The organisers of the Inside Warehouse Logistics Expo have just announced that they have been forced to open a second hall to accommodate the unexpected volume of exhibitors that have signed up for IWLEX 2023.
IWLEX, which is running the Telford International Centre on 23rd and 24th May 2023, has attracted a lot of interest since its inception in the Autumn of 2022. Nairn Foster, MD of IWLEX comments: “We are thrilled to announce that with three months to go until IWLEX, we have hit our initial target for exhibiting companies, and we have had to extend useable space at the Telford International Centre (TIC). Rather embarrassingly, and despite our enthusiasm and passion, we weren’t expecting such enormous support from the industry, and we would like to thank the team at TIC for making an additional hall available to us. First and foremost, we do not want to be turning interested exhibitors away, and this expansion will allow us to accommodate them and expand on our Carbon Net Zero zone and expand our Wellbeing Zone.
Warehouse and Logistics News spoke to the founders of IWLEX, Nairn Foster (MD) and Justin Craig (CEO) to understand its success to date:
Why has IWLEX caught the imagination of the UK Warehousing and Logistics sector?
Because IWLEX “IS” the imagination and ideas of the sector. It isn’t what Nairn and Justin and Paul think the industry wants, it’s what the industry tells us it wants. We were mindful not to be constrained by our pre-conditioning, our experiences, by our subconscious bias.
And this will continue, we are 100% open to being directed and receiving insight from our partners and contacts in the industry.
The vision for the event was to create a new dramatically differentiated event for the sector. This isn’t easy, in what is already a competitive space for events, conferences and exhibitions.
Why is IWLEX different?
From its inception IWLEX was “shaped by the industry for the industry”. We have allowed IWLEX to be shaped and structured in a way that was driven by the ideas and needs of a broad spectrum of our industry. We would like to thank Women in Logistics, UKWA, AHMSA, RTITB, SEMA and The Big Logistics Diversity challenge (among others) for their support to date.
Secondly, IWLEX is a genuinely PURPOSE driven event. Both Justin and I wanted to create a successful and profitable exhibition, but we also wanted to create something that positively contributes towards the community it serves.
The event has a not-for-profit focus on mental wellbeing. The shared challenges endured by so many during Covid heightened awareness that even the strongest of people can sometimes need support. The broader logistics sector has some of the most alarming suicide statistics. We acknowledge IWLEX can’t solve the problem but want to try and help. The event will raise awareness of this issue and our exhibitors and partners have all been very supportive of this initiative.
What can visitors expect at IWLEX?
Quite simply, solutions to the problems they face as warehouse professionals.
A more welcoming and diverse audience.
An incredibly broad spectrum of exhibitors.
A world class conference and content that justifies a two-day visit.
And a personal wellbeing zone full of workshops and insight to help individuals learn and share techniques with their colleagues, which they may never have experienced before.
What are the typical challenges Warehouse operators are facing?
• How do I manage and improve the operating cost base of my warehouse?
• I am thinking of creating a new warehousing solution. Where do I start and who could advise me?
• I am finding it challenging to get my warehouse fully staffed. What are my options to overcome this?
• The current recession is making my warehouse throughput demands very lumpy / unpredictable. How do I build greater flexibility into my solution?
• I currently have capacity in my warehouse, how can I operate my solution and add third party services.
• I know there is a lot of new technology that can improve my business processes and customer outcomes. Given the size of my operation what are my options?
• Our board wants to increase both our resilience and agility. How does my warehousing solution help us achieve this?
• I want to harness renewable energy sources within my operation. What is the process, who can help, is it worth it?
• How can we reduce our carbon footprint?
• How can we support our staff better to help support their mental well-being?
• Can we increase and benefit from diversity?
What would your message be to anyone considering exhibiting or visiting IWLEX?
If you are part of the Warehouse and Intralogistics industry, come along and be part of something new. IWLEX is more than just a two-day event, we are building a community with a vision to promote positive change throughout the sector. Yes, IWLEX will be a great place to do business and generate leads and or source suppliers, but it’s also an opportunity to learn and to shape something new and exciting for the future of our industry. The two-day conference will blow you away with some incredible sessions and keynote speakers.
How can people get involved with IWLEX?
To exhibit, please go to: www.iwlex.co.uk/exhibit
To visit, please go to: www.iwlex.co.uk/visit
To join the FREE IWL discussion community, visit: www.iwlex.co.uk/community
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