5 Takeaways from Trimble’s Insight Tech Conference + Expo
After hosting virtual editions for the past two years, Trimble’s 2022 Insight Tech Conference + Expo was back in-person on August 14-17 at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin in Orlando, FL.
The four-day event brought together some of the biggest names in the transportation industry – including customers, integration partners and other technology vendors – for networking, education and to explore how technology is transforming the supply chain.
Whether you were able to attend or want to see what you missed, here are five key takeaways from this year’s Insight:
1. Trimble Leaders Showcase Customer-Driven Platform Strategy
In Monday morning’s Opening Session, Trimble leadership detailed its Connect and Scale 2025 strategy, centered on building industry-leading cloud platforms to streamline the lifecycle of transportation—from procurement to planning to execution.
“We are creating a digital experience that seamlessly integrates data, solutions and workflows to transform the way our customers work,'' said Rob Painter, president and CEO of Trimble. “By facilitating these connections, Trimble is uniquely positioned to make transportation more collaborative, productive and sustainable—for our customers, our planet and everyone the supply chain serves.”
2. Industry Keynotes Highlight Economic Trends and Cloud Innovations
In addition to mainstage presentations from Trimble executives, the 2022 Insight agenda also included two keynotes that focused on important economic and technological topics that are impacting the supply chain.
In Monday’s session, Avery Vise, vice president of Trucking at FTR, walked through overall economic conditions and the implications of inflation, consumer spending and unemployment rates on the transportation industry. Following his prepared remarks, Vise also took part in an audience Q&A that examined how transportation organizations of all shapes and sizes can stay ahead of these macro trends within their respective businesses.
Tuesday’s keynote featured an engaging conversation between Microsoft’s Scott Guthrie, executive vice president of the Microsoft Cloud + AI Group, and Jennifer Lin, senior vice president and chief platform officer at Trimble. Their wide-ranging discussion highlighted Scott’s critical contributions to cloud server development technologies, explored trends in cloud computing and artificial intelligence and detailed the benefits enabled by cloud-based solutions.
3. Tech-Savvy Customers Honored at Ovation Awards
A core part of every Insight is highlighting some of the novel ways Trimble customers use technology to optimize productivity and processes within their company.
During Insight’s Customer Appreciation Dinner, Trimble announced the winners of its 2022 Ovation Awards. This annual awards program recognizes Trimble customers that have best harnessed technology to increase the performance, safety and efficiency of their respective operations.
From increasing regulatory compliance to streamlining workflows, each of this year’s winners demonstrates the power of technology and serves as an inspiration for how we can work collectively to optimize every aspect of the supply chain.
4. Expo Hall Hosts Comprehensive Collection of Technology Providers
Speaking of working collectively to enhance the supply chain, Trimble opened this year’s Insight to all technology providers, including those with competing solutions. This spirit of co-opetition was perhaps best demonstrated by an inclusive Expo Hall, which featured dozens of vendors from across the industry. Attendees were able to find out about the latest technological innovations and how to apply them to their business.
This year’s Expo Hall also included several interactive experiences to further foster collaboration and networking. New this year was the Insight Garage, which allowed participants to share ideas on how to further advance transportation. Returning this year was the always popular Insight LAB, giving Trimble customers the chance to get hands-on product training to ensure they are getting the most out of their solutions.
5. In-Person Format Brings Engagement and Fun
As mentioned above, this year’s edition was the first Insight held in person since 2019. From reconnecting with colleagues to meeting new faces, the 2022 agenda was built around helping us re-engage with each other after three years apart.
From a slate of more than 200 educational breakout classes to dedicated Power of Together networking sessions, Insight facilitated endless opportunities for participants to learn, trade ideas and leave inspired to make a real change in their organization.
It wasn’t all about work at Insight, either – after all, this year’s event was in the “happiest place on Earth.” Tuesday night featured a trip to EPCOT Center where event goers were treated to an evening of food, fun and fireworks. The evening also provided exclusive access to the “Soarin’ Around the World” ride to further add some fun to the overall Insight experience.
Insight 2023: Headed to Las Vegas
With the 2022 version of Insight in the books, the clock is already ticking on next year’s show.
Trimble announced that Insight is headed to Las Vegas in 2023, hosting the event at The Venetian Resort on September 24-27, 2023. Registration for next year’s event will open this fall – so stay tuned for details on how you can take part!