Transport logistic, the world’s largest trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT and supply chainmanagement, attracted a record-breaking figure of more than 51,000 trade visitors to Munich last
week.The event, which takes place every two years, registered a 7% rise in visitor numbers to morethan 51,000 people from 134 countries, with most of the increase from international visitors, fairorganiser Messe München said.
The number of exhibitors was also 7% higher this year at 1,893 companies and organisations from59 countries, reflecting the return of some exhibitors who dropped out in 2009 and newparticipants. The proportion of non-German exhibitors rose to 44%. The strongest rises wererecorded from the Baltic and Benelux countries, Scandinavia and Eastern Europe.
The international express and parcels industry presence, however, was mixed. DHL, UPS andvarious smaller companies were among the exhibitors, but major players such as DPD, TNT, FedEx andGLS were again absent.
“The atmosphere in the halls was exceptionally business-focused and positive, veryforward-looking really. The sector finds itself in a strong upwards trend,” said Eugen Egetenmeir,Messe München managing director. Among exhibitors, there was a strong increase in the number oflogistics services companies and also commercial vehicle manufacturers, he pointed out. Germantransport minister Peter Ramsauer, who opened the event, commented: “In 2011 transport logistic haslived up to its reputation: it is the largest and most important transport and logistics fairworldwide. I am deeply impressed by the many exhibitors who are taking part, particularly fromabroad. All parts of the world are represented here.”
Exhibitors praised the success of this year’s event. Panalpina CEO Monika Ribar said: “transportlogistic 2011 is more international than ever before. It is a unique opportunity to meet up notonly with customers and friends but also with our competitors.” Karl-Friedrich Rausch, DeutscheBahn’s board member for transport and logistics and head of DB Schenker, commented: “The transportlogistic is the most important trade fair. Naturally we are represented in Munich every two years.This is where we meet high-quality customers and the logistics community.” Christian Marnetté, amember of Kuehne + Nagel’s German management, said the logistics company had achieved a new visitorrecord at its stand with 20% more visitors than two years ago.
Among CEP operators, Katja Herbst, divisional board member of DHL Parcel Germany, said: “Thehalls were amazingly full and our meeting rooms were booked up all the time. Business is picking upagain and we in the logistics sector are the first to really feel the recovery in industry.” DieterBambauer, member of the Swiss Post management, added: “We are exhibiting for the first time attransport logistic. It’s the only trade fair where the decision-makers in the logistics industryreally meet. The atmosphere is unbelievably motivating. The concept of mixing the logisticssuppliers really works. We will definitely be here again in two years’ time.”
Andreas Otto, Lufthansa Cargo board member for sales and products, said: “Important industrycontacts, high-level panel discussions and workshops on relevant topics make transport logisticinto an excellent platform.” Ram Menen, Divisional Senior Vice President Cargo for Emirates, added:“Once again, transport logistic gave proof of its importance for the worldwide logistics andtransport industry. Emirates SkyCargo’s participation as exhibitor in Munich was again a completesuccess and it is at transport logistic where we meet with customers, shippers, freight forwardersand service providers from our key markets to discuss innovative air cargo products andsolutions.”
The conference programme at transport logistic 2011, which featured the trade conferences AirCargo Europe and marilog, attracted more than 4,300 participants. Most interest focused on thesubject of ‘green logistics’. The next transport logistic takes place from 4 to 7 June 2013.
* CEP-Research will be publishing a series of interviews with top executives of internationalexpress and parcel companies that participated in transport logistic 2011.
