After a hugely successful event in 2023, Multimodal 2024 has already surpassed last year’s figures, with its largest exhibition yet, a packed conference programme boasting leading industry speakers and a sell-out awards gala dinner.
Multimodal 2024 will bring together thousands of supply chain decision makers to network and learn from the experts over a three-day exhibition and conference series which takes place between 11-13 June at the Birmingham NEC. The event, which was established in 2008, brings all sectors of the supply chain industry under one roof, facilitating the UK’s primary platform for industry thought leaders and decision makers.
Now in its 17th year, Multimodal provides a hub for shippers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters who offer the latest logistics and supply chain solutions to visitors.
Robert Jervis, Multimodal 2024 Event Director, commented: “This year’s event will be the biggest yet following record numbers of registrations and a very quick uptake of places for the Awards dinner. The exhibition itself offers unparalleled access to all elements of the supply chain and we have seen a surge in bookings both from previous exhibitors and several new organisations, which is fantastic.
“The level of commitment across the board represents how important Multimodal is as it brings all elements of the supply chain under one roof.”
Multimodal 2024 is already setting new records with industry giants such as Amazon, CEVA Logistics, DP World, Hapag-Lloyd, Kuehne+Nagel, Maersk, Maritime Transport, Malcolm Logistics and Samskip Services all signed up.
Returning exhibitors include Freightliner, DP World, Peel Ports, CMA CGM, COSCO, MSC, Kerry Logistics, Ocean Network Express, CCL, ABP, Swain, Forth Ports, Montgomery Transport, Howard Tenens, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, IAG Cargo and Descartes.
The British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Forwarders Village, providing a cost-effective showcase for the products and services forwarders offer, will feature once again. The Logistics Leaders Network Pavilion, which includes a diverse mix of logistics leaders, consultants and innovators, sold out its spaces in record time. And for the 17th time UKWA will be hosting a large member Pavilion featuring more than 25 companies.
Also returning to this year’s conference is the Google Digital Garage, which offers a range of courses and learning for some of the most sought-after marketing skills, whether visitors are looking to grow their business, start a career, or just want to try something new.
The Multimodal conference sessions will bring together thought leaders from across the supply chain to share insights from a range of topics, from the digitalisation of international trade to the latest UK warehousing opportunities. “From traditional supply chain challenges to the popularity of AI across all sectors, Multimodal is unique in that it tackles a raft of subjects,” says Jervis.
He adds: “Visitors will also benefit from a range of seminar types, supported with chaired discussions and sector specialists delivering their expert insights. In mid-February registrations were up 50 per cent on the previous year as the industry looks to this neutral platform for debate and learning.”
One of the core conference themes this year is sustainability. Sessions on this topic include:
Visitors can look forward more than 60 conference sessions running across four theatres, including slots from Multimodal, Logistics UK, UKWA, RFG, CILT, RHA and the IOE&IT.
Multimodal will also be hosting two ministerial addresses in the conference sessions on the first day of Multimodal – 11 June: Guy Opperman MP, the Minister for Roads and Local Transport at the Department for Transport and Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central and Shadow Transport Roads Minister.
The event’s increased focus on sustainability is a cornerstone of organiser’s Clarion Events’ ethos. By joining the Net Zero Carbon Events initiative, Clarion aims to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve Net Zero by 2050.
Reflecting this pledge, the event will feature sustainable practices, including collaboration with local contractors and suppliers from the Midlands and the use of recyclable signage.
Furthermore, the exhibition and conference sessions are designed to guide cargo owners and shippers towards more sustainable shipping methods, underpinning the industry’s shift towards eco-friendly practices.
The Princess Royal, Her Royal Highness, is set to grace Multimodal 2024 with her presence, who will attend the event on 13 June 13 in her capacity as the Patron of international development charity Transaid.
Networking opportunities
All guests can attend the two networking events at Multimodal 2024. These are the Multimodal Awards on Tuesday 11 June and the Multimodal Mixer drinks reception, sponsored by DP World, on Wednesday 12 June.
This year’s Awards will bring together more than 850 guests who will have the chance to network and celebrate outstanding industry-leading supply chain businesses and individuals. Seats have almost sold-out, promising that the evening will be a major networking function for all involved.
There are three award categories, one of which is voted for, one is judged and the other awarded by the Multimodal team in conjunction with previous winners. The Modal Awards are nominated and voted for by the attendees, exhibitors, visitors and newsletter readers. These awards are one of the fairest in the sector as organisers ensure that all size of businesses are represented. An independent nomination and voting system is used to ensure that all those shortlisted can be proud of their nomination, whether they win – or not.
With votes made for the industry, by the industry, so all those who find themselves on the shortlist can be assured that it is an independent endorsement of a company's or individual’s excellence. Organisers Clarion have introduced three new categories in the Judged Awards section for Multimodal 2024.
The six Modal awards, nominated and voted for by attendees, exhibitors, visitors, and newsletter readers cover:
These will be complemented by the seven Judged Awards, which require a short-written submission and are independently judged by a panel of industry experts and include:
There are also two awards chosen by Multimodal:
The awards, now in their 10th year, recognise excellence and best practice across the logistics industry.
Multimodal is free to visit, as are the conferences and the Mixer too. Register in advance to get your badge in advance and avoid the queues on arrival.
For more information, please visit: www.multimodal.org.uk