LogiMAT in Stuttgart
LogiMAT is an annual trade fair focused on material flow and intralogistics. It is the largest event of its kind in Europe, and the fair is designed accordingly on a massive scale. With ten halls available, there is enough space to demonstrate even complex conveyor technology processes live. Furthermore, a supporting program of symposia and expert lectures offers plenty of opportunities to gather comprehensive information about trends and innovations. Nearly 1,600 exhibitors invite visitors to explore their stands.
Exclusive and Successful: The Material Flow Congress in Garching
An exclusive event focused on material flow and logistics takes place every year at the Technical University of Munich in Garching. With an entry fee of 1,260 euros, attendance is reserved for a select professional audience. However, since the event has been running for over 30 years, it boasts a true success story. The heart of the event is a lecture program covering the industry’s most important topics, including:
- Material flow and logistics for Industry 4.0
- Innovations in digital business models, including multi-channel retail
- Integrated logistics solutions for online trade
- Driverless systems for internal transport
- Material flow systems using cellular conveyor technology
- Human-centered work organization in digitized intralogistics
- Warehouse inventory control software and warehouse stock management software for small and medium-sized enterprises
- Additionally, there is a trade exhibition where selected conveyor system suppliers and belt conveyor suppliers can showcase their innovations.
The Leading Trade Fair: CeMAT in Hanover
Although slightly smaller than LogiMAT, the biennial CeMAT in Hanover is considered the leading trade fair for the logistics industry and takes place alongside the Hannover Messe. Five exhibition areas invite visitors to learn about trends and innovations in the logistics sector. In the "Logistics IT" area, the focus is on internal transport processes and automation. The core theme here is self-controlling processes, which offer particularly high efficiency gains in supply chain management.
In the "Manage & Service" area, business fields and challenges are presented where growth and development are currently predicted. The focus here is on ecological challenges associated with energy efficiency and emission reduction. The "Move & Lift" exhibition area deals with all topics that make lifting and moving loads faster and safer. From cranes and industrial trucks with accessories to driverless transport systems (DTS), handling technology, and special solutions for vertical conveyors and overhead monorails, this area provides a comprehensive overview of technologies and innovations for intralogistics.
The "Empack and Label&Print" area focuses on space-saving and material-saving packaging technologies. Secure, clear, and traceable labelling is also a major topic here. Finally, new trends in warehouse automation and shipping technology can be found in the "Store & Load" section, which often features a full automated warehouse system in action.
transport logistic in Munich
What CeMAT is for internal transport, "transport logistic" is for road transport. Held every two years in Munich, this trade fair focuses on mobility, IT, logistics, and supply chain management. With around 2,400 exhibitors from 63 countries, it is considered the leading trade fair for solutions involving road, rail, water, and air transport. Internal transport and material flow solutions are also featured at the event. In addition to the wide-ranging exhibition program, numerous conferences are held to provide information on the latest industry trends. For visitors and participants, the specially developed transport logistic app is a helpful tool for gathering information and navigating the fair.
FachPack and Many Specialized Trade Fairs
The example of FachPack highlights the many specialized material handling trade fairs and side events centered around material flow and logistics. FachPack is a trade fair dedicated to packaging solutions. It is held in Nuremberg at varying intervals, occurring either annually or every two years. Even though FachPack is a specialized event, its large number of exhibitors (nearly 1,600) makes it highly significant for the industry. Innovations, trends, and best-practice solutions regarding packaging and material flow are the central themes of this fair. The event is primarily aimed at a professional audience. However, there is no formal verification process, meaning anyone interested in the subject can visit the fair.
Extra Tip: "Supply Chain Day" (Tag der Logistik)
"Supply Chain Day" is a compact event that takes place annually on the third Thursday in April as a nationwide, decentralized day of action. On this day, numerous companies and institutes involved in material flow and logistics offer in-house specialist lectures. The breadth of the program and the wealth of information available make this event valuable for everyone involved in the industry.
Conclusion: A Wide Range of Options for a Vital Topic
Producing a product is already a challenge. Moving it to its destination, both inside and outside the company, is another. The wide range of logistics trade fairs, forums, and other events centred around material flow and automation shows that the German trade fair landscape has been successfully rising to this challenge for years.
For more ideas around purchasing and sourcing in logistics and material flow, europages Inside Business offers helpful tools and inspiration.
