All to Play for at the Return of One of the Logistics Yearly Highlights

UK – Now that the series of lockdowns seem to be easing there will be many in the logistics community keen to return to some semblance of normality. Networking is an absolutely key ingredient in the industry and there is no better place to undertake it than at the annual Multimodal Exhibitions, sadly missing for the past two years.

Hope however, springs eternal, and with fingers firmly crossed we look forward to the forthcoming event at Birmingham’s NEC between October 19 and 21. It seems the organisers are keen to make up for lost time and, in the spirit of absence making the heart etc. it seems all the exhibitors and industry bodies are keen to show the game is on.

As ever the Pavilion will host such as the British International Freight Association (BIFA), the UK Warehouse Association (UKWA), the Rail Freight Group (RFG) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) to discuss and advise on all matters logistic, and there will also again this year be a series of free to attend events and seminars.

Not least of these will be a three-day seminar series looking at how tech innovation, modal shift and people power are shaping resilient supply chains courtesy of Multimodal and Logistics UK, and including panel discussions and keynote speeches focused on the theme of sustainable logistics from a variety of thought leaders from across the industry. Robert Jervis, Exhibition Director, Multimodal observes:

“Sustainability is not just a buzz word, it is a key driver in today’s business landscape. Multimodal has a proud history of tackling the issues that matter and providing a neutral platform for the industry to debate and learn. We share Logistics UK’s belief that our sector is the backbone of the economy and they are a natural partner for us to work with.”

Elizabeth de Jong, Director of Policy for Logistics UK, will open the seminars with a keynote speech covering the Logistics Report 2021 and looking at the resilience of the supply chain sector across all modes. The Logistics Report contains data from national and international sources including government departments, Non-Governmental Organisations and industry bodies across rail, road, air, and sea and includes bespoke analysis commissioned by Logistics UK on business costs, business sentiment, and the challenges facing the industry. She says:

“Logistics UK is delighted to be partnering with Multimodal for this seminar series at such a key time for our sector. With decarbonisation, technology, Brexit, and other disruptors changing the way we move goods and services through the supply chain, this three-day event will be the perfect opportunity for attendees to debate the crucial issues of the day.”

Tristan Koch, Chief Commercial Officer at Awery, will be discussing the lessons learnt from Covid on the Tech Innovations Panel. Professor Andrew Potter, of Cardiff Business School will explain how 5G will drive efficiencies at ports and there will be a discussion on how to build a diverse Next Gen workforce and put mental health wellbeing top of the agenda. Robert Jervis concludes:

“We are working to bring together leading and diverse voices to give practical advice and share best practice. As well as providing extensive networking opportunities, by delivering useful content, we are reinforcing Multimodal’s position as the leading show in the sector for the UK and Ireland.”

One of the highlights of every Multimodal is always the Awards ceremony, to be hosted this year by the inimitable Kevin Keegan, a character whose past performances at such events may actually exceed his undoubted skill on the football pitch. Held on the first night of the event, nominations for the Awards are still open and can be made HERE where links to details of the event may also be found.

Photo: Kevin Keegan in his Liverpool heyday (complete with perm).