Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025

Business as Unusual

In a world where unpredictability has become the norm, the ability to adapt is no longer optional—it’s essential. From global disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical crises to rapid technological advancements, the pace of change is accelerating, challenging businesses to rethink how they operate. 

The supply chain is at the heart of this transformation. Success lies in building supply chains that are not only resilient and agile but also capable of turning challenges into opportunities. It’s about being proactive in preparation, reactive in response, and strategic in decision-making to maintain a competitive edge. 

Join us at the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025! Explore how leading organizations embrace the unexpected, discover innovative solutions, and gain insights from industry experts to thrive in a world of “Business as Unusual.” 

This year, we are also proudly turning 20, and you’re invited to celebrate with us!

Watch the highlights from 2024

Why Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025?

Knowledge & insights

Take part in trends and insights from industry profiles, experts and leaders. Get answers and solutions to problems. Numerous sessions for supply chain professionals and leaders about the industry’s challenges and opportunities.

Inspiration

What are the current challenges and possibilities out there? What are other companies doing? What lessons have they learned? What can we achieve together? Let yourself be inspired!

Networking

Meet all the supply chain professionals and leaders in one place.  Broaden your network, broaden your horizons and initiate future business. At the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025, we want to bring people together to contribute to the development of a highly important and successful supply chain industry.

Optilon 20 years

Optilon 20 years!

We are celebrating two decades of supply chain impact!

2025 marks 20 years since Optilon was founded. Over the past two decades, we’ve helped organizations across the Nordics transform their supply chains and navigate an ever-changing world. Join us at the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025—not only to explore the future of supply chains, but also to celebrate our journey so far!

Meet our 2025 speakers.

Marcus Wandt jpg

Marcus Wandt,
ESA

The Muninn mission to the ISS

Join astronaut Marcus Wandt on an extraordinary journey beyond Earth as he shares his experience from the Muninn mission. Selected from over 22,500 applicants, Marcus completed one of the fastest astronaut training programs in history—going from test pilot to Sweden’s second astronaut in just eight months.

In this keynote, Marcus will provide a firsthand account of life aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

Jonatan Westberg jpg

Jonatan Westberg, Essve

From silos to synergy: when sales and supply chain speaks the same language

In this keynote, Jonatan and Josefin will discuss how ESSVE has moved away from selling as much as possible on one hand and keeping low inventory on the other, towards making balanced, data-driven management decisions that maximize the company’s return on investment.

Josefin Aspegren,
Essve

From silos to synergy: when sales and supply chain speaks the same language

In this keynote, Josefin and Jonatan will discuss how ESSVE has moved away from selling as much as possible on one hand and keeping low inventory on the other, towards making balanced, data-driven management decisions that maximize the company’s return on investment.

Jan Blomgren jpg

Jan Blomgren,
INBEx

Artificial intelligence
and energy

Will the AI expansion consume more electricity than it saves? Can we reduce our dependence of fossil fuels using AI, or will the consumption increase? Is it possible to excel in the AI revolution if solar and wind power provide the needed electricity? Are politicians aware of the disruptive potential of AI in the energy sector?

In this keynote, Jan will talk about these critical questions and explore what they mean for the future of energy and technology.

Simon Panai Ersbo jpg

Simon Panai Ersbo,
Alfa Laval

Pioneering Positive Impact

In a business environment of macroeconomic uncertainty, supply chain complexity and growth in new technologies, it can be challenging for any organization to strike the right balance between service offerings, operating costs, and capital employed. Uncertainty in the market and risk of disruptions require companies to prepare for several what-if scenarios to support decision making and increase supply chain resilience.

Anders Björnsson jpg

Anders Björnsson,
Alfa Laval

Pioneering Positive Impact

In a business environment of macroeconomic uncertainty, supply chain complexity and growth in new technologies, it can be challenging for any organization to strike the right balance between service offerings, operating costs, and capital employed. Uncertainty in the market and risk of disruptions require companies to prepare for several what-if scenarios to support decision making and increase supply chain resilience.

Madelen Frykman jpg

Madelén Frykman, Uddeholm

Sustainable steel through production optimization

As global industries embrace sustainability, aligning operational efficiency with climate goals is now a key differentiator. This keynote shows how advanced production planning supports the shift to fossil-free steel by cutting energy use, optimizing resources, and building a sustainable, customer-focused value chain.

