Logistics
Insiders ’ view
We asked some leading events logistics professionals for their thoughts on the challenges to their sector and in particular the key points raised by IELA on p17
Sudhir Dhavan , board member of IELA and CEO RE Rogers India :
Supply chain disruptions The factors contributing to supply chain disruptions in the exhibitions and events industry include : 1 . Carrier issues such as changes in transit times , alterations to sailing / flying schedules , sudden shifts in climatic conditions , and geopolitical challenges . 2 . Instances of war , where geopolitical issues are paramount . For example , the current conflict between Russia and Ukraine , Israel and Gaza . This has significantly affected carrier routes and led to embargoes on certain connections . 3 . Supply chain disruptions can also be caused by inefficiencies at port and airport handling agencies , particularly when affected by labour union-related issues . This can result in congestion at ports / airports , thus impacting supply chain operations . 4 . Efficient customs clearance processes at ports / airports are essential , encompassing timely assessment , examination , and delivery procedures to minimise disruptions in the supply chain .
Sustainability and environmental impact The sector ’ s direct impact on the
Sudhir Dhavan
environment is a serious concern and must be treated with great care worldwide .
To adhere to proper sustainability standards , there are various options available , such as ISO standards or other means that provide awareness and guidelines for best practices .
From the perspective of the event logistics industry , we have developed a structured strategy paper , which has been shared with JMIC , focusing on the following four scopes :
• On-site Logistics ( site operations , zone-wise hall possessions , and stand specifics )
• Traffic Management & Smart Cities ( city perimeters , softwarebased traffic systems )
• Remote & Last Mile Logistics ( optimisation of loading , storage for diverted logistics , semitrailer solutions , etc ., outside city areas )
• Sustainable Logistics ( from exhibitors to venues and back ).
In order to address the specific goals while considering the climatic conditions and their consequences , it is necessary to transform our working processes . The exhibitions sector is a significant contributor to CO2 emissions and waste creation . Therefore , the industry as a whole must find ways to operate more sustainably .
Talent Our industry is currently facing a talent crunch and hence it is important to address the same via resources , networking opportunities and educational programmes to develop skills that include adequate knowledge on transportation , customs clearance , on-site logistics and sustainability practices .
Ravinder Sethi , former chair of IELA , and chairman of RE Rogers India
Talent Talent , or rather lack thereof , is a subject which has gained prominence not just for the logistics industry but across the board for the exhibition fraternity .
We find a normalcy returning in shows across the world , many returning to pre-Covid levels . The irony is , however , that normalcy returns but still with a talent shortfall . The talent exodus in numbers during Covid has not seen a related influx to date . This numbers trend remains much more prominent in the West as compared to other parts of the world . One prominent reason is more lucrative alternate opportunities available for the higher talent strata . At lower levels continuing high government unemployment subsidies is only encouraging many to just stay home , rather than go to work .
Moving from the numbers to the quality aspect of talent , there is no doubt that IELA , under the aegis of its active Board , is in the forefront of talent enhancement within our industry at all levels . Post-Covid , a highly successful Winter Seminar for junior personnel and an amazing Operations Summit for mid-level management are testament to IELA ’ s commitment on this .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 2 2024 19