BUILDINX in Dortmund: Trade Fair for Logistics Real Estate Before Premiere

The Messe Dortmund and the Federal Association of Logistics (BVL) present the BUILDINX from November 19 to 21, 2024 – the first business platform specifically dedicated to the entire value chain of innovative logistics and industrial real estate. With a comprehensive supporting program and an Innovation Arena, the trade fair sets new accents in a highly relevant segment. About a month before the start, we spoke with Sabine Loos, Managing Director of the Westfalenhallen Unternehmensgruppe, about the expectations for this premiere and the significance of the event for the industry.

Von: Andreas Müller

(Dortmund) Logistics and industrial real estate play a central role in the supply chain. As hubs for the flow of goods, they form the backbone of trade, industry, and logistics. From November 19 to 21, 2024, the entire value chain will be highlighted for the first time at a dedicated trade fair in Germany: the BUILDINX in Dortmund.

Loginfo24: With the BUILDINX, the aim is to further emphasize the importance of logistics real estate. What was the origin of this event and who is behind it?

Sabine Loos: “The idea for BUILDINX emerged from a close cooperation with the Federal Association of Logistics e.V. and the BVL working group on logistics real estate. The starting point was the realization that the specific needs surrounding logistics and industrial real estate are not adequately addressed at existing trade fairs. There was simply a lack of a platform that offers this target group the opportunity to comprehensively inform themselves and make informed decisions. Unlike traditional logistics or real estate fairs, where technology providers are often not represented, BUILDINX offers a unique feature: it brings together technology, project developers, and demanders of logistics and industrial real estate in one place. This holistic approach is the decisive advantage of BUILDINX.”

Why Dortmund as the venue?

“Dortmund as the location for BUILDINX is a conscious decision: Located in the heart of North Rhine-Westphalia, one of the most dynamic logistics regions in Germany, the city offers ideal conditions for this pioneering trade fair. With around 25,000 employees and 760 companies in the logistics sector, Dortmund is one of the leading locations in the industry. Here, logistics real estate is at the center – exactly where its importance for the entire value chain is particularly pronounced. In no other region is the connection between logistics and industry as palpable as here.”

What is behind the name BUILDINX?

“The name BUILDINX is composed of the central terms Building, Logistics, Industry, and Expo. These elements reflect the broad spectrum of the BUILDINX trade fair, which specializes in the topics of industrial and logistics real estate. Thus, it becomes a central point of contact for industry players who want to leverage the synergies between these areas.”

Logistics and supply chain are highly international. Is BUILDINX a purely German event or do you also look beyond borders?

“BUILDINX is by no means solely focused on the German market. Many of the already registered exhibitors are internationally operating companies, and the topics covered in the supporting program have global relevance. Whether it’s about integrating renewable energies, the latest technological innovations, or using AI to optimize space potentials – these topics affect not only the German market but are significant for the entire international industry. Therefore, a visit to BUILDINX is worthwhile not only for professionals from Germany but also for participants from abroad.”

How have the relevant market partners reacted to the launch of a logistics real estate event? Are all important players involved or is there skepticism? How many exhibitors are registered?

“From the very beginning, we could count on the BVL as a strong partner from the industry – for that, we are very grateful. This means that we have been in close dialogue with our target group from the start and had a significant supporter by our side. So far, around 80 companies have registered as exhibitors, and we are pleased to have the support of renowned partners such as the German Brownfield Association, the Competence Network Logistics.NRW (LOG-IT Club e.V.), the Logistics Cluster Swabia (LCS) e.V., the Initiative Logistics Real Estate (Logix GmbH), and the Logistics Initiative Hamburg (LIHH). With this strong participation, we look forward to the premiere of BUILDINX with great confidence and excitement.”

In about a month, it will begin. What can participants look forward to?

“Participants at BUILDINX can look forward to a perfectly coordinated overall package that offers them maximum added value for their companies. For the first time, all relevant solution providers will come together with stakeholders from industry, trade, logistics, and investment in one place.

