It’s easy to think of automation as a future project—a pilot project, or perhaps an investment to be made ”when the time is right.” But ahead of this year’s Logistics & Automation (Sept. 30–Oct. 1), the sentiment is different: what was showcased on the trade show floor a few years ago has now become part of day-to-day operations.
That is one of the changes that Lovisa Ewerman, project manager for the Logistics & Automation trade show, wants visitors to take home with them.
– Don’t miss our seminar program, which will be moderated this year by Anneli Egestam. In addition, SCE Sessions is back following last year’s success, this time featuring four panel sessions led by Stefan Karlöf on topics such as agent-based AI, smart warehousing, and S&OP. “If you want to stay up to date, this is the place to be,” says Lovisa.
Among other highlights of the program, she mentions Linda Pimmeshofer, CTO at J.Lindeberg, who will speak about creating data-driven logistics organizations; a panel session on sustainable e-commerce deliveries; and Peter Hellman of the West Sweden Chamber of Commerce, who will discuss the challenges facing logistics in turbulent times. On the exhibition floor, the popular Demo Area is back with live demonstrations of the latest technology.
More E-commerce and Spotlight Stage
New this year is the opening of the new Spotlight Stage, and the steadily growing e-commerce sector will be given special attention.
“We’re offering visitors more e-commerce content this year, since we saw increased demand after last year’s trade show. We’re also launching the Spotlight Stage, where exhibitors get dedicated time to showcase their new products to visitors,” says Lovisa.
This means the trade show will feature three different stages: the Logistics Stage, the Spotlight Stage, and the Empack Stage—with the latter focusing on packaging as part of the parallel Empack trade show.
An increasingly broad target audience
Logistics & Automation traditionally attracts warehouse managers, logistics managers, and technicians who are already deeply familiar with these issues. But according to Lovisa, there is a growing area that deserves more attention.
– Today, the typical visitor is also a CEO, buyer, warehouse manager, supply chain manager, supervisor, engineer, or technician of various kinds, as well as various e-commerce executives, and we highlight the challenges facing that segment of the industry. These may include, for example, last-mile deliveries, returns, and sustainability issues.
”SCE Sessions a Success”
Supply Chain Effects’ presence at the trade show is nothing new; rather, it is the result of a collaboration that has developed organically over time. This year, it takes the form of SCE Sessions, featuring four panel sessions led by Stefan Karlöf.
“SCE Sessions was a huge success when it was introduced last year, and I think it will be just as rewarding this year. Supply Chain Effect has put together topics and panelists that provide a great overview as well as practical advice for anyone who wants to stay on top of the latest developments. “I’m very happy about our collaboration and look forward to seeing it come to life again on stage,” says Lovisa.
”There's nothing like meeting in person”
The trade show is being developed and driven by an industry that has been undergoing rapid change for several years now, making in-person meetings even more important.
– There’s a lot happening right now that’s affecting the industry, with challenges such as the green transition, the global situation, and technological advances driving the pace of development. I feel that exhibitors are looking ahead while also needing strategies to address challenges in the here and now—there needs to be resilience to tackle sudden changes.The question, of course, is what would make this particular edition a success. According to Lovisa, the answer is simple:
– My hope for this year’s Logistics & Automation is to facilitate many fruitful interactions among all participants, especially between exhibitors and visitors. That’s where the real value lies. It might sound like a cliché, especially coming from someone who works in the trade show industry, but meeting in person is simply unbeatable.
Logistics & Automation will take place September 30–October 1 at Kistamässan in Stockholm. For more information, see logisticssthlm.se
