Logistics
Logistics : facing up to the challenges
The International Exhibition Logistics Association ( IELA ) discusses some of the key issues facing a sector of the industry that is often overlooked , yet plays a vital part in making exhibitions successful
Supply chain disruptions In our post-Covid ‘ new normal ’ world , costs have begun to reduce but remain higher than pre-Covid and we are all evolving with the requirements and processes of this new atmosphere .
The geopolitical influences in certain areas of the world are having an effect on our business . Disruptions in the Suez Canal and the re-routing of vessels via the Cape of Good Hope is making sea shipping to and through the Middle East a challenge . This has caused our industry to pivot and adapt to provide the services our clients require . Longer shipping times and higher costs have resulted from the situation .
In Eastern Europe , the climate has stabilised somewhat as , sadly , the environment there has become ‘ normal ’. The adjustments made two years ago have become standard operating procedure .
The equipment and driver shortage in the European arena have settled down . Airlines and ocean operators have increased their frequency and schedules , but we Said are still not back to the levels experienced Al Shanfari in 2020 and earlier .
Regional challenges Sustainability and net carbon zero are a major challenge to our industry . There are so many players and aspects to the service we provide . To complicate that , our association is comprised of multi-national and small to medium sized businesses . Resources to meet this demand are a big challenge for some . Political support for sustainable projects in some countries is minimal and the resources to become sustainable can be a heavy burden for some in our sector .
IELA ’ s involvement in the UFI / JMIC Net Carbon Zero Events initiative is something we are very
IELA chair , Sandi Trotter proud of and consider to be a critical project for our industry . Our focus is on assisting and guiding our members in the process .
Mergers and acquisitions have recently played a large part in our world . Larger entities have acquired smaller enterprises , reducing competition in some parts of the globe , although the long-term effects remain to be seen .
Talent The acquisition and retention of qualified , competent staff is still a struggle for many . Most attempts to lure back pre-Covid staff were unsuccessful as there is still a slight perception that our industry is unstable in terms of job security . Various solutions to remedy this situation are to provide good work life balance to which our business is not always conducive . Education and training are a vital component to staff retention and growth and advancement opportunities .
In this vein , IELA ’ s new education programme for members – the ‘ IELA Academy ’ is launching its first session in May in Gothenburg , Sweden . The Academy ’ s in-person curriculum provides core knowledge of all aspects of our business . Transport and Logistics , Industry Stakeholders , as well as Management and Personal skills development are all topics to be examined in depth .
The goal is to have the graduates of the IELA Academy emerge with a more comprehensive understanding of the industry .
Equality , diversity and inclusion in the workplace are paramount . Openness to diversity widens access to the best talent . Inclusion allows engagement with talent effectively . Equality enables delivery of fair outcomes .
Continued on p19
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2024 17