Agenda

Combining tried and tested with new ideas, encouraging continuity with innovation, creating networks across company boundaries and value chains - despite geopolitical upheavals, national and ideologically influenced egoisms and (I can't stand hearing it anymore:) multi-crises. The current economic situation, the business climate and above all business expectations are once again cautious - across the board for both suppliers and consumers of logistics services. Do we dare to restart? Can we prove the connection between economic development and psychology?

Dr Tobias Meyer sees globalisation as a driving force despite protectionist tendencies. Technological developments such as digitalisation and automation as well as the need for sustainable logistics solutions and geopolitical uncertainties are shaping the industry. Meyer recognises growth opportunities in e-commerce and the importance of innovation and sustainability. Strategically, DHL is investing in digital platforms, sustainable technologies and the expansion of its global presence. The flexibility and resilience of supply chains are crucial to successfully meeting the current challenges.

Lernen endet nie. Wer dies nicht lebt, schafft sich selbst ab – unabhängig vom hierarchischen Level. Wie schaffen wir ein Umfeld, in dem Herausforderungen als Chance zum Lernen und Wachsen gesehen werden? Diese Session zeigt, wie Unternehmen die Lernbereitschaft ihrer Mitarbeitenden auf allen Ebenen fördern können. Insbesondere in Zeiten der KI ist kontinuierliches Lernen unerlässlich. Erfahren Sie, wie eine Kultur des lebenslangen Lernens geschaffen wird, welche die Mitarbeiter motiviert, das Potenzial jedes Einzelnen maximiert und so Unternehmen widerstandsfähiger macht.

Switching to alternative drive systems in the freight transport sector is the key to decarbonisation. However, the market availability of the technologies and the availability of the necessary infrastructure and energy sources stand in the way of decarbonisation goals and EU initiatives such as ‘Fit for 55’. For the carriers, the switch to alternative drive systems and energy sources is a drastic organisational and financial transformation and the composition of a sustainable fleet has never been so complex. The session offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of the discussion and highlights the perspectives of all relevant stakeholders to derive specific recommendations for action for the industry.

Open innovation, the name says it all - opening the doors of your own company to others to develop solutions together based on a problem or idea and thus promote innovation in logistics.

The whole thing can take place in different forms, one of which is the Boostcamp organised by the Digital Hub in Hamburg. We want to take you with us and show you success stories from the past few years of how corporates or start-ups have cooperated and how great innovations can be created in just 3.5 days.

The Forum Spare Parts Logistics (FEL) provides an annual platform for dialogue in spare parts and aftersales logistics. This year, it will take place for the first time as part of the opening day of BVL Supply Chain CX. The focus will be on specialist presentations and discussions on current challenges for sustainable and resilient spare parts logistics and after sales management, as geopolitical challenges and the pursuit of increasingly sustainable logistics have led to a change in the global supply chain ecosystem in recent years. The Track FEL also has its own expo, as well as plenty of space for networking and dialogue with experts from spare parts and after-sales management. 

LOXXESS lives the generational conflict - in a positive sense. Cross-generational work, lifelong learning and the needs of different phases of life have a place at LOXXESS. Even before such buzzwords as "Gen Z", "labor shortage" or "new work" dominated the media landscape, the family-owned company was already focusing on the next generations and the development of young talents. As part of the ongoing strategy process, the contract logistics service provider is now implementing new ideas and tools to inspire the next generations in particular - but not only - for their own company and logistics.

Together with the NEXXT Gen Board, Ingo Brauckmann, CEO, sheds light on how LOXXESS is creating a long-term working environment in which all generations benefit from each other.

Here you can get best practice to take away! Listen to short presentations on great ideas or projects that have made a big difference in the company. And you can take part in deciding who presents here. First we collect ideas, then we vote.

How can an organization be structured in such a way that it – and thus the people in it – act flexibly, creatively, innovatively, and passionately? How can the balancing act between strengthening the existing business model and opening new business areas be achieved? Flat hierarchies and cross-functional teams are just two exemplary keys to direct communication and quick decisions. A "modern leadership" with more responsibility and freedom for employees promotes motivation and solidarity.  From this top-class panel, you will take away practical examples of how to reduce bureaucracy and other measures to strengthen your organization and build real resilience.

