What to look out for at Multimodal 2024

Multimodal 2024 is set to be one of our biggest shows yet! Take a look at some of the highlight talks to attend at the NEC in Birmingham this June.

What to look out for at Multimodal 2024

Multimodal 2024 is set to be one of our biggest shows yet with major changes to UK logistics. Taking place between the 11th and 13th of June at the NEC in Birmingham, thousands of supply chain experts, logistics companies, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and shippers will have over 300 exhibitors, networking spaces, awards, and a packed speakers’ schedule to fill their time. We are also pleased to have key political attendees such as the Princess Royal to help bring awareness to the issues facing this vital industry.

However, with so much to do it may not be possible to see everything on show. To make planning for your trip to Multimodal at the NEC Birmingham a little easier, we’ve picked out some of the must-see talks and organised them by theme. Join us as we look at the issues most pertinent to UK logistics and the bright minds looking to provide clarity with some standout talks.

UK Commerce and AI

UK trade with Europe and the wider world is currently in a state of flux. From the Red Sea disruptions to the change of UK government, there are a number of concerns that can affect the supply chain. Our speakers work closely within their fields to identify and understand where the pain points and opportunities are, and could provide you with a bright idea to use in your own workplace.

Some of the talks to look out for around the state of UK Commerce and new tools like generative AI include:

• Peak Season Preview 2024: Navigating UK Container Shipping Dynamics - A comprehensive discussion on the readiness of UK infrastructure chaired by Antonella Teodoro, a senior consultant for MDS Transmodal
• Artificial Intelligence Revolutionising Multimodal Logistics: Paving the Way for Seamless Freight Mobility - A group discussion chaired by Samantha Brocklehurst, Customer Experience Director, UK & Ireland for Maersk, about how AI is reshaping logistics
• Why Does the UK Lead the World in eCommerce - A discussion chaired by Amanda Zambon, Policy Director at AICES, about growth and sustainability of eCommerce in the UK

These are just a few of the talks on this topic so no matter when or what you can fit in, you’re sure to find actionable insights for the future of the industry.

Modal Shift

Another key facet for discussion has been the interest in modal shift. As the UK’s logistics industry grapples with Net Zero targets (more on that later) as well as rising costs, and the modern consumer demand for greener practices, the focus on different modes of transport has become more intense. These talks include:

• Incentives for Modal Shift - How can we get more goods on rail? - This seminar, moderated by Maggie Simpson OBE, Director General of Rail Freight Group, brings together industry experts to discuss how to reach the target to grow rail freight by 75% by 2050
• Coastal and short sea shipping - A panel session led by Richard Ballantyne, OBE, Chief Executive at BPA, addressing the challenges and trends of short sea and coastal shipping
• Connecting airports to road, rail and water transport - An insightful discussion, led by Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, about the key role airports serve as gateways for UK logistics, and how to connect them to other modes of transport

Modal shift is one of the biggest opportunities for UK business and one area that is not to be missed. Keep your eye on the schedule for talks at the NEC that pique your interest.

Net Zero and Green Futures

Speaking of Net Zero and Green targets, this area is one with its own dedicated line of discussions. The targets set for 2030 (a reduction of CO2 by 45%) and complete net zero carbon emissions by 2050 are no small feat and require industries, governments, and consumers to all play their part in moving the needle on CO2 emissions. The talks highlighted below are just some of the insights on offer and include:

• Net zero: Will we decarbonise the road freight sector in time? - Chaired by Alistair Lindsay
• Chief Operating Officer at Zeus, this group discussion investigates the feasibility of decarbonising the road freight sector
• Mission Possible – Net Zero Shipping & Logistics - This panel dives into the barriers, conduits, and progress on reducing greenhouse gas emissions across all freight supply chains.Chaired by Peter Livey, Managing Director Great Britain Global Sustainability Ambassador for HMM Europe Ltd
• Revolutionising Transport Logistics: Exploring Alternative Fuel Paths - This panel discussion, hosted by Celia Greaves, CEO of the Hydrogen Energy Association, looks at alternative fuels and how this roadmap to 2040 can lead to significant reductions in emissions

Net Zero is a topic that is likely to make waves across all industries so we highly recommend attending a talk or two on this topic to see what the future of logistics looks like.

Trade with the EU

Last, but not least, there is still the spectre of Brexit. Since leaving the single market, there have been countless barriers to overcome to make trade with the EU easier. Our speakers want to provide attendees with the tools and information they need to overcome these barriers and make trade with the EU as frictionless as possible. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, then be sure to stop by these talks:

• How to lead from the front on customs compliance amid changing UK-EU regulations - This talk from Samantha Hodgkins, a Trade & Customs Specialist at IoE & IT, helps you stay up-to-date with the UK’s Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) and new supply chain rules in the EU. Not to be missed if your business relies on EU trade

Something for everyone

The topics above are by no means the only ones up for discussion. We have a wealth of events and opportunities where you can network, problem-solve, and discover new ways of working. Some of the other highlights we highly recommend taking a look at include:

• Shaping Logistics Future: Shippeo & Unipart's Real-Time Visibility Story - A session with Unipart and Shippeo, and how they collaborated on a market-leading data project to improve logistics and warehousing
• Intelligent & Sustainable Warehousing - This panel discussion will focus on trends in automation and sustainability solutions for warehouse operation with insight from leaders at Logistics UK, Howard Tenens Logistics, ABP, and Nick Smith Consulting

Don’t miss this year’s event

As you can see, there is a lot to be excited about for Multimodal 2024. With 80 conference sessions hosted by leading industry speakers and knowledge sharing across the 3-days along with awards, a large exhibition hall, and more; this event is not to be missed. If you are interested, be sure to register here and get ready to experience the UK’s biggest logistics and supply chain expo at the NEC in Birmingham this June