Rendezvous brings together our staff, clients, and partners from many industries and across LIDD’s work in supply chain strategy, design, and technology. This cross-pollination is deliberate – by sharing stories with people working in varying realms, we hope to spur new ideas and connections.
When: 30 September – 1 October 2026 Where: Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain
2025 Recap Video
About the Sessions
Our program is being developed to cover the full scope of modern supply chain infrastructure, from warehouse design and layout to technology implementation and program management.
We’ll focus on current market conditions and the impact of the latest technology advancements and trends, including areas like AI and automation. Expect to gain actionable insights from leading keynote speakers and practical knowledge as peers and partners share their project journeys, offering invaluable takeaways.
Stay tuned – full details will be shared with registered attendees by email.
Hotel Booking
LIDD has reserved a room block at the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain available from September 30th to October 1st.
A unique booking passkey will be provided for those looking to book at the hotel. Please contact us directly for more information here.
Our program is being developed to cover the full scope of modern supply chain infrastructure, from warehouse design and layout to technology implementation and program management. Stay tuned!
LIDD has reserved a room block at the Intercontinental Hotel and the Westin available from October 22nd to 24th. There are limited space so please book ahead! Discounted rate ends...
For more than 25 years, Oracle NetSuite has helped organizations grow, scale and adapt to change. NetSuite provides a suite of cloud-based applications, which includes financials / Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), HR, professional services automation and omnichannel commerce, used by more than 38,000 customers in 219 countries.
ShipHawk provides an all-in-one fulfillment solution, giving businesses access to the same tools and efficiencies used by the largest companies in the world. ShipHawk works with high-volume shippers using an ERP. Our solutions include a warehouse management system (WMS), advanced shipping, in-cart rating, freight and parcel audit, and a handheld dimensioner. In addition to providing fulfillment solutions, we provide skilled industry expertise to dramatically improve your operations and outcomes to save time, decrease costs, and improve labor complexities.
Onomatic is a fulfillment solutions and warehouse automation system provider that is equipped to bring the power of the cloud together with smart warehouse management. Our Innovative missions bring 3 key principles together: Central automation control, Cloud first, and Agnostic.
Kinaxis is a leader in modern supply chain orchestration, powering complex global supply chains, and supporting the people who manage them. Our powerful, AI-infused supply chain orchestration platform, Maestro, combines proprietary technologies and techniques that provide full transparency and agility across the entire supply chain — from multi-year strategic planning to last-mile delivery. We are trusted by renowned global brands to provide the agility and predictability needed to navigate today’s volatility and disruption. For more news and information, please visit kinaxis.com or follow us on LinkedIn.
CMC Design Build is a design-build corporation that has specialized in the planning, engineering and construction of facilities for the food and beverage industry throughout the US since 1989.
From the site search through working drawings, permitting, and construction, our staff is responsible for maintaining value in all areas of our projects. To us, value means balancing the cost, quality and schedule of projects in a manner that affords our clients the best opportunity to maximize their potential for profit.
Since the company’s founding in 2010, the Structurack team has been pursuing a great mission: Taking charge of your storage systems.
Structurack offers pallet racks, drive-in/drive-thru racks, industrial shelving, and carton flow systems for warehouse design, integrating various systems.
Swisslog delivers data-driven & robotic solutions for your logistics automation alongside reliable, modular service concepts. Collaborating with forward-thinking companies, we are committed to setting new standards in warehouse automation to provide future-proof products and solutions. As part of the KUKA Group, our customers trust the competence of our passionate employees – more than 15,000 people working across the globe.
• General Merchandise & Apparel – improving accuracy, pick rates, and inventory & returns management
• Food & Beverage – delivering greater efficiency and space utilization
• Grocery – maximizing throughput for the freshest deliveries.
Our full-fledged cloud management platform, driven by evolving business needs, empowers IT professionals to leverage agile solutions paired with 5-star service by trusted experts they can count on.
No matter the kind of tech pro you are, we can help you reach your true potential. With Sherweb as your strategic business partner, you’ll be surprised by what you can achieve!
SPS Commerce provides intelligent solutions to help trading partners connect, orchestrate and optimize how they work together in getting the right product, to the right place, at just the right time – every time.
Montreal in Fall
Expect variable weather in Montreal this month, with crisp days and cooler nights. Pack layers, including long sleeves, sweaters, and a rain jacket.
Use this time in Montreal to connect face-to-face with colleagues. You’ll have many opportunities to catch-up in person through engaging learning sessions and while exploring the city’s charm.
Not sure hat to do? Check-out a few recommendations from the team via the link below.
Wednesday, September 30th Agenda
Time
Room
Activity
3:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Champlain Ballroom
The Beer Game
by
A fast-paced role-playing simulation where you and your teammates will take the reins of a fast-moving distribution pipeline. The mission? Keep the customers happy, avoid massive warehouse backlogs, and protect your bottom line.
