accounts of managing complex logistics upgrades, covering topics such as site selection, layout optimization, regulatory compliance, and the management of cross-functional project teams.
These talks provide a grounded perspective on the realities of logistics engineering. They emphasize that successful warehouse projects rely not just on selecting the right technology, but on meticulous planning, stakeholder alignment, and phased execution strategies.
The Role of Industry Partners in Shaping Supply Chain Futures
The scale and credibility of the ISLI Forum 2026 are reflected in its supporting partners. Organizations such as FM Logistic, France Supply Chain, STEF, PepsiCo, EOL, Martin Brower, Groupement Les Mousquetaires, and Intermarché lend their expertise to the event. Their involvement underscores the diverse range of sectors impacted by logistics evolution, from food distribution and retail to automotive lubricants and third-party logistics (3PL).
For attendees, the presence of these partners offers a distinct advantage: direct access to potential employers and industry mentors. The partnerships illustrate the high demand for professionals skilled in global supply chain management and highlight the specific competencies these corporations prioritize when hiring graduates from top-tier programs.
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Bridging the Gap Between Academic Theory and Industry Practice
One of the most significant benefits of the ISLI Forum is its function as a networking and professional development hub. For students enrolled in the ISLI Global Supply Chain Management program at KEDGE Business School, the event is integrated into their broader learning experience.
Academic coursework provides the necessary theoretical foundation in supply chain design, operations management, and financial analysis. However, interacting with industry leaders who are actively managing large-scale logistics networks adds a layer of practical context that cannot be replicated in a classroom. Students learn how theoretical models are adapted to accommodate real-world constraints, such as labor shortages, supply chain disruptions, and fluctuating energy costs.
Furthermore, the forum allows students to practice professional networking, ask targeted questions, and build relationships that often lead to internships and full-time employment. In a competitive job market, this direct exposure to industry executives is a valuable differentiator.
Preparing for a Career in Modern Logistics
For aspiring professionals looking to enter the field, the themes discussed at the ISLI Forum 2026 offer a clear roadmap for skill development. To succeed in global supply chain management, individuals must cultivate a blend of technical and interpersonal capabilities.
- Data Literacy: Understanding how to interpret data dashboards, run basic predictive models, and communicate data-driven insights to non-technical stakeholders.
- Systems Thinking: The ability to view the supply chain as an interconnected system, where a change in one node (e.g., warehouse automation) impacts others (e.g., transportation scheduling or inventory holding costs).
- Change Management: Skills required to guide teams through technological transitions, ensuring that automation enhances rather than disrupts the workforce.
- Operational Agility: Competence in adjusting logistics strategies rapidly in response to external shocks, such as geopolitical events or sudden shifts in consumer demand.
Pursuing specialized logistics education in France, particularly at institutions with strong corporate ties like KEDGE Business School, provides the structured environment needed to develop these competencies. Programs that combine rigorous academics with mandatory internships, industry projects, and forum participation produce graduates who are immediately operational.
Conclusion
The ISLI Forum 2026 at KEDGE Business School stands as a critical event for anyone involved in or entering the logistics sector. By focusing on the practical realities of warehouse automation, data utilization, and human-centric management, the forum moves past abstract concepts to deliver actionable industry intelligence.
As global supply chains continue to increase in complexity, the demand for highly educated, adaptable professionals will only grow. Events like the ISLI Forum play a vital role in preparing the next generation of supply chain leaders, ensuring they are equipped to handle the operational challenges of tomorrow.
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