After a hugely successful event in 2022, Multimodal 2023 has already surpassed last year’s figures, with its largest exhibition yet, packed conference programme boasting leading industry speakers and sell-out awards gala dinner.
The June event brings all sectors of the supply chain industry under one roof, facilitating the UK’s primary platform for industry thought leaders and decision makers. Multimodal 2023 will bring together thousands of supply chain decision makers to network and learn from the experts over a three-day exhibition and conference series on 13-15 June at the Birmingham NEC.
Now in its 16th year, Multimodal delivers a hub for shippers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers, and exporters who offer the latest logistics and supply chain solutions to visitors.
Robert Jervis, Multimodal 2023 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.”
The event, which is free to attend, offers a unique, in person opportunity for visitors to make valuable contact with new prospects as well as existing clients and suppliers. Organisers have confirmed that the new Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) Pavilion will feature for a second year, with the British International Freight Association (BIFA) Freight Forwarders Village providing a cost-effective showcase for the products and services forwarders offer.
And for the 16th time – UKWA will be hosting a large member Pavilion featuring more than 25 companies.
Some of the returning exhibitors include Maritime Transport, Malcolm Logistics, Maersk, G&W, DP World, Peel Ports, CMA CGM, COSCO, MSC, CEVA, DSV, Kerry Logistics, Ocean Network Express, CCL, K+N, ABP, Swain, Forth Ports, Montgomery Transport, Samskip, Howard Tenens, Port of Antwerp-Bruges, IAG Cargo and Descartes.
They will be joined by a large number of first-time Multimodal exhibitors, including Nolan Transport, Ellerman Lines, PwC, MG Invest, Calais Promotion, 3squared, ErgoPack, Miran Logistics, Ziegler Group, ICL, Uniserve and Payoneer.
The conference sessions will bring together thought leaders from across the supply chain to share insights from a range of topics, from digitalisation of international trade and transport, future sustainability, to UK warehousing opportunities.
Jervis continued: “From traditional supply chain challenges to the popularity of AI across all sectors, Multimodal is unique in that it tackles a raft of subjects. Visitors will also benefit from a range of seminar types, with keynotes on each of the three days, supported with chaired discussions and sector specialists delivering their expert insights. In mid-April registrations were up 49 per cent on the previous year as the industry looks to this neutral platform for debate and learning.”
Visitors to Multimodal 2023 will benefit from a cutting-edge line up of speakers during the three-day conference. In a new addition to the programme, attendees can also benefit from skills training and mentoring thanks to Google Digital Garage, which will deliver a broad range of digital and social media tactics to visitors.
Running across four theatres, the core conference theme focuses on sustainability, resilience, technology and people, and boasts a stellar line-up of leading industry speakers. These include:
Discussions and themes are built around the most pressing issues and relevant industry topics, covering:
The addition 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 programme is made up of eight immersive 15-minute power sessions and 11 in-depth 45-minute sessions covering topics such as:
The sessions are free to attend for Multimodal visitors and can be booked when registering for the show.
Networking opportunities
All guests can attend the two networking events at Multimodal 2023. These are the Multimodal Awards on Tuesday 13 June and the Multimodal Mixer drinks reception, sponsored by DP World, on Wednesday 14 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 now 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 business sizes 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 have split two of the awards categories, Road and 3PL, to ensure that SMEs get the recognition they deserve. More formal written entries are submitted to the panel of judges for the independently judged awards. They are made up of:
There are also two awards chosen by Multimodal:
The awards, now in their ninth year, recognise excellence and best practice across the logistics industry.
For more information, please visit: www.multimodal.org.uk