Stefan Rummel, CEO Messe München: ‘Focus on cooperation’
It is the largest industry gathering: transport logistic is the international trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chain management and the world‘s largest trade fair for the multi-modal transport of goods by road, rail, water and air. Over 2,500 exhibitors from more than 70 countries are expected to attend. The organisers anticipate over 75,000 visitors. The trade fair is accompanied by an extensive supporting programme. Transport logistic includes air cargo Europe, an exhibition for the global air freight industry.
DVZ Daily: Mr. Rummel, what are the main changes or innovations at transport logistic this year?
Stefan Rummel: This year, we have expanded the trade fair by two additional halls, particularly for the air cargo and road transport sectors. This expansion has resulted in a new structure: IT is now located in Hall B1, while the Air Cargo exhibition can be found in Halls A1 and A2. This larger exhibition space opens up new opportunities for exhibitors and visitors. Due to the size of the trade fair, we recommend that you find out about the exhibitors and program items in advance. This way you can ensure that you experience all the relevant areas and events in the best possible way.
How many exhibitors and visitors are you expecting this year?
We are expecting more than 2,670 exhibitors this year. In terms of visitor numbers, we are optimistic that we will exceed the 75,000 of the previous event.
How many countries do the exhibitors come from this year?
We are expecting around 2,670 exhibitors from more than 70 countries and regions this year. In addition to a strong German participation, the largest international groups will come from the Netherlands, Italy, China, Turkey and Belgium. The broad international participation underlines transport logistic‘s position as the world‘s leading trade fair.
Which key topics and trends will be covered in this year‘s conference program?
Under the motto ‘Experience Connectivity’, the focus will be on cooperation along the supply chain. We are also focusing on three key topics that are currently occupying the entire industry: Sustainability, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. These topics not only reflect the most pressing current challenges, but also the great opportunities that lie in the further development of technologies and business models. With our conference program and the focus days on the Campus Plaza, we promote the exchange of ideas on these topics and provide participants with valuable impetus for the future of the industry.
We are seeing significant growth in the areas of road freight and air cargo. This is a strong signal for our industry. Stefan Rummel, Managing Director of Messe München
Are there special areas for specific topics such as AI or sustainability?
On a tour of the halls during the set-up phase, you could already see that our exhibitors are focusing on these topics, placing them at their stands and using them to advertise. There are no special areas, but there are focal points – in the conference program and on the Campus Plaza. In this way, we are creating additional platforms where exhibitors and visitors can specifically address the current trends and challenges in the industry. The topics are overarching, but at the same time so commonplace that there will be something on them in every hall and therefore for all modes of transport. Otherwise, I recommend obtaining information directly from the exhibitors, in the exhibitor directory online or in the app.
Which sectors are particularly well represented this year?
We are seeing significant growth in the areas of road freight and air cargo. But there is indeed growth in all areas. I think this is a strong signal for our industry: not just in Germany and Europe, but worldwide.
How do you see the logistics sector developing over the next three to five years against the backdrop of geopolitical upheavals and a possible reorganization of international trade?
In the run-up to transport logistic, we have compiled a mood barometer that provides exciting insights into the industry‘s prospects despite difficult conditions such as cost pressure and a shortage of skilled workers. The results show that the industry is confident overall despite these challenges. Particularly noteworthy is the increasing cooperation between industry, trade and logistics, especially in the fight against costs, emissions and cyber attacks. Overall, the 1,851 participants in the barometer were positive about the future market situation. These results give cause for hope and we hope that the trade fair will help to further promote this positive mood.
What do you personally expect from this year‘s transport logistic?
Everything that makes a trade fair so special: seeing many valued colleagues from the industry again, the opportunity to make new contacts and see how new business relationships develop. Of course, I also look forward to the sociable moments that promote exchange beyond business. Trade fairs are the perfect place to develop professionally and personally and to discuss new trends and innovations.
Is there a particular message you would like to pass on to the participants and the industry?
Due to the expansion of the trade fair to twelve halls, we are talking about around 21 soccer pitches of exhibition space including the outdoor area. If you want to cover this area, you need to be well prepared and organized. I recommend that you get an overview in advance and select the areas and program items that interest you the most. But also let yourself drift, have lots of spontaneous conversations, take advantage of the conference program and end the day comfortably in the beer garden or restaurant. And my tip: wear comfortable shoes! (rok)
