Manifest 2026 brings over 7,200 supply chain professionals to Las Vegas from February 9 to 11.
With more than 400 speakers and an expo floor packed with technology vendors, the event can easily become three days of badge scanning rather than strategic relationship building. This guide helps mid-market shippers focus on what drives transportation spend savings.
Whether you are evaluating freight audit and payment solutions or researching carrier contract optimization, your success at Manifest depends on preparation.
Manifest 2026 Quick Facts
Here is everything you need to know before booking your flights:
- Dates: February 9 to 11, 2026 (Monday to Wednesday)
- Location: The Venetian Resort & Expo, Las Vegas
- Attendees: Over 7,200 supply chain professionals
- Speakers: 400+ thought leaders
- All-Access Pass: $2,295 early pricing, $3,400 on-site
- Hotel: Official room block at $329/night
Qualified shippers can apply for the Hosted Shipper program for complimentary passes. View the full Manifest 2026 agenda for session details.
Key Themes for Shippers
Five themes stand out for shippers focused on transportation cost management:
AI and Machine Learning in Logistics: Sessions cover conversational AI for shipping data queries and automated exception management. Modern freight audit solutions increasingly leverage AI to identify billing discrepancies that manual review misses.
Trade Policy and Tariffs: Discussions address managed trade realities affecting imports from Vietnam, India, and beyond as global supply chains adjust to new trade dynamics.
Cargo Security and Visibility: Panel discussions explore cargo visibility advancements and evolving theft tactics for companies seeking better supply chain visibility and risk mitigation.
Sustainability and Carbon Tracking: Carbon tracking is being integrated directly into freight invoices, making ESG a financial metric alongside cost and service.
Automation and Robotics: Live demonstrations of AMRs and warehouse automation provide context that sales demos cannot replicate, showing real-world implementations.
Questions to Ask Freight Audit Vendors
Prepare specific questions that reveal whether a vendor can address your actual challenges:
- What percentage of invoices contain errors in our industry?
- How does your AI identify billing discrepancies that manual review misses?
- How do you handle multi-modal auditing across parcel, LTL, and truckload?
- Do you offer carrier contract negotiation alongside audit services?
- How quickly can you implement, and what integration is required?
- What percentage of freight spend do your clients typically recover?
Research indicates freight invoices frequently contain billing errors. Companies working with comprehensive freight audit providers typically identify opportunities to recover a percentage of their freight spend. Review our guide on carrier contract optimization before attending.
How to Justify Attendance to Leadership
A realistic budget for one attendee totals $4,000 to $5,000 (registration, airfare, hotel, meals). Consider the ROI opportunity:
| Annual Freight Spend | 2% Improvement | 5% Improvement |
| $10 million | $200,000 | $500,000 |
| $25 million | $500,000 | $1,250,000 |
A single insight leading to better carrier terms or identifying billing errors can pay for the trip many times over. If your company spends $10 million annually on freight, even a 2% improvement covers five years of conference attendance.
Meet Zero Down at Manifest 2026
Zero Down Supply Chain Solutions is a Silver Sponsor of Manifest 2026 and will be exhibiting at Booth 923. Stop by to connect with our team and explore freight audit optimization and carrier contract strategy.
“I’m excited about the change that’s happening in the supply chain industry and embracing change in all areas,” says Brad McBride, CEO and Founder of Zero Down. “The parcel market changed dramatically in 2025, and our clients must prepare to change the way they manage their parcel and freight budgets, or they will simply spend more wasteful dollars that could be prevented.”
Schedule a meeting to discuss freight audit and payment, parcel audit services, or carrier contract negotiations. Or visit us at Booth 923 during expo hours.
FAQ
Is Manifest 2026 worth attending?
Yes, for professionals actively evaluating technology solutions or optimizing transportation spend. The event provides direct access to vendors, demos, and industry leaders. The Hosted Shipper program makes attendance accessible for qualified shippers.
How much does Manifest 2026 cost?
All-Access Passes start at $2,295 for early registration. On-site registration is $3,400. View current pricing here.
Who are the keynote speakers?
Manifest 2026 features over 400 speakers across keynotes, panels, and breakout sessions. View the full speaker lineup for confirmed speakers and session topics.
How is Manifest different from MODEX or ProMat?
Manifest focuses specifically on supply chain technology innovation and logistics software. MODEX and ProMat emphasize material handling equipment and warehouse automation hardware. If your priority is evaluating freight audit, TMS, or visibility solutions, Manifest offers a more targeted vendor ecosystem.
Make the Most of Manifest 2026
The difference between leaving with business cards versus actionable strategies comes down to preparation. Research exhibitors in advance, identify specific vendors to meet, and schedule demos before arriving. Focus on sessions aligned with your transportation spend challenges.
Ready to prepare? Contact Zero Down to schedule a pre-conference consultation or meet our team at the show.