In today's companies and offices, four, sometimes even five generations work side by side, each with their own experiences and perspectives: one workforce, many worlds, different values. This diversity poses challenges, but offers also opportunities. The session focuses on the relationship between Baby Boomers and Generation Z. We do not want to serve general traditional roles or clichés, but rather explore together the potential and benefits of intergenerational exchange and cooperation in the workplace. Let's learn from each other and grow together. Let's Talk! 

The finalists selected by the jury get to the heart of the matter – they present their work in short pitches. After the pitches, the finalists will answer the questions of the Jury, whose members finally decide on the award winner of 2024.

You can find out more about the Science Award for Supply Chain Management here: https://www.bvl.de/en/sascm

How is sustainability changing supply chains? How can traditional supply chain models be adapted, innovative and sustainable solutions integrated at the same time? The transformation of supply chains affects all players in the market - industry, suppliers, logistics service providers, retailers - and will be felt even more intensely in the coming years.

Product changes, new sourcing structures, innovative business models and new logistics tasks are just a few examples of the factors driving change in supply chains. A lack of willingness to adapt can have considerable consequences.

Learn from the experts how they deal with these challenges and receive practical tips on how you can make your supply chains future-proof and sustainable.

It is difficult to keep up with the speed of technological developments in the field of artificial intelligence. The high hopes we have placed in this technology are facing enormous hurdles. A certain disillusionment is setting in, caused by regulatory requirements, culture, but also simply the fear of the unknown. How can organisations succeed in turning these challenges into opportunities? How must AI be strategically anchored in the company? How can management succeed in driving the necessary cultural change, setting up the organisation correctly and adapting processes to the new speed? We invite you to discuss these questions together.

Which skills, traits and qualifications are necessary to become a successful Supply Chain leader? How can you prepare yourselves for leadership in a rapidly changing business environment facing one crisis after another? Join us as we explore the essential competencies, educational pathways and appropriate strategies required to become an ambitious logistics executive. Let's engage in a dialogue with proven experts sharing knowledge, expertise and advice that will empower you to chart your course or that of your junior executives towards successful leadership in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

Logistics and Supply Chain Management are an attractive professional field. But the industry still faces an unprecedented challenge in the battle for specialists and junior staff. 

What are the keys to overcoming the bottleneck? Employer branding has long since functioned as a strategic instrument for strengthening one's own employer brand. Does industry knowledge still have top priority? Isn't it more about key qualifications? We will tell you how to fill your vacant positions in the future in this panel of experts, who also dare to think outside the box.

The decision between make or buy is of strategic importance in spare parts logistics. In-house logistics offers control, flexibility and fast response times, but requires high fixed costs and investment in infrastructure and personnel. Outsourcing enables cost efficiency, scalability and access to specialised expertise, but carries risks such as dependence on service providers and loss of direct control. In this session, the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches are analysed, practical examples of successful strategies are presented and decision-making criteria such as costs, service quality and flexibility are discussed. Legal and contractual aspects will also be analysed.

This session is set to answer some important questions about keeping organizations on track during disruptive change and transformation. We'll also explore how to navigate the tension between the "tried and tested" and the "unpredictable" aspects of change.

Plus, we'll dive into what to do when the current business requires full concentration, but change is needed to stay competitive.

Certainly, adapting to changing markets is crucial for logistics service providers. Here we discuss successful strategies for navigating the future:

• Digital Transformation: Embrace technology to optimize processes, enhance visibility, and improve customer experiences. Implement robust supply chain management systems, track-and-trace solutions, and predictive analytics.
• Sustainability: Address environmental concerns by adopting eco-friendly practices. Explore electric vehicles, alternative fuels, and efficient route planning to reduce emissions. Customers increasingly value sustainability, so it’s a competitive advantage.
• Collaboration: Partner with other logistics providers, e-commerce platforms, and manufacturers. Collaborative networks can optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve service levels.
• Supply Chain Resilience: Build robust supply chains that can withstand disruptions. Diversify suppliers, maintain safety stock, and have contingency plans in place.

Remember: Agility, innovation, and customer-centricity are key to thriving in the ever-evolving logistics landscape!

