Complexity. Cost. Collaboration.
Under this motto, over 3,200 logistics and supply chain experts from 40 nations will be gathering in Berlin to discuss the latest industry trends and best practice strategies. The event will be held from October 22 – 24 at the hotels InterContinental and Schweizerhof. The 3-day program is filled with exciting presentations and workshops from industry experts that aim to address not only complexity, cost and collaboration, but also many other pressing issues supply chain and logistics managers are faced with on a daily basis. As an industry blogger, I am looking forward to attending the event and being able to take the “pulse” of the industry firsthand. Networking on blogs and other social media outlets is great, but nothing beats face-to-face discussions and informative presentations!
One presentation I am particularly looking forward to takes place on day one of the event and is titled “Global E-Tailing 2025 – E-Commerce and Logistics on Course for Growth.” Dr. Frank Appel, CEO of Deutsche Post DHL, will share his thoughts on the online trading industry, focusing on its growth, especially in emerging economies. Dr. Appel will address the importance of flexibility in delivery supply models and the inclusion of value added concepts. Also on day one, a discussion panel will take on the conference theme (complexity, cost, collaboration), and provide insight on how companies can curb rising costs occurring in networks that are growing evermore complex.
The conference is also offering the attendees the opportunity to take part in three exciting off-site excursions, referred to in the program as “outdoor sequences.” These sequences, offered on day 2 of the event, provide attendees important insight into the logistics operations of companies in Berlin. The three companies include Amazon Logistic Potsdam GmbH, Kraftverkehr Nagel GmbH and the freight center at Berlin-Tegel Airport.
Further highlights include the special topic sequence titled “Total Global Procurement,” and the plenary session, “Motivation, Teamwork and Leadership Qualities in Top-Flight Football.” Both of these presentations take place on day 3 of the event, and both address important aspects of logistics and supply chain management. The procurement function has gone through some exciting transformations and its importance within an organization is steadily increasing. As far as football is concerned; insightful parallels can be drawn from the sport, and the concepts of leadership and teamwork found on the football pitch can be applied to the logistics and supply chain environment.
It is obvious that the event organizers (BVL International) understand the importance of networking. Just because the clock hits 5pm, it does not mean the day is over! As stated in the program “As we all know, business comes before pleasure, but then comes pleasure.” A Gala Evening has been organized to wrap-up day one. During the course of the evening, the German award for SCM will be presented. Additionally, an after work party has been organized for the end of day two, and will provide attendees the opportunity to network in a more relaxed environment.
The presentations, workshops, and excursions I mentioned in this article are just the tip of the iceberg. The full program can be downloaded on the BVL International website. You are also able to register for the event on the website.
Be sure to follow me, @Weaver_davidw and BVL International @BVL_Int or @DLK_Berlin (German) on twitter for event updates. I will be live tweeting from the event using the official event hashtags #iscc14 and #dlk14. I’m looking forward to the discussions!
I would also be happy to meet up with anyone interested in discussing top industry trends, including (but not limited to) internal supply chain and inventory optimization, demand planning/ forecasting and best practice stocktaking methods. Or perhaps you have an idea for a blog article and would like to contribute!?! Either way, feel free to contact me per email under david.weaver@inform-software.com
I hope to see you in Berlin!
Photo Credit: BVL/Bublitz
