German Logistics Congress and Logistics Summit in Duel?

Two logistics events in Germany within two consecutive weeks, partially targeting the same clientele, provided plenty of conversation material in Berlin. The young and trendy fourth Logistics Summit (LS) in Düsseldorf and the venerable German Logistics Congress (DLK) of the BVL in Berlin, celebrating its 40th edition and simultaneously its last event under this name at the InterContinental Hotel.

Von: Andreas Müller

(Düsseldorf/Berlin) On Friday, the 40th German Logistics Congress concluded in Berlin. The anniversary event was also the last one held under this name and at the prestigious InterContinental. Next year, the event will return with a new name as “BVL Supply Chain CX” and will take place from October 23-25, 2024, at the Estrel Hotel in Berlin.

Perhaps the rethinking at BVL regarding the German Logistics Congress is also due to the growing competition from the Logistics Summit, which was held for the fourth time this year. This young and also youthful logistics event is the complete opposite of the DLK. There, everyone is on a first-name basis from the start, and anyone wearing a suit stands out, while at the DLK, at least the tie has been dropped, at an event where, in earlier times, one would have stood out for not wearing a tuxedo and bow tie.

The Logistics Summit has increased the pressure on the German Logistics Congress

The organizers of the LS have managed to position their event differently. There, everyone is on a first-name basis from the start, and a Yippie-Ya-Yeah and party atmosphere prevails. Not only start-ups wear jeans and hoodies, but also the organizers and many visitors. In many areas, this may seem a bit forced, but it evidently resonates with exhibitors and visitors, as the success of the event proves.

Many speakers promote with “Hear me speak,” and there are many of them at this nearly two-day event, which took place on October 11 and 12 this year. Among the speakers were not only young and trendy founders of start-ups but also prominent figures from trade, industry, and logistics service providers, as was the case at the three previous events. After previously being held in various cities, the event will remain in Düsseldorf next year (October 9-10, 2024) and even expand the program.

From DLK to “BVL Supply Chain CX”

The 40th Congress was a resounding success and a fitting farewell to the Berlin InterConti. The number of visitors exceeded 2,016 already on Wednesday this year. Over 120 exhibitors and 148 speakers provided a varied program. Where very important people once met in tuxedos with bow ties and long robes, a relaxed atmosphere now prevails, and the tie with the suit has become a rare relic.

There was great interest in the plans for the ‘new’ congress, which will take place as “BVL Supply Chain CX” from October 23-25, 2024, at the Berlin Estrel. The annual event for logistics professionals is set to grow, reach new target groups, and offer more diverse ticket options.

The new venue, the Estrel Berlin, generated much discussion. This event and hotel colossus in Berlin-Neukölln is, to put it in Berlin terms, jwd (janz weit draussen) right in the no man’s land between Neukölln, allotment gardens, and Treptower Park. According to its own statements, the Estrel is the largest hotel in Germany, but also a venue with plenty of space and many opportunities to implement the new concept of the BVL. Exhibitors are to be offered more space.

For the BVL, it might have also been an opportunity to move away from Berlin and attempt something in the center of Germany.

Both events have their justification – Real networkers use both

After all, the two largest congresses in the logistics industry, which are vying for third place behind transport logistic and LogiMAT, will have a slightly larger gap between their dates next year. This leaves a week in between to catch a breath.

Both events have their justification in logistics and both take place annually. Perhaps it would be worth sitting down at a table and untangling the events by date. This would benefit both.

For the savvy networker, it doesn’t matter at which of the two events they make their contacts, which many have done. Interesting and exciting people can be found at both events. For exhibitors, however, it becomes a budget question whether to participate in the Logistics Summit and/or the BVL Supply Chain CX.

Photo montage: © Loginfo24