Emilio Colangelo
Partner, LIDD
Emilio Colangelo is a Partner based in LIDD’s Montreal office and a leader in LIDD’s supply chain planning practice. He is responsible for developing integrated supply chain strategies, managing client relationships, and overseeing the work of LIDD employees dedicated to configuration, implementation, and integration of complex planning tools. Since joining LIDD in 2016, Emilio has worked with leading US & Canadian companies in the Food & Beverage, eCommerce, Publishing, Manufacturing and 3PL Logistics industries. His consulting experience spans a wide range of mandates including physical infrastructure design, supply chain software selection & implementation, and S&OP process design. Emilio’s attention to detail and his multi-practice consulting background have repeatedly helped clients achieve meaningful operations transformations. His ability to build close relationships within client organizations from executive leadership to front-line management has been proven at multinationals and quickly growing start-ups. As a director, Emilio leverages his experience to engineer processes and develop fine-tuned NetSuite solutions to align clients’ operations with their vision. Emilio holds a B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering from Concordia University. In addition to his experience at LIDD, Emilio worked at one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and for a Big4 consulting firm.
Charles has been working as a supply chain consultant since 1998. He has worked with clients at all levels of the supply chain, from manufacturers to retailers, in a wide array of industries including food, pharmaceuticals, garments and construction materials. He has extensive experience in supply chain strategy, technology, facility design & implementation and operations. Charles holds a bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering from McGill University in Montreal.
Turning AI Into ROI: How To Drive Smarter Finance and Operations
by
Joe Friedman
Senior Director of AI Innovation, NetSuite
14 years at NetSuite. CPA. Three-time Worldwide Solution Consultant of the Year. Chief of Staff to Evan Goldberg and Jim McGeever. Drove the design and development of the Advanced Revenue Management module. Now leading AI Innovation. Today Joe's focus is practical AI adoption across the NetSuite ecosystem. He builds with Claude, ChatGPT, and the NetSuite AI Connector daily. Joe's CPA background means he can think about AI through the lens of finance, operations, and business outcomes.
9:45 AM - 10:00 AM
Transition
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Champlain Ballroom
Single Source of Truth: Building a Data Foundation Your Whole Organization Trusts
by | |
Mathieu Galipeau
Partner, LIDD
Mathieu integrates distribution technologies and optimizes supply chain infrastructure for clients across different industries. He has successfully managed more than 15 business software solution projects, that focuses on systems such as: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Mathieu is a graduate from École de Technologie Supérieure de Montréal (ETS) with a degree in Operations and Logistics Engineering.
Acting as an Advisor for LIDD’s Business Analytics practice, Yves assists the Business analytics team through his background as a CPA and as a CFO of small/medium size companies. Yves advises the data analytics technical team in designing relevant useful information to boost client efficiency and strengthen decision making.
Benoit Galarneau is a senior healthcare technology leader with more than 15 years of experience bridging innovation, market analytics, strategic thinking, and software architecture. Acting as a Business Analytics Advisor at LIDD, he drives data informed strategy, executive level reporting, and operational insights that support growth. His background spans senior leadership roles in product management, global marketing, R&D, and sales operations. Benoit holds advanced qualifications in business analytics from Harvard Business School, complemented by graduate studies in technology.
Keeping Up With Capacity: Inside SGC’s User Journey of Network Expansion
by
Marc Ménard
Managing Director, LIDD
Marc Ménard is a Managing Director in LIDD’s Design & Strategy practice. Based in the firm’s Montreal office, he leads teams of analysts and designers in the conception and implementation of distribution solutions that enable profit efficient multichannel operations. He advises LIDD’s clients in the development of strategies and roadmaps for the continuous improvement of their supply chain infrastructure. Since joining LIDD in 2017, Marc has been involved in projects across a variety of industries, notably in the Food & Beverage, Apparel, Retail & eCommerce, and Sports sectors. His work focuses on network optimization and the design and implementation of distribution centers, including MHE and automation technology and equipment. Through a keen sense for practical solutions, Marc helps LIDD clients develop retail and eCommerce capital efficient distribution infrastructure. Marc holds a B.Eng. in Civil Engineering from Concordia University.