Frida Stranne,
USA & Co

The United States Beyond the Headlines

What lies beyond the headlines about Trump and political drama? In this keynote, Frida Stranne – Associate Professor and leading U.S. policy expert – explores the deeper shifts reshaping America: rising internal tensions, strategic reorientation, and a declining global dominance. A sharp and timely reflection on the forces driving the United States into an uncertain future – and what this means for the world.

Conference moderator

Sabinije von Gaffke

Praised and awarded Communications Catalyst, Moderator, Speaker, TV Host, Impact Diplomat and Entrepreneur.

Head of Sustainability and Global Partnerships at Planet IX/Nibiru Studios & The Planet Nine Foundation.

Founder of IMPACTFULNESS Ventures.
TV Host of global talk show: ‘It’s TIME’
Alumnus of Singularity University ‘Executive Leadership’ 2019. Winner of category ‘TV Host of the Year 2022′

Business as Unusual

Join us at the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025! Learn from experts, supply chain leaders, and discover innovative solutions to help you stay ahead of the game!

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What others said about the event

"You're often just involved in the daily work, but this is a nice opportunity to get a bit of a distance and see what other people in the industry have been doing. Peering into the future to be mentally prepared!"
Jan van Eimern
Daniel Wellington
"I really liked the range of the speakers. It's been practical issues and examples how to solve them, to interesting inputs from a theoretical point of view. A wide variety of topics!”
Klas Sjöberg
Proxio Systems
"What I enjoyed the most was getting more perspective. We are very in to supply chain every day, but it's still good to hear other people's thoughts and talk to different people."
Linda Nodén
Stora Enso
"Good speakers and very inspiring to listen to what other companies has achieved and accomplished in this area!"
Ulf Andersson
SKF Group
"I'm very impressed by the audience and specially the speakers. It's a very joyful event. They show that supply chain planning isn't boring anymore - it's interesting!"
Michael Haiber
ToolsGroup
"I think it was super exiting that we covered the entire supply chain. It was also very good diverse presentations. I liked it a lot!"
Christoph Stalder
IKEA

See you at BERNS, Stockholm

This year, the Optilon Supply Chain Conference will be held at BERNS, an distinctive blend of historical setting and contemporary space, creating a unique atmosphere.

Register today!

Agenda

Schedule for the day

We reserve the right to make changes to the agenda

08:30 - 09:30

Registration and breakfast

09:30 - 09:40

Welcome to Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025!

09:40 -10:30
Marcus Wandt jpg

Marcus Wandt, ESA

The Muninn mission to the ISS

10:30 -11:00

Coffee break

11:00 -11:10

Optilon Spotlight Moment #1

11:10 -11:40

Josefin Aspegren & Jonatan Westberg, Essve

From silos to synergy: when sales and supply chain speaks the same language

11:40 -12:10

Madelén Frykman, Uddeholm

Sustainable steel through production optimization

12:10 -13:10

Lunch

13:10-13:20

Optilon Spotlight Moment #2

13:20 -14:05

Jan Blomgren, INBEx

Artificial intelligence & energy

14:05 -14:35

Coffee break

14:35 -14:45

Optilon Spotlight Moment #3

14:45 -15:15

Anders Björnsson & Simon Panai Ersbo, Alfa Laval

Pioneering positive impact

15:15 -15:25

Optilon Insights

15:25 -16:10

Frida Stranne, USA & Co

The United States beyond the headlines

16:10 -17:30

Meet and Greet

Speaker

Marcus Wandt, ESA

Marcus Wandt jpg

About Marcus Wandt, ESA:

Born in 1980 in Mora and grew up at Hammarö, Sweden, Marcus Wandt developed a passion for building, problem-solving, and aviation. He pursued a degree in electrical engineering while training as a military pilot, later becoming a test pilot and Head of Flight Operations at Saab Aeronautics.

In 2022, he was selected as one of ESA’s new astronaut candidates from over 22,500 applicants. On January 18, 2024, he launched on the ESA Muninn mission to the ISS. This made him Sweden’s second astronaut and part of a new era of European spaceflight.

Now back on Earth, Marcus continues to advocate for innovation, space exploration, and inspiring future generations to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

About this keynote:

The Muninn mission to the ISS

Join astronaut Marcus Wandt on an extraordinary journey beyond Earth as he shares his experience from the Muninn mission. Selected from over 22,500 applicants, Marcus completed one of the fastest astronaut training programs in history—going from test pilot to Sweden’s second astronaut in just eight months.

