New Additions to the Broker-Carrier Summit: What to Expect in Indianapolis

The Broker-Carrier Summit (BCS) is known for bringing together brokers, carriers, and logistics professionals to discuss industry trends, build relationships, and find new business opportunities. This year’s event, taking place from April 28 to May 2 in Indianapolis, is packed with fresh updates that attendees won’t want to miss. While the foundation of networking, learning labs, and business development remains, new features have been added to create an even more valuable experience.

From a revamped golf tournament schedule to hands-on DOT inspections for brokers, this year’s additions aim to provide real-world insights and practical takeaways. If you’re attending for the first time or returning for another year, here’s what you can expect to be different this time around.

The Post & Pray Classic: A Dedicated Day for Golf

The BCS’ The Post & Pray Classic golf tournament has always been a major networking opportunity, but in previous years, it overlapped with the Learning Labs, forcing attendees to choose between the two. This year, the tournament is scheduled for Monday afternoon, ensuring that golfers won’t miss any educational sessions.

The event will take place at the Sagamore Club, where golfers will have exclusive access to the entire course. In addition to playing, participants can look forward to a chipping contest, a putting contest, a happy hour, and an awards banquet with dinner.

“We had a lot of people say, don’t put the golf tournament on the same day as the Learning Labs. I don’t want to have to pick between the two. Listen, we’ve heard you, and we have made the change,” explained Broker-Carrier Summit Director of Marketing Trey Griggs.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those looking to promote their brand at the tournament. With around 100 golfers expected to participate, it will be one of the best chances to build relationships in a relaxed setting before the core of the summit begins.

Expanded Learning Labs with No Distractions

One of the most valuable parts of the Broker-Carrier Summit is its Learning Labs, which provide practical strategies for brokers, carriers, and logistics professionals. In the past, these sessions competed with the golf tournament, but this year, Tuesday is entirely dedicated to Learning Labs, ensuring that attendees can participate without any scheduling conflicts.

These sessions will cover sales strategies, brokerage operations, carrier-focused topics, and broader industry trends. The lineup features Tony Singh from Channel 19, Adam Wingfield, and Melanie Patterson, among others, bringing expert perspectives and real-world experience to the stage. Since these sessions are included in the cost of registration, attendees can take full advantage of the learning opportunities without worrying about additional fees.

“Learning Labs are always a really great treat because it’s really practical lessons that you can go out and apply right out the door... back home, get to the office, get in the truck, you can start applying those,” said Broker-Carrier Summit Director of Media Kevin Hill.

On-site DOT Truck Inspections for Brokers

For the first time, BCS will offer on-site DOT truck inspections, giving brokers a firsthand look at what carriers go through during roadside checks. Many brokers use inspection data to evaluate carriers, but few truly understand what these inspections involve or how they impact a carrier’s daily operations.

These inspections will take place on Wednesday and Thursday, with small groups of 25 brokers at a time. Hosted by Ready to Execute Brokerage, the inspections will be held a mile and a half from the venue, with shuttles provided for easy access.

“We want brokers to know what it’s like,” said Griggs. “You have to have empathy for the other side, right? Your customers are your carriers, and you have to know what their daily routine is and what they go through.”

Brokers who participate will gain a better understanding of compliance challenges, helping them make more informed carrier decisions in the future.

Women in Logistics Happy Hour

The Women in Logistics initiative, launched last year in Fort Worth, has grown into an active and engaged community. This year, the group is hosting a dedicated happy hour on Tuesday at 5:30 PM, right before the official networking reception begins.

This event will focus on mentorship, professional growth, and industry challenges, providing a space for women in logistics to connect and collaborate.

“It’s going to be an hour of just getting together, talking about the Women’s Initiative, what they’re doing, how people can be involved, and just having a drink before the opening reception,” explained Griggs.

All attendees are welcome to join the conversation and learn more about how to support and engage with the Women in Logistics network.

Wednesday Night Off—But Late-Night Karaoke is On

After two days packed with networking and learning, attendees will have Wednesday evening (6-10 PM) completely free. Whether you want to grab dinner, take a break, or explore Indianapolis, the choice is yours.

For those who want to keep the momentum going, late-night karaoke will take place from 10 PM to midnight at a speakeasy inside Union Station. This basement venue, featuring a built-in bar and stage, will be the perfect setting for attendees to sing, unwind, and connect in a more casual setting.

“We are doing late-night karaoke this year,” said Griggs. “It’s going to be fun. I can’t wait.”

Companies interested in sponsoring this high-energy event still have the opportunity to get involved.

Loaded & Rolling: The End-of-Summit Party at the IndyCar Facility

To wrap up the week, BCS is hosting its first-ever Loaded & Rolling Party, an end-of-summit celebration at the Dallara Manufacturing Facility, located near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This event will take place on Thursday from 6 to 10 PM and will provide a unique mix of networking and entertainment.

Attendees will have the chance to tour the facility, check out an IndyCar wrapped in BCS branding, and race on simulators.

“We’ve got an IndyCar that’s going to be wrapped with BCS logos and branding,” Griggs shared. “There’s going to be opportunities to tour the track, race in simulators, and just have a great time.”

For those who want to end the summit on a high note, this event will be a must-attend.

Scholarship Giveaway on the Main Stage

This year, BCS is giving back to the industry by awarding a $2,600 scholarship through the Storytelling Chronicles and Women in Logistics Initiative. This initiative is funded through sponsorships and is aimed at supporting the next generation of logistics professionals.

“They’re getting people to sponsor their podcast, and those sponsorship dollars are going toward scholarships,” explained Griggs.

This is just the beginning of what BCS hopes will become a long-term effort to invest in industry education and workforce development.

Why This Year’s Summit is a Must-Attend Event

The Broker-Carrier Summit is always a valuable experience, but this year’s additions make it even more worthwhile. With a dedicated golf tournament day, expanded Learning Labs, hands-on DOT inspections, new networking events, and a high-energy closing party, attendees will have more ways than ever to build relationships, gain insights, and leave with actionable strategies.

If you haven’t registered yet, now is the time to secure your spot and be part of one of the most talked-about logistics events of the year. See you in Indy!