The Production and Operations Management Society (POMS) will hold its 36th Annual Conference in Reno from May 7-11, 2026, at the Grand Sierra Resort. About 1,800 researchers and industry leaders from around the world are expected to attend. 

Sandun Perera, associate professor of business analytics and operations in the College of Business at the University of Nevada, Reno, has been named program chair for the conference. In this role, he will oversee the research tracks, panels, and workshops, guide the professional development consortia, and coordinate the program to create an engaging conference experience. 

“I am deeply honored by this opportunity,” Perera said. “It allows us to contribute to the field while also highlighting the University’s growing thought leadership and Reno as an emerging hub for international collaboration.” 

The 2026 conference theme, Transforming POM with AI: New Perspectives for a Better World, will highlight how artificial intelligence is reshaping supply chains, manufacturing, service systems and business analytics. 

Perera’s leadership further strengthens the College of Business's presence in global scholarship. He also serves on the leadership team for the 2025 Decision Sciences Institute (DSI) Conference in Orlando, Florida, which emphasizes the intersection of AI and human collaboration. 

“Hosting this conference highlights the outstanding international scope of the scholarship and leadership of our faculty,” said Greg Mosier, dean of the College of Business. “Through Dr. Perera’s role, our students and faculty will have direct access to experts and emerging research that continues to shape the future of business.” 

By helping bring the world’s leading operations management conference to Reno, Perera and the College of Business are expanding opportunities for faculty, students and the region to engage with international research and innovation.