Conference & Expo Highlights
The 3rd Annual RLTS Las Vegas Conference and Expo was held on February 6-8, 2008. Pre-conference events on Monday included workshops and a charity golf tournament benefiting "America Responds with Love."
With over 900 registered attendees and 430 companies represented, RLTS Las Vegas 2006 was the largest worldwide event focused on reverse logistics. New this year, was a fourth track dedicated to wireless communications.
For two full days, OEMs, Retailers, 3PLs and 3PSPs gathered to discuss issues, share ideas and leverage best practices. Companies represented included Cisco, Microsoft, Wal-Mart, Apple, Intel, Touchtone Wireless, NYK Logistics, FedEx and UPS – just to name a few. The complete list of the companies that participated is available on the Event Attendees page.
Attendees had the opportunity to meet with over Exhibitors and Sponsors. "Our booth was well attended and generated many qualified leads" said C. Sam Smith, Director-Strategic Projects, Sales and eCommerce/Information Technology, Support Services Group. "We truly believe that the Reverse Logistics Trade Show generated interest in our company and has assisted us in increasing our brand recognition."
Conference sessions and panel discussions focused on industry-specific issues such as Returns and Warranties, Outsourcing, Online Marketplace Solutions and Aftermarket Sales & Service Strategy.
Visit the Photo Gallery for pictures from the show.
RLA is proud to announce the launch of the first publication exclusively focused on the reverse logistics process. The long awaited inaugural edition of "RL Magazine" was mailed to approximately 36,000 readers worldwide and also distributed to attendees at the recent RTLS Las Vegas Conference and Expo. Early reports find readers delighted that there is finally a publication addressing the specific needs and issues associated with reverse logistics.
Logistics is defined by The Council of Logistics Management as: The process of planning, implementing, and controlling the efficient, cost effective flow of raw materials, in-process inventory, finished goods and related information from the point of origin to the point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirements. Reverse logistics includes all of the activities that are mentioned in the definition above. The difference is that reverse logistics encompasses all of these activities as they operate in reverse.
Normally, the largest investment – and the second largest operating cost (after establishing the service workforce) associated with Aftermarket Service involves the purchase and acquisition of parts and subunits and the labor costs associated with the management of the inventory, logistics pipeline, and depot repair operations, to ensure availability of parts when and where required.
Dan Gilbert, Vice President of Reverse Logistics, Cisco Systems, delivered the keynote address in Las Vegas on February 7, 2006. The presentation highlighted "Four Business Propositions to Ponder: Social Responsibility, Customer Satisfaction, Brand Protection and Bottom-Line Contributions." If you missed Dan's presentation at the show, it is available for 
RLTS Las Vegas 2006 Conference Presentations are now available for 
In years past, as reverse logistics was relegated to the shadows of "more important" corporate processes, asset recovery was paid little attention. Returns were treated as a necessary evil, and "out of sight – out of mind" was the mantra. Liquidation for convenience was the order of the day, and clearing warehouses and getting returns off the books was considered more important than maximizing recovery. One or two phone calls to the same old jobbers took care of the problem – to a degree.
RL Quote is a service of the Reverse Logistics Association that facilitates Retailers and Manufacturers requests for information (RFIs). 
Reserve your hotel room using code REVE240_01 and receive a discounted room rate of €145. This rate includes an American Buffet Breakfast each morning (rate based on single or double occupancy, per night and does not include 6% VAT). Discounted airfares are available from Northwest Airlines and American Airlines.
John Coffield formerly of Valutech has joined GENCO as Vice President of Sales, Reverse Logistics Group. John is responsible for sales in the consumer electronics sector. John has extensive experience in wireless communications, audio / video and electronic ODM parts, high level repair and refurbishment. John has developed several sophisticated reverse logistics programs for many of the top fortune 500 companies.
If you are a job seeker or a hiring manager looking to staff positions with a Reverse Logistics focus, the Reverse Logistics Association Job Center is the place for you. Posting positions on the site is a member* benefit. Let us help you find the staff you seek – posting is quick and easy. Position posting is generally approved and posted within 24 business hours. Check out the positions currently posted at the RLA Job Center. For more information, contact RLA at