The Planning Pilot: How a Controlled Test Builds the Case for Change
by
Emilio Colangelo
Partner, LIDD
Emilio Colangelo is a Partner based in LIDD’s Montreal office and a leader in LIDD’s supply chain planning practice. He is responsible for developing integrated supply chain strategies, managing client relationships, and overseeing the work of LIDD employees dedicated to configuration, implementation, and integration of complex planning tools. Since joining LIDD in 2016, Emilio has worked with leading US & Canadian companies in the Food & Beverage, eCommerce, Publishing, Manufacturing and 3PL Logistics industries. His consulting experience spans a wide range of mandates including physical infrastructure design, supply chain software selection & implementation, and S&OP process design. Emilio’s attention to detail and his multi-practice consulting background have repeatedly helped clients achieve meaningful operations transformations. His ability to build close relationships within client organizations from executive leadership to front-line management has been proven at multinationals and quickly growing start-ups. As a director, Emilio leverages his experience to engineer processes and develop fine-tuned NetSuite solutions to align clients’ operations with their vision. Emilio holds a B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering from Concordia University. In addition to his experience at LIDD, Emilio worked at one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and for a Big4 consulting firm.
Scaling Service Without Losing Touch: Practical Applications of AI In Supply Chain
by
Alexander Sbaite
Managing Director, LIDD
Alexander has over 25 years of experience in various operational and technology management roles, including sales, supply chain management, consulting, project management, solutions architecture, and implementation. Throughout his career, he has worked in several countries and industries such as CPGs, manufacturing, wholesale, and retail distribution. By combining his in-depth knowledge of technologies with his interdisciplinary experience, Alexander can advise and accompany companies throughout their digital transformation process, from analysis to implementation, adoption and change management. Alex holds a PhD degree in Software Engineering from Potsdam University in Berlin, Germany.
Ben has more than 10 years of experience in leading technology teams, with numerous implementations and integrations of NetSuite Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software within distribution, ecommerce, and manufacturing industries. He leads the ERP practice at LIDD, including projects to implement Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP, and integrate with the Generix Solochain Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and Warehouse Management System (WMS). Ben holds a BS in Computer Science from California State University Long Beach and has earned certifications as a NetSuite Administrator and a NetSuite ERP Consultant.
From Proof of Concept to Production: Making AI Stick in Operations
by | |
David Beaudet
Chief Experience Officer, LIDD
David has worked on a wide range of logistics mandates across North America since 2004. He has been involved in network design, warehouse design and expansion, process re-engineering and the selection of warehouse management systems. His experience lies within all segments of the food industry, pharmaceuticals as well as industrial distribution. David holds a master’s degree in Logistics from HEC Montréal.
Senior Investment Director | AI Adoption & GMT Strategy, Scale AI
Sean's background is in enterprise Sales & GTM leadership and revenue operations. 15+ years in quota-carrying and revenue leadership roles at Salesforce and Postmedia. As an RVP he owned deal review, commercial structuring, pricing approvals, weekly forecast cadence, AE coaching, etc. As an AE I he structured and closed complex multi-cloud deals through long contracting cycles across various industries and lines of business, coordinating multi-threaded customer engagement, SI partners, and internal teams ex. solutions, deal desk, legal, etc.
Ghislain Gagné
CEO, AI Startup
An experienced AI executive with over 18 years of experience, Ghislain specializes in designing and deploying AI systems for mission-critical operations across industries such as aerospace & defense, infrastructure, supply chain, banking, and asset management. With a proven track record of leveraging a comprehensive spectrum of analytics and AI techniques, Ghislain has led AI programs that have delivered over $100 million in business value, significantly improving operational efficiency and internal capabilities. Currently, as the CEO of a stealth-mode AI startup in the aviation sector, Ghislain is developing innovative technologies to support operational decision-making. Previously, as the Canadian lead of QuantumBlack AI by McKinsey, Ghislain expanded the team of AI practitioners across the country, driving innovation and delivering transformative solutions for complex industries.
Samuel A
Stabilizing the Supply Chain Under Pressure: Practical Levers to Reduce Risk
by
Jennifer Hall
Partner, LIDD
Jennifer Hall is a Partner at LIDD and leads its Consulting Practice. With over a decade of experience advising boards and executives, she leads large-scale supply chain transformation initiatives involving multimillion-dollar investment decisions. Jennifer began her career designing warehouses and has since guided clients through network expansions, market entry strategies, and the selection and implementation of new technologies and automation. She has executed numerous operational and digital transformations, with a strong focus on the food & beverage, and consumer goods sectors. Her achievements include redesigning distribution networks for multinational CPG companies, pioneering a new sales channel for a leading grocery chain, and playing a key role in establishing LIDD’s international presence. Jennifer holds a degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University.
The Power of the Right Fit: How ProKontrol Built a Scalable Digital Foundation
by |
Romain Pietkowicz
Director, LIDD
Romain Pietkowicz is a Director in LIDD’s Business Central practice. He specializes in the implementation and support of business solutions leveraged by distributors, manufacturers, and retailers. His deep knowledge of Business Central and his capacity to rigorously identify and assess the client’s technical and operational requirements have made him an important asset for the firm’s clients who seek to integrate an external Warehouse Management System with their ERP. Romain holds a degree in Civil Engineering from McGill University.
