Core Insights - The 26th annual TPM conference will focus on the challenges faced by shippers due to rising tariff burdens and the need for cost savings while maintaining service quality [2][3] - Average U.S. tariff rates have increased to over 17%, up from 2.4% a year ago, emphasizing the urgency for importers to find cost-reduction opportunities [2] - The conference will feature a keynote address by Janet L. Yellen, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, highlighting the importance of relationships and collaboration in the logistics sector [3][7] Event Highlights - TPM26 will include educational workshops under TPM Academy, covering topics such as minimizing tariff burdens and the impact of AI on supply chains [4] - Discussions will address the global economic outlook, China's export diversification, and trade policy trends as the industry moves into 2026 [4] - A diverse lineup of speakers from leading logistics companies, including Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, and DHL Global Forwarding, will contribute to the event [8] Industry Context - The conference serves as a critical platform for networking and relationship building among key players in the global container shipping industry [10] - S&P Global Market Intelligence emphasizes the need for smarter sourcing and risk-aware cost optimization in light of ongoing supply chain volatility [2][4]