“Return to the Future” Registration Now OPEN!

Arlington, Va. – PostalVision 2020 and the Reverse Logistics Association (RLA) are excited to make this first announcement of speakers for the upcoming “Return to the Future” one-day event to be held Thursday, September 20, 2018. USPS Vice President of Product Innovation Gary Reblin and USPS Director of Product Management, Shipping, Jay Smith both will be speaking at the event, with presentation focusing on how the USPS is working to build and enhance its product returns solutions and support the returns/reverse logistics and retail ecosystems.

Reblin is no stranger to PostalVision events, having served on the PostalPitch startup competition jury with the finalists presenting and winner awarded at the PostalVision 2018 annual event. Both Reblin and Smith work in USPS areas focused on product innovation – something critical in the returns/reverse logistics ecosystem. “We are excited, as always, to have a great level of USPS participation in the event,” said PostalVision director John Callan. “Gary and Jay have a wealth of knowledge in the parcels and shipping industry that is invaluable to these discussions and the USPS is well-suited to provide a variety of returns solutions.” “The Postal Service is an integral piece of the reverse logistics and returns supply chain,” said RLA executive director Tony Sciarrotta. “The USPS network and solutions are an important part of the discussion on the future of returns.”

The event will be focused on the growing opportunities, challenges, innovations and more being seen with product returns and reverse logistics. The event will be held at the Schar School of Policy and Government, Founders Hall, George Mason University, in Arlington, VA, from 8:00 am – 5:30 pm, with onsite reception to follow from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm. Sessions included in the one-day event agenda will cover topics such as an overview of the returns/reverse logistics supply chain, market trends, consumer & retailer perspectives, solutions from shippers and intermediaries, new technology and innovation in the ecosystem, new returns models and more!

More exciting speakers and panelists for the event will be announced in the coming weeks and will include representatives from academia, shippers/carriers and other supply chain businesses, retailers, and more! If you are interested in participating as a speaker/panelist, please contact us.

For more information or to Register to attend the event, check out the PostalVision 2020 web site. For information on sponsor and exhibit opportunities, contact John Sasso or John Callan.

Gary Reblin, Vice President of Product Innovation, USPS, is responsible for product development for all mail and shipping products as well as innovation as USPS integrates with emerging technologies. Reblin reports to the chief customer and marketing officer and executive vice president. Prior to this position, Reblin has held a variety of positions within the USPS including Vice President of New Products and Innovation, Vice President Domestic Products, Vice President of Shipping Services, and Vice President of Expedited Shipping. A 23-year postal veteran, Reblin has led many successful product and service innovations, including developing most of the popular Flat Rate and Regional Rate Products and Every Door Direct Mail. He was previously the manager of Intelligent Mail Planning and Standards, where he led the Postal Service’s efforts to upgrade its technical infrastructure and develop the Intelligent Mail barcode, which has enabled the Postal Service to identify and track every piece of U.S. Mail. He has also served in other key management positions in Engineering, where he helped set the strategic direction for letter and flat automation programs. Reblin holds a degree in industrial engineering and operations research from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University.

Jay L. Smith, Director, Product Management, Shipping, USPS, has been with the USPS for 26 years with much of his experience in the Sales organization. Most recently he was Manager of Strategic Account Operations where he led a team to close new sales opportunities and manage relationships with many of the largest domestic ecommerce companies. He has played a vital role in the development of innovative new products such as Parcel Select Same Day DDU Entry, Parcel Select Sunday Delivery and a number of other initiatives. Additionally, he has effectively negotiated several Package Service NSA’s for outbound & return shippers, Customized Delivery Agreements and Marketing Agreements. He is responsible for the management of all shipping products and the development, implementation and coordination of strategies consistent with long-term organizational goals that optimize volume, revenue contribution and drive business performance within the shipping market. Jay is graduate of Management Leadership Program, Sales Advanced Leadership Program, Advanced Leadership Program and Lean Six Sigma and Central Michigan University.