Visitors can look forward to an impressive selection of renowned exhibitors covering the entire value chain of innovative logistics and industrial real estate. This will be complemented by a high-profile and informative supporting program that is fully integrated into the trade fair. The central stage and auditorium are the heart of the event and accessible to all participants at any time. As the professional sponsor of BUILDINX, the BVL working group on logistics real estate has designed the accompanying conference and meeting program.

In addition, we offer varied and exciting presentation formats. These include the Innovation Arena, planned with the support of the Founders Fight Clubs, where start-ups compete against each other in a rhetorical pitch competition and must prove themselves before an expert jury. Another highlight is the ‘Innovation Gym’, a special workshop area where start-ups and established companies work together on innovative solutions during the trade fair in short, dynamic ‘workouts’. All of this makes BUILDINX a unique and versatile platform that we are very much looking forward to.”

Space for logistics real estate is becoming increasingly scarce, not just in metropolitan regions. Where space is still available, municipalities often resist the establishment of logistics real estate, especially when it comes to transshipment hubs for logistics service providers. How can BUILDINX influence this trend?

“Trade fairs offer a unique opportunity for intensive, personal exchange between the various actors. This dialogue is crucial when it comes to finding solutions for pressing problems and driving innovations forward. Therefore, I believe that trade fairs are indispensable, especially in complex areas such as space scarcity.

At BUILDINX, experts from all relevant areas, including local government, will come together. We also provide valuable professional input through lectures and discussion rounds as part of our supporting program. These have been developed in collaboration with industry experts who know exactly which challenges companies are currently facing. Topics such as space scarcity and the acceptance of logistics real estate in connection with innovative urban development are just two of many important issues that will be examined more closely.

Among others, we have Alexander Handschuh, Deputy Chairman of the German Association of Cities and Municipalities, as a guest, who will provide valuable insights into the perspectives of municipalities. In addition, our partner, the German Brownfield Association, will bring comprehensive expertise and address the significance of brownfields as potential sites for new logistics projects.”

Logistics real estate with its large flat roofs is ideally suited for the installation of large-scale photovoltaic systems. In addition to the complete self-supply of the systems with electricity, it is usually possible to feed into the public grid. However, it is often heard that this burdens owners with so much bureaucracy that the joy is dampened. Does BUILDINX address this issue?

“Economics, sustainability, and innovations are central themes that we have focused on together with our professional partners from the very beginning. These themes are also reflected in the exhibitors at BUILDINX: An outstanding example is the pan-European logistics and industrial real estate developer Baytree Logistics Properties. The company presented the logistics center ‘C3’ in 2023, which features the largest contiguous photovoltaic system on a logistics roof in Germany with 82,500 square meters. ENVIRIA, a provider of solar systems, is also strongly focused on equipping commercial properties with PV systems. Another example is the company Rudolf HÖRMANN, which is increasingly integrating photovoltaic solutions on the roofs of logistics real estate. In addition, the software provider Node.energy offers solutions that help owners of commercial properties operate their PV systems particularly profitably. This variety of approaches shows how strongly the topic of renewable energies is already anchored in the industry.”

Where is the trend in logistics real estate heading?

“We have identified several central trends that will shape the future of logistics and industrial real estate. A particularly important area is sustainability. This is not only about the recyclability of properties but also about innovative usage possibilities, such as using buildings as energy producers and suppliers. The renovation and revitalization of brownfields are also coming into sharper focus to create additional space for new constructions. Digitalization also plays a crucial role. It enables more efficient processes and smart buildings that can be operated more flexibly and sustainably. New space concepts such as multilevel buildings and flexible usage options (multi-use) are also becoming increasingly important to meet rising demands. In addition, ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) are gaining importance. In particular, the social aspect, for example through wellbeing concepts that improve the working environment in logistics real estate, is coming to the forefront. These trends are reflected in both the offerings of exhibitors and the projects currently being developed in the industry.”

More information and tickets including white paper on the topic
 

Sabine Loos has been shaping the strategic direction of the corporate group for over a decade. Under her leadership, the three subsidiaries – Messe Dortmund, Kongress Dortmund, and Westfalenhalle – develop innovative event concepts.

 

With a dedicated team, she organizes over 1,000 events annually in the areas of trade fairs, congresses, music, sports, and entertainment.

Fotos: © BUILDINX