Newton, Mass.— Thought provoking content and useful product and service exhibits will form the core of the first annual SupplyChainLinkExpo on Oct. 17-18. The free online event, produced by Control Engineering and the Cahners Business Information's Supply Chain/OEM Group, will harness the collective expertise and market reach of 10 market-leading business-to-business publications covering the full scope of the supply chain. Reed Exhibitions Company, a Cahners corporate affiliate, will also participate.

These 10 brands, including Purchasing magazine, Supply Chain Management Review, MSI, Design News, Logistics Management, Industrial Distribution, Modern Materials Handling, Control Engineering, Warehousing Management , and Plant Engineering have a combined audience of more than 1 million supply-chain business decision-makers.

"The supply-chain field is far-reaching, touching almost every aspect of our economy," says Rusty Pierson, Cahners' Supply Chain/OEM Group vp. "Our brands each serve the informational and marketing needs of distinct sectors of the supply chain. Taken in total, they offer a broader and more comprehensive reach than anything else in the market."

The event is projected to attract more than 7,000 registered attendees, none of whom will have to leave their offices to attend. "We aim to provide all the information and benefits of attending a premiere trade show and conference, but without the hassles of airports, hotels, and time away from the office," adds Mitch MacDonald, group director of editorial and content development. "Each day will feature a series of keynote speeches, industry roundtable discussions, and "webcast" seminars. It truly is a virtuial event that will mirror the best of the real world."

Headlining the conference portion of the SupplyChainLinkExpo are the daily keynote speakers. The first day will feature a presentation by Thomas Stallkamp, MSX International's ceo and former president of Chrysler Corp. The second day's speaker will be W. James McNerney Jr., 3M Corp.'s ceo, who was previously president and ceo of GE Aircraft Engines.

For more information about SupplyChainLinkExpo, or to register and attend for free, visit www.supplychainlinkexpo.com. Also, see this issue's "Editorial" and informational ad for more on Control Engineering's role.