Logistics
DSV leveraging new scale to meet new challenges
EW talks acquisitions, collaboration and what’ s trending and challenging in the world of event logistics with Elias Monem CEO for DSV Contract Logistics, Road MEA / Global Fairs and Events
EW – DSV is writing a new chapter following the acquisition of Schenker in May. How is the new structure shaping and how are you working to help clients keep their shows on the road without breaking the bank? With the acquisition of Schenker, DSV has become the world’ s largest freight forwarder, supported by more than 160,000 staff across 90 locations worldwide. This new structure unites two strong organisations, bringing together decades of experience, specialised expertise, and extensive resources.
For our fairs and events customers, this translates into clear advantages: a stronger global network, broader service offerings, and access to even deeper industry know-how. It also allows us to deliver greater flexibility and reliability, ensuring we can support events of any size, anywhere in the world.
The logistics sector has remained both robust and resilient in the post- Covid era, rising to meet renewed demand while managing the challenges of higher costs from freight suppliers. We closely monitor market conditions and maintain strong, transparent relationships with our
Elias Monem
customers. By leveraging our scale, expertise, and global network, we are able to provide cost-effective solutions that keep shows moving without compromising on quality or reliability.
EW – Exhibition logistics specialists are often‘ unsung heroes’ of our sector. What more can be done to bring all sides together to sing more melodically from one song sheet? Collaboration between exhibition logistics specialists and other parts of the industry has never been stronger, particularly in the post-Covid period when we all had to pull together to get the industry moving again. That said, there is always room for improvement. If there’ s one key piece of advice, it would be to involve logistics specialists like DSV early in the overall planning of an event. This ensures that even the most complex logistical requirements are anticipated, streamlined, and seamlessly integrated into the wider event experience.
EW – Which sectors and geographical areas are leading the way for growth in the sector; where can we look for best practice and what should we be on our guard against? The Middle East is currently setting the pace for growth in the events and exhibitions sector, with Saudi Arabia in particular experiencing a constant flow of new show launches and a rapidly expanding footprint. We are also seeing strong momentum in sectors such as technology, renewable energy, and healthcare, which are driving demand for largescale, specialised exhibitions. These areas not only highlight where the growth is happening, but also showcase best practice in how innovation, investment, and collaboration can come together to create world-class events. Market fluctuations have been a constant since the pandemic, making robust and agile supply chains more critical than ever. In recent months, we have also seen a steep rise in demand for value-added services, reinforcing our ambition to act not just as a logistics provider, but as a true strategic partner for our customers. We remain alert to evolving laws and regulations while continuing to invest in solutions that strengthen resilience and long-term growth.
EW – Finally, what are the key issues you see on the horizon? Rising exhibiting costs are a clear challenge, but sustainability remains the defining priority. We are committed to net-zero by 2050, with ambitious targets already in place for 2030. Through our Decarbonising Logistics solutions, we help customers reduce their footprint while ensuring their events run smoothly. EW www. exhibitionworld. co. uk Issue 5 2025 63