Eric Johnson, Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal of Commerce, leads coverage of tech in global logistics. He explains TPM Tech’s evolution from transpacific roots into broader containerized supply chain and tech conversations. He outlines how editorial-first programming prevents sales pitches, how panels are prepped and rehearsed, and how sessions aim to challenge industry sacred cows and frame practical AI discussions.
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insights INSIGHT
TPM Tech Is A Deep Dive Not A Trade Show
TPM evolved from a trans-Pacific shipping conference into a broader forum covering containerized supply chains, geopolitics, economics, and technology.
Eric Johnson created TPM Tech to dig granularly into software and data questions that help buyers navigate investment decisions.
insights INSIGHT
Editorial Independence Is The Programming Backbone
Journal of Commerce keeps editorial and commercial teams firewalled so editors fully control program topics and speakers.
That editorial-first approach preserves credibility and avoids pay-to-play speaker selection.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Design Panels Around Audience Problems And Speaker Roles
Anchor sessions around audience day-to-day problems and recruit speakers with specific, well-understood roles.
Eric vets speakers through many conversations so panels offer distinct, role-specific perspectives rather than interchangeable chatter.
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In this special TPM Tech Preview episode, Brian Glick sits down with Eric Johnson of the Journal of Commerce to go behind the scenes of TPM and TPM Tech. Eric explains how the conference has evolved from its transpacific shipping roots into a broader forum for containerized supply chains, global economics, geopolitics, and technology—and why an editorial-first approach remains central to its credibility.
Together, they explore how TPM Tech sessions are designed, how topics and speakers are selected months in advance, and how the program avoids becoming sales-driven or trend-chasing. The conversation also dives into what Eric is most excited about for the upcoming event, from challenging long-held industry assumptions to framing more practical, grounded discussions around AI.
Key topics discussed include:
The evolution of TPM and the role of TPM Tech within the broader conference
Why editorial independence matters in conference programming
How panels are developed, prepped, and structured for real audience value
Avoiding hype-driven content around AI, blockchain, and other “topic du jour” trends
Challenging industry sacred cows like data silos and visibility models
What attendees can expect from this year’s TPM Tech and main-stage sessions
About the guest Eric Johnson is Senior Editor of Technology at the Journal of Commerce, where he leads coverage and analysis of how technology is shaping global logistics and trade. He regularly reports on how shippers, carriers, and logistics providers use software across procurement, execution, visibility, and payment, and is a frequent moderator and presenter at major industry events.
Eric also plays a key role in developing the TPM and TPM Tech conference programs, helping shape editorial-driven discussions that cut through hype and focus on practical, real-world technology challenges facing the supply chain industry.
Supply Chain Connections 