Marcus provides a firsthand account of life aboard the International Space Station (ISS), the groundbreaking experiments he conducted, and the unique challenges of working in microgravity. Space exploration serves as the ultimate metaphor for an unpredictable and rapidly evolving world.

Speaker

Jonatan Westberg, Essve

Jonatan Westberg jpg

About Jonatan Westberg, Essve:

Jonatan Westberg knows everything worth knowing about ESSVE’s operations from many years within the company. He started as a business developer and later gained responsibility for Supply Chain Operations, including inventory optimization. 

Through tighter collaboration, Jonatan and Josefin have played a big role in the change towards a new way of working at ESSVE.

About this keynote:

From silos to synergy: when sales and supply chain speaks the same language

In this keynote, Jonatan and Josefin will discuss how ESSVE has moved away from selling as much as possible on one hand and keeping low inventory on the other, towards making balanced, data-driven management decisions that maximize the company’s return on investment.

It comes down to speaking the same language across functions and acting as one team, about anchoring results with top management and in the organization, rather than fine-tuning optimizations. Finally, it’s about actively working with KPIs that drive the company in the same direction, and help employees make the right prioritizations.

Speaker

Josefin Aspegren, Essve

About Josefin Aspegren, Essve:

Josefin Aspegren is Head of Nordic sales at ESSVE, one of Europe’s leading fastening companies. Prior to several roles within sales, Josefin was working in business development, marketing and as a supply chain consultant.

Through tighter collaboration, Josefin and Jonatan have played a big role in the change towards a new way of working at ESSVE.

About this keynote:

From silos to synergy: when sales and supply chain speaks the same language

In this keynote, Josefin and Jonatan will discuss how ESSVE has moved away from selling as much as possible on one hand and keeping low inventory on the other, towards making balanced, data-driven management decisions that maximize the company’s return on investment.

It comes down to speaking the same language across functions and acting as one team, about anchoring results with top management and in the organization, rather than fine-tuning optimizations. Finally, it’s about actively working with KPIs that drive the company in the same direction, and help employees make the right prioritizations.

Speaker

Jan Blomgren, INBEx

Jan Blomgren jpg

About Jan Blomgren:

Jan Blomgren is the CEO and founder of INBEx (Institute of Nuclear Business Excellence), an organization dedicated to advancing leadership in the nuclear energy sector. With a distinguished career that includes serving as a professor of applied nuclear physics at Uppsala University, a nuclear competence strategist at Vattenfall, and Director of the Swedish Nuclear Technology Centre, he brings deep expertise to the field.

Jan also sits on the boards of several startup companies spanning diverse areas of the energy sector, including solar, biomass, geothermal, and smart power grids.

A prolific author, he has written three best-selling books exploring the intersection of physics, energy, and politics. He is a regular speaker at international conferences and a sought-after voice in media discussions on energy-related topics.

About this keynote:

Artificial intelligence and energy

Energy is fundamental for an advanced society. The way the recent war in Ukraine affects global energy security is just one painful reminder about this.

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly expanding, and we can expect disruptive effects on many businesses. AI might allow some work to be performed with less use of energy. At the same time, AI requires far more electricity than previous information technologies. Will the AI expansion consume more electricity than it saves? Can we reduce our dependence on fossil fuels using AI, or will the consumption increase? Is it possible to excel in the AI revolution if solar and wind power provide the needed electricity? Are politicians aware of the disruptive potential of AI in the energy sector?

Jan will provide insights into the intricate nature of the global energy sector and its importance for everything from food via medicine to information technology, including the associated geopolitical challenges.

Speaker

Simon Panai Ersbo, Alfa Laval

Simon Panai Ersbo jpg

About Simon Panai Ersbo, Alfa Laval:

Simon works as a Supply Chain Network Analyst in Operations Development at Alfa Laval. He is responsible for developing optimization solutions supporting data-driven decision making throughout the company’s supply chain. He has previously worked with supply chain optimization and data analytics, both in industry and as a consultant.

About this keynote:

Pioneering Positive Impact

The journey of introducing Supply Chain Network Optimization at Alfa Laval.

In a business environment of macroeconomic uncertainty, supply chain complexity, and growth in new technologies, it can be challenging for any organization to strike the right balance between service offerings, operating costs, and capital employed. Uncertainty in the market and risk of disruptions require companies to prepare for several what-if scenarios to support decision making and increase supply chain resilience.

