Multimodal is owned by Clarion Events – the largest independent exhibition organiser in the world. Headquartered in London, Clarion is a truly international business, with a portfolio of events and media brands across a range of vertical markets. We have employees based in offices worldwide, who specialise in delivering first class marketing, networking and information solutions in high value sectors, both in mature and emerging geographies.
Since 2008, Multimodal has been successfully building a supply chain and logistics community of shippers, retailers, manufacturers, wholesalers, importers and exporters and the suppliers who support them through the UK’s biggest logistics expo.
As the industry’s annual meeting place for cargo owners, shippers, and other supply chain professionals, Multimodal offers attendees and exhibitors a space to innovate, connect and make logistics more sustainable. Over 300 companies are exhibiting at Multimodal offering solutions across all modes, together with the latest technological advances, to help you make your supply chains more sustainable, cost-effective and efficient. Our logistics trade show runs the gamut from awards and networking to expo spaces for trucking, freight, and rail companies representing the best and brightest in the industry. We celebrate logistics in all forms and strive to create events where you can grow your business and discover untapped potential.
Robert Jervis, Event Director at Multimodal 2024 spoke to Warehouse & Logistics News.
What does your role involve on a day-to-day basis?
Being a project-based business, my role varies more month-by-month rather than day-by-day. A typical day would involve a review of current sales, our pipeline and any other commercial issues. I also have a marketing catch up. We discuss data and databases, some of our marketing automation processes, social media engagement and registrations. There is also an Ops review where we cover issues like the venue, our contractors, H&S, catering and design. The typical day would then move on to content – whether that be in our conference sessions, website, newsletter or social media.
As we get closer to the show (we measure from 60 weeks out) my focus moves from sales, through marketing, to content and then Ops. It’s a natural and logical progression as we get closer to opening our doors! On top of this, there are issues such as sales ledger, HR, IT and so on – the perennial parts of anyone’s job.
Finally, every week I try and get out of the office to go and visit our customers and visitors. It’s always a privilege and easily the best way to keep one’s finger on the pulse of the industry and to forge stronger bonds with market we serve.
How would you explain the Multimodal Culture?
We strive for excellence and, through that, we are able to build the trust and respect of the industry we serve. All of the team thoroughly enjoys working in this market – the people, the challenges, the complexities – it all makes it very special. We have a have a very positive, inclusive and can-do attitude and we think our customers really buy into this.
Our inclusive and diverse culture is also reflected in our staffing. Over 80% of the team are women, 17% from an ethnic minority background and 66% older than the median working age.
It is further reflected in our trade partnerships. We work very closely with Logistics UK, the Institute of Export & International Trade, Railfreight Group, UK Warehousing Association, British International Freight Association, Road Haulage Association, the Cold Chain Federation, Logistics Leaders Network, Google Digital Garage and Women in Logistics. These strong trade relationships ensure that Multimodal truly reflects the industry we serve and that all our content is generated by the market, for the market.
How does this culture assist your clients’ requirements?
Put simply – we always strive to do better – give our clients more insight, more news, more commercial success and more networking opportunities. We think this – coupled with superb customer service – is what our clients deserve.
Do you have direct contact with customers, and get involved developing solutions?
Always! Every day! It’s the best way to keep up to date. Actually, it’s the only way to keep really up-to-date.
Tell us how Multimodal are growing in the UK
The show is attracting more and more visitors as it provides solutions to how they get their products to market. More IT solutions, more partnerships, more sustainable solutions, it’s a vital part of shippers’ calendars. What makes Multimodal unique in your industry?
It’s the only show that covers all the modes of transport and therefore gives visitors a unique opportunity to blend how their supply chains function. Moreover – since 2008 – we have been the only event founded on the principle of mixing modes to develop more sustainable transport solutions. What sectors do these clients work in? Road, rail, sea, air, forwarding, tech, warehousing and all the ancillary businesses that these markets support.
What do you see as the biggest opportunities in the coming year for Multimodal?
The issues are perennial – supply chain resilience, changing legislation, technology progress, labour shortages – but fortunately, our client mix means that visitors are always able to find solutions to these issues and this always gives us opportunities.
Do you cover the whole of the UK?
Yes. And also Ireland. We also have a small but important client base in north-west Europe.
What are the Multimodal Awards?
The Multimodal ‘Modal’ Awards recognise excellence in air, road, rail, maritime, and freight forwarding services and – as they are nominated and voted for by the thousands of readers of the Multimodal Newsletter and exhibitors and visitors to Multimodal – this makes them one of the fairest industry Awards. The written Awards are judged by an independent panel of judges. Categories include Shipper/Partner of the Year Award, Sustainability Company of the Year Award, Young Logistics Professional of the Year Award, Technology Company of the Year, Best Warehouse Operation of the Year, Customs Technology Partner of the Year and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Company of the Year. Winning an award is a true independent endorsement of a company’s excellence. The Awards are held on the evening of the 11th June at the NEC and the host will be Kevin Keegan.
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