Just under a week to go until the Logistica and ICT & Logistiek trade shows take place. What can you expect at the fairs? LogistiekProfs looks ahead with Martijn de Weerd, Brand Manager Jaarbeurs.
From 28 to 30 November, 350 exhibitors in Utrecht will show their innovations and solutions for the logistics profession. The fair has a number of changes compared to previous editions. Last year, organisers Jaarbeurs and Stichting Logistica decided to make Logistica a biennial fair. Because the logistics market is changing so much, a three-yearly event would no longer suffice. "For buyers in this day and age, it is crucial to be faster and better informed about available applications," says brand manager Martijn de Weerd. Also, this year's fair lasts three days instead of four. Opening hours have been extended to 7pm. "That gives people the opportunity to come outside working hours and rush hours. So you no longer have to take a whole day off to visit the fair."
Wide range of exhibitors and knowledge transfer
According to De Weerd, characteristic of this edition is the wide range of solutions on offer. "Material Handling is still central. Where previously the main focus was on forklifts and racking, there is now also plenty of room for robots and agv's. Packaging and E-commerce play a major role this edition."
In addition to a wide range of exhibitors, Logistica and ICT & Logistiek focus increasingly on knowledge transfer. A wide range of knowledge sessions are organised in four theatres, including the Warehouse Day, the Trends in Warehousing programme, sessions on safe working and applications of IT in logistics. De Weerd: "Visitors don't just want to see products. They also come for solutions and example projects. Many of these practical sessions provide knowledge that visitors can already apply tomorrow, so to speak."
Demonstrations at the Scala's Move, Store, Pick, Deliver
How do you set up a complete logistics process with the products and systems exhibitors are showing at Logistica? The four Scalas Move, Store, Pick, Deliver make that clear. Here, the applications at the fair are visualised as concretely as possible. The demonstrations in the Scalas are repeated every hour. An adviser from the VeLa (Association of Logistics Advisers) provides commentary on each demonstration. From the demo area, fair visitors have a view of the simulated warehouse situation. The demonstrated processes are shown in close-up on large screens.
Hydrogen Plaza
The trade fair aims to stimulate innovation with the presence of the Hydrogen plaza, which explains the use of hydrogen as an energy source for lift and warehouse trucks. Experts from various parties such as HYGRO, Heffiq, Toyota and Still will be at the plaza to share their vision, knowledge and experience. "Hydrogen makes a huge contribution to sustainable energy consumption. It is no longer an experimental thingy; abroad, this fuel is in full use. In the Netherlands, it is still relatively unknown. That is also the reason why we are now organising the Hydrogen plaza. A subsequent seminar will remove ambiguities about regulations, permits and subsidies, encouraging companies to switch to this energy source."
Read also: Hydrogen Plaza calls for more attention to hydrogen in the warehouse
'Unique in the Netherlands
De Weerd believes the three-day trade fair is "the opportunity to learn about what is going on across the entire breadth of the logistics profession". "The combination of the product range with the ranges and all the knowledge sessions make these three days unique in the Netherlands. Want to know what's new, which applications to keep an eye on and brush up on your professional knowledge? Then get in your car for a few hours at the end of November to come to Utrecht."
You can register for Logistica here.