In today's dynamic business environment, resilience and agility are pivotal for driving business performance. Discover how leading companies manage their complex supply chains amidst mounting challenges. In a cross-industry approach, we discuss suitable measures and successful solutions to effectively and efficiently steer supply chains. Explore strategies for transforming manufacturing processes while concurrently redesigning logistics, all while maintaining required performance towards customers. Learn how implementing necessary transparency allows for instantaneous decision-making supported by real-time simulation, prediction and optimization. Let's navigate the path to resilience in supply chain management together.

What makes real leaders today who not only nurture their teams, but also inspire them to grow beyond their own limits in really difficult times?

What are the tried and tested prerequisites for a resilient leadership culture in which people like to achieve extraordinary things on their own?

In this special panel, we will first hear the personal understanding of leadership from experienced and successful leaders of different generations in keynote speeches. Afterwards, immerse yourself in an intensive and constructive dialogue with us, in which we question the theses together with you.

Rail freight transport plays an important role in the supply chain so that goods can be transported sustainably from filling/loading to the customer. The aim of this session is to bring together stakeholders from the areas of wagon keepers, the Association of Freight Railways, and software for rail freight transport to highlight practical challenges and opportunities.

The shift of goods from road to rail is even a measurable goal in the coalition agreement of the German government. But how can this project be implemented? What opportunities and challenges does this mode of transport bring, and how is competition on the railways organised?

Recommendations for investors and corporates in the spotlight. Where are the European innovation hotspots? Which trend topics attract the largest investments? How do the investment strategies and focal points of corporate and private venture capital differ? In addition to these and other questions, the speakers will analyse the attractiveness of the German & European market from the perspective of international investors. The session is aimed at decision-makers from the supply chain, logistics, technology, venture capital and private equity sectors who are interested in investment opportunities and trends in Europe.

Immerse yourself in the future of intralogistics with TGW's ground-breaking SmartPocket pocket sorter! This revolutionary technology replaces traditional drag chains with autonomous mobile robots that move independently in a rail network. SmartPocket sets new standards in efficiency, scalability and reliability and is customised to actual requirements: with significant cost advantages both in the initial investment and in ongoing operation.

Find out how SmartPocket helps you to master the challenges of modern logistics and secure decisive competitive advantages. Be inspired by this pioneering solution and prepare yourself for the logistics of tomorrow!

Artificial intelligence has arrived - it's not just demos that count, but tangible results. The currency of progress? Euros saved and generated. In 2024, this is the ultimate indicator of the success of an AI strategy. In reality, most companies are still experimenting with small pilot projects and only a few live apps have left the lab into the real business world. In our session, we will give an overview of how the most advanced companies are creating business value with AI. Discover how the latest platforms are becoming the AI backbone for critical business processes, delivering results within weeks that directly impact business success.

This session will look beyond logistics to present exciting AI projects from other industries that have so far remained under the radar. Selected AI projects from various sectors will be presented to offer new perspectives and ideas for planning the next 5-10 years in logistics. A cautious evaluation of these projects will be made, followed by a joint discussion on whether and how these approaches could also be relevant in logistics. This session will provide a valuable opportunity to think outside the box and gather innovative ideas that could shape the future of logistics.

The aging medium-sized companies in logistics are facing challenging times. Buzzwords such as plurality and diversity have long since ceased to be new. 

What added value do innovative strength, flexibility and adaptability bring and how can the old hands in the logistics industry become fit for future challenges? 

In a mix of science and best practice, the speakers will discuss a thesis together with the plenary in three rounds. The aim of the session is to show different perspectives on the various aspects of diversity and intercultural management in logistics.

Does Europe’s industry have a future as a competitive economic region in the face of low growth, structurally higher energy costs, increasing Asian imports and excessive bureaucracy? What measures can we take to regain competitiveness and – at the same time - become sustainable? What role do renewable energies and technological innovations play in this? Discover which strategies and solutions could shape Europe's future and how we can successfully defend our leading industrial position. Let's discuss these critical questions concerning the future of European competitiveness. 

Increasing complexity of sales channels requires strategic adaptation of logistics processing as “enabler” in the backend of omnichannel commerce. High logistics costs arise due to particular intensity of transportation, warehouse complexity and considerable flexibility requirements in order processing. However, service requirements of B2B and B2C customers in the various sales channels continue to increase. For retailers and wholesalers, this results in a conflict of objectives between necessary cost optimization and service expansions expected by customers. The session gives an overview on the current status of omnichannel logistics in wholesale and retail, examines logistics strategies, classifies current logistics challenges and ventures an outlook on logistically relevant developments.

