Materials handling, logistics and supply chain association MHI will hold its 2014 executive summit and annual conference on 5-8 October at Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego.

The summit sessions will focus on the power of innovation and how to inculcate a culture "marked by visionary leadership, collaboration, a license to explore new ideas and the ability to commercialise new ideas quickly", MHI says. Summit keynote speakers are organisational visionary Thomas Malone, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales and Wal-Mart Stores Inc senior vice president of international ecommerce fulfillment Brent Beabout.

Conference keynote speakers include Michael Walton, head of manufacturing for Google Inc's enterprise business area; John Kao, chairman of the Institute for Large Scale Innovation and chief executive officer and founder of EdgeMakers Inc; Jason Schenker, president of Prestige Economics LLC; and Jeff Gallinat, senior vice president of supply chain operations for networking equipment maker Cisco Systems Inc.

Numerous units among MHI's 19 industry groups will hold membership meetings. Separately, more than a dozen sessions will deal with aspects of key topics: changing workforce, embracing innovation and managing complexity.

Recreational opportunities for attendees include a golf tournament, a taste of California party and a dinner aboard a yacht on San Diego Bay.

The spouse program includes a behind-the-scenes visit to the San Diego Zoo and a Bernardo Winery tour and lunch.

Charlotte, North Carolina-based MHI has more than 800 members including materials handling and logistics equipment companies, systems and software manufacturers; consultants; systems integrators and simulators; and third-party logistics providers and publishers. MHI sponsors the ProMat and Modex trade events and provides educational, business development, networking and solution sourcing opportunities.