The Struggle Is Real: The Difference Between Projects That Thrive Or Trudge
by | | |
Melanie Charles
Managing Director, LIDD
Leader in LIDD's Warehouse Technology practice with success leading teams across multiple industries, including aerospace, grocery, heavy industrial, and more.
Mark Moore has been President and CEO of CMC Design Build since 1993, leading the company in designing and building food and beverage processing and distribution facilities nationwide. CMC’s services aim to optimize facility construction and operation costs, including distribution network analysis, systems design, site selection, labor studies, utility efficiency, and food safety protocols. Moore also has operational experience in third-party food distribution, managing over one million square feet of facilities in the New York area. He holds a BA in Economics from Tufts University, enhancing his extensive industry expertise.
Shavrina Coorjee
Director Supply Chain, Procurement and Planning, Mailhot Industries
Strategic and empathetic Production Planning & Sourcing Leader with a proven track record in fast-paced, multi-site environments. Shavrina optimizes global supply chains by aligning procurement with Master Planning, driving cost reduction initiatives, and building high-trust vendor relationships. Data-driven and proactive, she leads cross-functional teams and negotiate contracts through a collaborative, win-win approach to maximize operational efficiency.
Bill Conrad
CFO, StratosX
Bill Conrad is a seasoned executive and financial strategist with over four decades of experience driving growth across the foodservice, corporate finance, and healthcare sectors. He currently serves as the CFO for StratosX, Inc., a startup company that is focused on using AI to assist commercial airline companies minimize costs of disruption. Previously, Bill led $330MM Prime Source Foods through the development and transition to 100,000+ square foot facility while implementing new ERP and WMS systems. He spent nearly two decades managing mergers and acquisitions at Baldwin & Clarke, and served as CFO for The Courville Companies. His professional background is supported by an M.S. in Finance from Bentley University, foundational experience as a CPA and Accredited Senior Appraiser, and over thirty years of community board service for organizations like Waypoint, NH.
Samuel A
When Racking Is More Than Storage: Lessons Learned From Racking Design
by
Gilles Ducharme
President, Structurack
Gilles has accumulated nearly 40 years of experience in logistics, – mainly in designing storage systems. He is now President and Head of Business Development at Structurack, a professional team dedicated to manufacturing compliant and effective storage systems.
Samuel B
Building Your First AI Agent: An Interactive Workshop
by |
Simon Dubuc
Director, LIDD
Simon is a Managing Director at LIDD, where he leads the firm's Digital Transformation Advisory practice. He specializes in creating tailored technology roadmaps that align with client needs and deliver measurable results. With a deep understanding of business operations, Simon excels at translating complex challenges into effective software solutions. From initial consultation and requirements gathering to implementation, training, and ongoing support, he ensures smooth transitions and helps clients fully leverage their technology investments. Simon’s expertise spans platforms such as Enterprise Resource Planning, Warehouse Management Systems, Transportation Management Systems, and Customer Relationship Management Systems. He holds a B.Eng. in Industrial Engineering from Polytechnique Montreal and is based in LIDD’s Montreal office.
Mathieu integrates distribution technologies and optimizes supply chain infrastructure for clients across different industries. He has successfully managed more than 15 business software solution projects, that focuses on systems such as: Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES). Mathieu is a graduate from École de Technologie Supérieure de Montréal (ETS) with a degree in Operations and Logistics Engineering.
David has worked on a wide range of logistics mandates across North America since 2004. He has been involved in network design, warehouse design and expansion, process re-engineering and the selection of warehouse management systems. His experience lies within all segments of the food industry, pharmaceuticals as well as industrial distribution. David holds a master’s degree in Logistics from HEC Montréal.
Montreal, the largest city in the province of Quebec, is a vibrant metropolis located in southwestern Quebec on Île de Montreal. It sits at the confluence of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. Founded in 1642 as Ville-Marie, it was later named after Mount Royal, the triple-peaked hill around which the early settlement was built. As Canada’s second-largest city, Montreal is a major industrial, commercial, and financial hub, as well as a center of francophone culture in North America. It enjoys international acclaim and is one of the world’s great cities. Fun fact: Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city globally, after Paris. See you in Montreal!
In this quarter’s edition of the LIDD Insider, we focus heavily on the intersection of technology strategy and operational resilience. Specifically, we dive into how the Microsoft ecosystem can scale your enterprise and how a strong CRM strategy can actually safeguard your ERP investments.
To Angie, supporting young professionals is one of the most rewarding parts of her work. Learn from her firsthand experience about the most important factors to success.
Ever felt like "IoT" was just another tech buzzword? You aren't alone. Here is a casual breakdown of how IoT is already making our lives easier, from morning coffee routines to tracking cold chain deliveries.