The world of sustainability regulations is changing. New reporting obligations and standards bring challenges, but also opportunities. Early and strategic implementation can create competitive advantages. However, a structured approach is required to utilise the potential:

• Gain clarity: Understand relevant regulations.
• Evaluate effort: Estimate cost and resource requirements.
• Leverage sustainability activities: Highlight existing initiatives.
• Develop new business areas: Develop offerings such as supplier scouting or sustainability consulting.

Companies can minimize risks and open up new opportunities by acting proactively. At the same time, they make a positive contribution to society and the environment.

Innovation in logistics has a digital DNA, as logistics and digitalization have been closely interwoven for over a decade. Hardly any logistics process can do without a digital system landscape, no logistics innovation can do without IT or "tech". So we are no longer at zero when it comes to digitalization. What's next for Chief Digital Officers in logistics? What's next on the agenda? How is practice reacting to current digitalization needs? What are the directions of implementation? We will also touch on AI. We will explore all of this in our interactive discussion round. Questions are welcome. 

Simply saving CO2 in retail logistics is a thing of the past. The significant reduction of emissions is certainly still a key issue. However, sustainable developments in the retail supply chain also mean ensuring availability from traceable sources. The new Supply Chain Duty of Care Act sets the bar high for this. However, savings are also required in the area of product and transport packaging. National legislation and European regulations are paving the way for a higher reusable quota from production to the end consumer. This session will show you how companies are facing up to the challenge of sustainability in and with retail logistics.

Lean&Green Award Ceremony - During the session, participating companies in the ‘Lean & Green’ initiative in Germany will be honoured for their success in reducing their CO2 emissions in transport and logistics processes and for assuming ecological responsibility.

We all know that overcoming crises makes organizations more resilient. But why is it that some organizations manage change sustainably whilst others fail? Well, the good news is that transformation “health” can be learnt. So how can we encourage our employees to embrace change and continuously evolve to meet the speed and complexity they are confronted with in this ever-changing world?

Even once the initial hurdles in implementing an AI strategy have been overcome, the realisation of AI projects is no easy task. High expectations of a general-purpose technology are often followed by disillusionment during implementation - whether in internal company or customer-specific projects. But where does AI realise its true potential? Which use cases create real added value and which merely lead to additional work? What are the decisive do's and don'ts, what are the stumbling blocks during implementation and how can project teams and users be effectively supported? Using concrete use cases, we want to immerse ourselves in the world of AI and discuss practical solutions.

This session will explore the latest advancements in robotics and artificial intelligence, featuring insights from leading experts in the field. Our distinguished lineup of speakers will provide an international perspective on groundbreaking progress, and future directions in AI and robotics. Attendees will benefit from impulses, some live demo, and engaging interactive Q&A segments, fostering a environment for knowledge exchange and networking afterwards. Join us to stay at the forefront of AI and robotics development globally.

In line with the principle of practical experience for practical application, this session will present the ‘CSRD for beginners’ guide. This guideline was developed in the BVL focus group ‘Sustainable Logistics’ and provides practical guidance for companies that fall under the new reporting obligation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The guide offers a structured and easily adaptable best practice approach to fulfil the requirements of the CSRD and is therefore intended to serve as support for the logistics community. 

We live in a time of political and economic tectonic shifts - visible in the EU, but also in the upcoming elections in the USA. What awaits us and how do we deal with it? Chief economist Carsten Klude will introduce the sequence from an economic perspective.

In this start-up consultation hour, two start-ups come on stage and present their business idea – which is then discussed by the Felgendreher and Friends team.

The focus is on how we can effectively use AI as a support in our daily tasks to increase productivity. By learning and applying the right prompts and techniques, we can maximise the capabilities of AI and use it as a valuable co-worker in different areas. This session offers practical tips and strategies on how to use AI tools to optimise work processes, find innovative solutions and gain more time for creative and strategic tasks. Immerse yourself in the world of AI and discover how you can make your working methods more efficient through the intelligent use of prompts.  

In this panel, opportunities are explored - the participants encourage and point the way forward, show solutions and best practices, provide impulses and food for thought: What can each and every individual entrepreneur and top decision-maker do to shape the future for their own company, but also for the business location. Not "just" within the framework of usual thought patterns, but breaking out of them.