Currently, the logistics sector generates almost a million jobs, brings together more than 197,000 companies, and creates around 10% of Spain's GDP; these are dizzying numbers that mark a key sector for society as a whole. Logistics, including transport, intralogistics and supply chain, is recognized as the sector that makes things happen, because without logistics many of the daily activities we carry out would not be possible. Today it is impossible to think of a successful company if it does not have good logistics.
In this sense, Barcelona will be the international capital of the logistics industry on June 7, 8 and 9 while the 25th anniversary of the International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) is celebrated at Fira de Barcelona. Promoted by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), SIL is a space to create synergies and learn about the latest developments in the sector, with more than 650 leading exhibitors in the industry where personalized solutions and innovative services adaptable to each business can be obtained.
Barcelona will be the international capital of the logistics industry on June 7, 8 and 9 while the 25th anniversary of SIL is celebrated at Fira de BarcelonaWith Euskadi as the guest autonomous community this year, this is a very special edition, focused on the success model based on boosting businesses, the networkingand the exchange of knowledge. It is a unique meeting to learn about the latest advances and developments in logistics. In fact, 95% of the exhibition space has already been contracted. In addition, SIL will act as a generator and disseminator of knowledge thanks to the section SIL Knowledge, which will bring together which will bring together400 speakers, in 144 sessions, divided into six blockssustainability; logistics and transport;supply chain; innovation, technology and digitalization;ecommerce, last mile and smart mobility; y talento.
On the other hand, it is worth noting that thousands of professionals from multiple countries will gather at the fair, as SIL has a strong international character, with 40% of participants representing companies from countries such as France, Mexico, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal, Ecuador, Germany, United Kingdom, Uruguay, Poland, Argentina, USA, Belgium, Australia, Paraguay, Netherlands, Finland, Andorra, Panama, China, South Korea, and Chile, and, in addition, Turkey will provide a large stand of multiple national companies that will showcase their latest innovations. Such is the expectation that, today, 95% of the exhibition space is already occupied and it is expected to reach full capacity.
Registration to attend SIL can be done through the website, and will be free until May 26. Last year, SIL brought together more than 12,000 attendees from 81 countries, featured 650 participating companies, and was the setting for nearly 7,000 networking contacts. All information about the fair and the latest news are available on its website.
Leading international congresses hold their activities at SIL
On the other hand, on the occasion of its 25th anniversary, it hosts numerous international congresses such as the 19th Medalogistics Summit, one of the main Mediterranean networking platforms for the supply chain and logistics activities; the XXXIX ALACAT Congress, the largest congress in the Latin American sector; the 18th CSCMP European Conference & European Research Seminar 2023, organized by the largest international entity in the supply chain sector, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals; the 26th edition of EUROLOG (Annual Congress of the European Logistics Association); and the 19th edition of the Logistics and Transport Week in the Mediterranean (MedaLogistics Week), jointly created by the Association of Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) and the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB), with the collaboration of the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and the MedPorts Association.
The CZFB has organized a great logistics week worldwide, which will begin the night before the start of the fair, with the Logistics Night, a gala dinner at the Teatre Nacional de Catalunya where the SIL awards will be presented, with the attendance of the main actors in the sector. These awards will cover key aspects such as innovation, sustainability, startups, and female talent in logistics.
Technology and sustainability, a successful duo for the logistics sector
The roadmap to remain key and strategic involves logistics 4.0. The set of emerging technologies such as cloud, blockchain, cybersecurity, IoT, 5G, in addition to Big data and artificial intelligence will mark a before and after in the industry as they will allow automating workflows and making better decisions based on data. Furthermore, green logistics is a fundamental issue to increase process efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
The set of technologies will mark a before and after in the industryThe SIL 2023it will have a specific area forstartups, with representation from about 30 companies, some of which are currently participating in theHigh Technology Incubator in Logistics 4.0of theCZFB. A project that seeks to offer services to the business, scientific and technological community from different sectors associated with the logistics value chain susceptible to Industry 4.0.
As expressed by Pere Navarro, special delegate of the State in the CZFB: "The evolution that SIL has had from its birth to this very special edition for its 25th anniversary is encouraging. Currently, SIL has become an international reference event for companies, institutions, sectoral organizations, experts, etc. who will attend to benefit from high value-added relationships as well as the knowledge that will be generated."
Blanca Sorigué, general director of the CZFB and SIL, highlighted that "SIL has consolidated Barcelona as the international epicenter of the logistics sector and industry knowledge. Our objective is to share the main challenges of the ecosystem and work together on the roadmap for the future. Furthermore, it is great news that SIL hosts other international organizations such as ALACAT, CSCMP or ASCAME, as it elevates the quality and format of the debate."