Intermodal Europe 2013 round up
Intermodal Europe 2013 demonstrated its position as the leading global exhibition and conference for container transport and logistics across the road, rail and sea sectors, in Hamburg in October, Informa Exhibitions said.
A programme of informative conference sessions was run alongside a comprehensive exhibition at the Hamburg Messe. Intermodal Europe is considered an important event for container transport and logistics professionals to network, to discuss current topics in the industry and to witness new products.
“This is a great show, and it was excellent to have a speaking slot to talk about wireless technology advances in the reefer market” says Sean Maguire, Business and Product Development, WAM Technologies LLC, who led a technology conference session about global wireless reefer monitoring and control. “The conference sessions are really important and the whole show is a great asset for the industry.”
Carsten Berger, General Manager of H&S Container Line led a conference session titled ‘Moving towards intermodalism: a case study in inland shipping and retail logistics’.
“There was excellent interest and feedback in the conference session. It was the first time presenting at Intermodal Europe in English” says Carsten Berger. “This event is very important for the industry and included a well put together programme with lots of good named speakers. There are a lot of decision-makers attending the show and, with a number of stands, it is easier for customers to identify which companies they need to do business with.”
Associate Director - EMEA Research of Jones Lang LaSalle, Alexandra Tornow, presented a conference session looking at the increasing importance of logistics real estate to long-term port success.
“There is a good level of interest in understanding the importance of customer connections” says Alexander Tornow. “Within JLL we see increasing demand for well-connected portcentric logistics facilities as there are lots of positive aspects that the whole industry can benefit from. Intermodal Europe is key to speak with specialist companies in the intermodal industry.”
With thousands of decision makers in attendance, Intermodal Europe provides the ideal opportunity for visitors and exhibitors to network and do business.
“Intermodal Europe is an enjoyable and useful show. It gives us the opportunity to conduct business with customers and suppliers in one day. This show is great for future business” says visitor Harry (James) Rawlinson of Multistar.
Once again, the Container Owners Association (COA) stand proved a popular meeting point at the event. “Intermodal Europe has, as usual, been very busy” says Patrick Hicks, General Secretary of the COA. “Many current and prospective members, from all sectors of the container business, have been meeting on the COA stand. Intermodal Europe is a great place to network and meet people across the industry.”
Nigel Stribley of Blue Sky Intermodal UK and COA member, visited Intermodal Europe 2013. “The show has been very busy and is an excellent meeting place for the industry. It provides a good opportunity to maintain contact with existing customers and suppliers and also to meet new ones.”
International paint and coatings manufacturer, Valspar, exhibited at Intermodal Europe for the second year in a row. “The 2012 theme was focused on brand recognition, but this year it is all about 'doing business' which is made possible by Intermodal Europe” Ashley Cribb from Valspar explains. “We are connecting with customers and Intermodal offers all innovations in one place.”
Exhibitor Seaco also enjoyed success at the event. “Our time at the Show was a great success” says Suzanne Class, Seaco. “We were extremely busy talking with current contacts as well as networking and meeting new people.”
Conference speaker and exhibitor Don Miller of Globetracker adds “This was our first year with a stand. There are some big players in the market, and we have had some great exposure to new business. Intermodal Europe provides the opportunity to bring sectors together that wouldn't usually be in the same place.”
This year’s event played host to more than 100 high-quality exhibitors, many with new equipment, systems, technologies and services to unveil.
“Intermodal Europe is a good venue to meet with our customers. The celebration of the approaching production of our millionth unit and availability of Carrier’s new XtendFRESH™ atmosphere control system was well received and it created a lot of excitement on the show floor” says Karolina Marcinowski, of exhibiting company, Carrier Transicold.
“A combination of high-quality exhibitors and conference speakers helped to ensure Intermodal Europe 2013 was another great success,” says Event Director, Sophie Ahmed. “Visitors know they can come to Intermodal Europe to discover the latest developments designed to improve operations throughout the container and shipping industry. The quality of visitors was also very high this year, with thousands of decision makers networking and doing business during the three day event.”
Intermodal Europe 2014 will take place in Rotterdam, the heart of the container shipping industry in Europe,from 11-13 November. Over 70% of the exhibition space has already been booked.