In this keynote, Anders and Simon will share how Alfa Laval has introduced the methodology of Supply Chain Network Optimization in one of its business units, with experiences and learnings of the journey so far and ambitions for the future.

Speaker

Anders Björnsson, Alfa Laval

Anders Björnsson jpg

About Anders Björnsson, Alfa Laval:

Anders is S&OP Manager in Business Unit Brazed- and Fusion Bonded Heat Exchangers at Alfa Laval, a role where he is responsible for the continuous adaptation and optimization of the global supply chain on the medium to long term. With over 20 years of experience in the company, in Sweden and abroad, he has in-depth knowledge about the end-to-end supply chain and the business challenges that needs to be managed.

About this keynote:

Pioneering Positive Impact

The journey of introducing Supply Chain Network Optimization at Alfa Laval.

In a business environment of macroeconomic uncertainty, supply chain complexity and growth in new technologies, it can be challenging for any organization to strike the right balance between service offerings, operating costs and capital employed. Uncertainty in the market and risk of disruptions requires companies to prepare for several what-if scenarios to support decision making and increase supply chain resilience.

In this keynote, Anders and Simon will share how Alfa Laval has introduced the methodology of Supply Chain Network Optimization in one of its business units, with experiences and learnings of the journey so far and ambitions for the future.

Speaker

Madelén Frykman, Uddeholm

Madelen Frykman jpg
About Madelén Frykman, Uddeholm:

Madelén is Head of Production Planning and part of the production leadership team at Uddeholm. With several years of experience in production and supply chain management from both the automotive and steel industries, Madelén brings a strong background in operational excellence and industrial transformation.

In recent years, she has been a driving force in the company’s digitalization journey and has led the implementation of advanced production planning systems to enable more efficient, flexible, and sustainable manufacturing. 

About this keynote:

Sustainable steel through production optimization

As global industries accelerate the shift toward sustainability, the ability to align operational efficiency with climate goals is becoming a key strategic differentiator. Uddeholm has produced sustainable tool steel for many years and remains firmly committed to driving the shift toward zero emissions. This transformation is driven by lean production principles and a commitment to Real Actions—concrete, measurable steps toward reducing environmental impact.

This presentation highlights how advanced production planning can support the transition to fossil-free steel by reducing energy consumption, improving resource utilization, and aligning production with the goals of a sustainable, effective, and customer-focused value chain.

Speaker

Frida Stranne

About Frida Stranne:

Associate Professor of Peace and Development Studies, Frida Stranne, is one of Sweden’s leading experts on U.S. politics and foreign policy. She is the author of The Superpower – What Every Swede Should Know About the United States (2020) and The Illusion of American Peace (2023).

Since 2003, she has lived and worked regularly in Washington, D.C., where she has built a strong professional network and served as a visiting scholar at American University.

Since 2012, she has been frequently consulted by Swedish media—for example, serving as TV4’s U.S. politics expert during the 2020 presidential election and as a columnist for Expressen between 2016 and 2021.

In 2024, she co-founded the podcast USA & Co with Taimaz Ghaffari, offering sharp and accessible analysis of U.S. developments for a broad audience.

She is also a frequently requested speaker, known for providing nuanced and engaging insights into U.S. domestic and foreign policy, transatlantic relations, and global security dynamics.

About this keynote:

The United States Beyond the Headlines – Inside the Fractures and Reorientation of a Changing Nation

While the media fixates on Donald Trump and political drama, significant shifts are taking place beneath the surface of American society and global influence. As internal tensions deepen and the country undergoes a strategic reorientation, the United States faces growing challenges – from rising global competitors and a shifting world order to domestic fragmentation and economic transformation.

In this keynote, Frida Stranne – Associate Professor of Peace and Development Studies and one of Sweden’s leading experts on U.S. foreign and security policy – offers an in-depth look at the forces reshaping America’s future and its global position. A timely and thought-provoking journey into the forces behind America’s evolving role in the world – and the consequences this holds for the international landscape.

Conference Moderator

Sabinije von Gaffke

Praised and awarded Communications Catalyst, Moderator, Speaker, TV Host, Impact Diplomat and Entrepreneur.

Head of Sustainability and Global Partnerships at Planet IX/Nibiru Studios & The Planet Nine Foundation.

Founder of IMPACTFULNESS Ventures.
TV Host of global talk show: ‘It’s TIME’
Alumnus of Singularity University ‘Executive Leadership’ 2019. Winner of category ‘TV Host of the Year 2022′

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