On September 4th, 2025, more than 300 supply chain professionals gathered at Berns in Stockholm for this year’s Optilon Supply Chain Conference. With our theme “Business as Unusual”, we discovered how to keep up and stay ahead in a world where the unexpected is the new normal.
The day was filled with inspiring keynotes, practical insights, and a matchmaking segment where we had the opportunity to discuss both future challenges and opportunities in the industry, as Optilon celebrated 20 years of supply chain.
In case you weren’t there, here’s a look back at the conference highlights!
A milestone year
This year’s conference was extra special. Marking 20 years of Optilon, we reflected not only on how supply chains have evolved but also on the challenges and opportunities ahead. With global disruptions, AI breakthroughs, and sustainability demands reshaping the industry, the Optilon Supply Chain Conference 2025 offered fresh perspectives on how to thrive in a world where change is constant.
Key takeaways from the day
The day began with breakfast to keep the participants energized for the day ahead. Soon after, our moderator Sabinije von Gaffke took the stage and introduced the lineup of keynote speakers.
First up was Marcus Wandt, an ESA astronaut who shared his story from the Muninn Mission to the International Space Station, which really set the tone of the entire day.
Josefin Aspegren and Jonatan Westberg from Essve showed us how they bridged the gap between sales and supply chain. By working more data-driven and collaboratively, Essve found a balance between growth, efficiency, and customer service while boosting return on investment.
Anders Björnsson and Simon Panai Ersbo from Alfa Laval shared how they use supply chain network optimization to stay resilient in uncertain times. By testing different scenarios, they can balance service, cost, and capital while preparing for disruptions.
Jan Blomgren from INBEx, explored a critical question: Will the rise of artificial intelligence increase or reduce global energy consumption? His session challenged participants to consider how renewable energy and digital transformation will interact in the years ahead.
The final keynote was delivered by Frida Stranne, Associate Professor of Peace and Development Studies, and one of Sweden’s leading experts on U.S. politics and foreign policy. This keynote looked past the headlines and political drama to explore the deeper shifts reshaping America and the consequences this holds for the international landscape.
Optilon Spotlight
A new feature this year was the Optilon Spotlight, a celebration created to inspire and showcase real customer journeys. During the conference, we presented three awards: the Design for Growth Award to Synsam, the Global Impact Award to IKEA, and the Long-term Partnership Award to Thule.
Each award told a story of how these companies are driving supply chain excellence in their own way. Synsam for daring to rethink its business model and designing a supply chain built for growth. IKEA for creating a true global impact through innovation and scale. And Thule, for nurturing a strong partnership with Optilon that has lasted for more than a decade. These stories highlight how smart thinking and bold action can create meaningful impact within the supply chain.
Matchmaking and networking
The conference also featured matchmaking sessions, giving participants the chance to network with other supply chain professionals. Those interested in learning more about topics such as S&OP, Production, or Supply Chain Design were able to discuss these topics with Optilon experts.
Keep an eye out
If you missed the conference or want to share it with someone, we have gathered all the inspiring keynote presentations and photos, which will be launched soon! Follow us on LinkedIn to be the first to know when they go live.
