Nairn Foster, Managing Director of Inside Warehouse and Logistics Expo (IWLEX), is excited to introduce YARDX, the world’s first exhibition solely dedicated to Yard Management and Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS). In this interview, Nairn discusses the vision behind YARDX, reflects on the success and key learnings from two years of IWLEX, and highlights how these co-located exhibitions will create a dynamic marketplace for innovations both inside and outside the warehouse.
Managing Director of IWLEX
Nairn Foster, Managing Director of Inside Warehouse and Logistics Expo speaks to Warehouse & Logistics News.
Nairn, congratulations on the launch of YARDX! What is YARDX all about?
Thank you! YARDX is an exciting new exhibition dedicated entirely to yard operations, management, and Industrial Outdoor Storage (IOS). We’re proud to co-locate YARDX with IWLEX in 2025, allowing us to present a full spectrum of logistics and yard management solutions. This will be the first global exhibition focused on yard management technologies, IOS solutions, and industry best practices.
At YARDX, visitors will be able to explore a wide range of products and services designed specifically for their yard operations. We’re also offering thought leadership sessions for financial directors and operations directors, where we’ll explore ways to enhance efficiencies, mitigate risks, and identify cost-saving opportunities. Everything from yard management software to practical solutions like tarmacking and line marking will be showcased at YARDX.
The co-location of YARDX with IWLEX is projected to attract a combined audience of several thousand industry professionals, creating a highly dynamic and interactive event.
That sounds great! For those unfamiliar, how would you define a “yard” in the context of logistics?
In logistics and operations, a yard refers to an outdoor area where vehicles, trailers, heavy equipment, or stored goods are parked, loaded, unloaded, and manoeuvred. These aren’t just traditional logistics sites – yards also include large retail car parks, ports, and industrial outdoor areas at distribution centres. Proper yard management is vital for minimising delays, ensuring safety, and maintaining efficiency, particularly in high-traffic zones.
With industrial outdoor storage becoming increasingly important in logistics and property investment, YARDX is focused on addressing this growth area. We want to highlight the critical role that yards play in the overall supply chain and showcase how efficient yard management can reduce costs and increase operational productivity.
Where did the idea for YARDX originate?
The idea for YARDX came directly from the industry. When we launched IWLEX, we engaged with various industry associations and professionals to understand their needs. Many of them expressed a strong interest in a dedicated event that could showcase innovations and solutions specifically related to yard management and IOS. As yard operations are a crucial link in the logistics supply chain, this made perfect sense.
Just like IWLEX was designed to reflect the evolving logistics landscape, YARDX responds to the need for a dedicated platform for yard-related products and services. Industrial outdoor storage is also growing rapidly, and YARDX will address this emerging area by offering solutions that help businesses optimise their yard operations. Essentially, YARDX provides everything professionals need to efficiently manage their yard and outdoor storage operations under one roof.
After two successful years of IWLEX, what key learnings are you bringing to YARDX?
The last two years of IWLEX have been an incredible learning experience. One of the most important lessons has been understanding how crucial it is to listen to our audience. Feedback from exhibitors and visitors has been invaluable in shaping our approach. YARDX is, in many ways, a direct response to the industry’s demand for a yard-focused event.
Another major takeaway is the value of co-locating complementary events. By holding YARDX alongside IWLEX, we’re creating a more comprehensive marketplace where visitors can explore solutions that address both yard and warehouse logistics challenges. Many buyers have interests that span both areas, so this co-location will enhance their experience and ensure they find the products and services they need.
What kind of companies will be exhibiting at YARDX?
YARDX will feature a diverse range of exhibitors offering solutions for efficient yard and IOS management. Some of the key exhibitor categories include:
•Yard Management Solutions
•Dock and Loading Bay Equipment
•Fleet and Traffic Management
•Transport and Docking Solutions
•Materials Handling and Yard Vehicles
•Industrial Outdoor Storage Solutions
•Security and Safety Solutions
•Health and Safety
•Asset Tracking and Management
•Logistics and Supply Chain Technology
•Facility and Yard Maintenance Solutions
•Energy and Environmental Solutions
•Temporary and Permanent Infrastructure Solutions
•Training, Consultancy, and Compliance
These companies will be showcasing innovative products and services aimed at optimizing yard operations, ensuring safety, and improving overall efficiency.
And who do you expect to visit YARDX?
We anticipate a wide range of visitors to YARDX, including yard and logistics managers, operations directors, supply chain professionals, facilities managers, warehouse operators, transport and fleet managers, and procurement professionals. Additionally, IT and software experts responsible for Yard Management Systems (YMS), health and safety managers, and decision-makers from industries such as retail, manufacturing, distribution, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) are expected to attend. All of them will be looking for innovative solutions to enhance yard management, safety, automation, and operational efficiency.
Looking back at IWLEX, what have been the highlights since its launch?
It’s amazing to think that 2025 will be our third edition of IWLEX. We’re incredibly proud of how the entire industry has supported the event. We’ve learned a lot and, with the backing of associations such as UKWA, AMHSA, and RTITB, we’ve continued to evolve our offering to ensure IWLEX remains relevant and impactful.
What differentiates IWLEX is our unwavering focus on attracting high-quality, vetted buyers for our exhibitors. While we might not be the biggest event in terms of footfall, the people who attend are decision-makers ready to do business. Exhibitors are looking for leads, and visitors want solutions – that’s what we deliver.
One area we’re especially proud of is our commitment to inclusivity, diversity, and well-being. IWLEX has made significant efforts in these areas, and it’s been incredibly well-received by the industry. Of course, we’re always striving for improvement, and as we head into 2025, we’re focused on increasing visitor numbers. We’ve made a significant investment in data and segmentation to expand our audience, and we’re confident this will result in a big boost in attendance, particularly with the addition of YARDX.
What can visitors expect from the free conference at YARDX?
Alongside the exhibition, YARDX will feature a free conference dedicated to yard management and IOS. The conference will provide insights into best practices, innovative solutions, and strategies for optimising yard operations. It’s designed to give professionals practical knowledge they can take back to their businesses and implement immediately.
Companies looking to exhibit at IWLEX or YARDX should contact Nairn Foster to discuss opportunities for showcasing their products and services.
Event Details
•Event Name: YARDX – The Yard Operations and IOS Exhibition
•Dates: 3rd and 4th June 2025
•Location: NAEC, Stoneleigh
•Co-Located Event: Inside Warehouse and Logistics Expo
•Website:
•www.yardex.co.uk (YARDX)
•www.iwlex.co.uk (Inside Warehouse Logistics Expo)
YARDX or IWLEX
07359 250670
www.yardex.co.uk / www.iwlex.co.uk
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