Logistics
Schenker shows its flexibility
Above : Dave Richards
Above : Ravinder Sethi
to all vendors , particularly the smaller ones .
Sethi remains optimistic . “ Face-to-face exhibitions will return very strongly and I ’ m looking forward to handling boxes in the traditional manner . The difference for some time would likely be special post- Covid SOPs strictly in place . There will also be a greater dependency at the office level on technology and a redefined WFH in the future ,” he says .
“ The importance of close mutual trust and teamwork with your colleagues is my advice to everyone ,” he adds .
And , amid the coronavirus crisis , RE Rogers managed to complete its ISO - 20121 recertification audit virtually .
The International Exhibition Logistics Association chairman Guido Fornelli told EW the effects of the pandemic led to “ new ideas , new tools and new platforms for a new era ” being created by the association . Its # togetherstrong advocacy , IELA RELOAD recovery programme ( designed by members for members ) and the online OPERATIONS SUMMIT have all provided strong value to IELA ’ s members in 56 countries .
“ Our annual congress had to be postponed and Board meetings were held electronically but we are very proud : the Association acted fast , delivering universal support and keeping in touch with key
Above : Guido Fornelli
partner associations to intensify collaboration for sharing information and heightening advocacy work in support of the industry ,” said Fornelli .
He added that the association ’ s volunteers who contributed to the IELA RELOAD format made a huge difference to the content . “ This is the most important lesson that has been learned post-Covid-19 : The community and the association have never been more relevant and crucial than now .”
Fornelli added : “ The exhibition market is slowly restarting on a local dimension and our associates who manage the on-site logistics within venues are focusing on providing services mainly to local exhibitors .”
And Fornelli underlined the need for flexibility for members who , he said , have “ searched to find work in other segments of the shipping and logistics industry and also found different ways to keep their teams together , through training sessions and by reviewing their procedures as well as maintaining their assets . Not to mention those who , in various ways , collaborated in the creation of hospitals and the supply of medicine during the most serious moments of the sanitary emergency ”. See www . exhibitionworld . co . uk for the full interview with Guido Fornelli .
Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures , something that exhibitions logistics specialist , DB Schenker is used to , with a history of tackling complex challenges . However , since the Covid outbreak , DB Schenker has adapted its services to include transporting critical medical supplies around the globe .
Demand for Korea ’ s Covid-19 test kits provided an opportunity for DB Schenker to prove its air freight logistics knowhow and deliver test kits from Korea to Norway under a government contract .
DB Schenker ’ s Korea office worked to confirm all cargo details , and provided Schenker Norway the solution for delivery of 450,000 pcs from Korea to Norway during April and May .
DB Schenker created a group via SNS messenger to unite the Norwegian Embassy and its own Korea operation team , which helped ensure timely delivery .
In another medical alert , in just six days , DB Schenker moved equipment and supplies to convert six exhibition halls into a makeshift hospital for Covid-19 patients at Hannover Messe in Germany . The hospital covered a total area of 100,000sqm and was fitted with
460 beds .
DB Schenker also supported PLDT , the largest telecommunications company in the Philippines , during lockdown . The team operates 35 logistics centres throughout the Philippines , and was able to ensure that telephones , routers , data cables and other materials enabling communication via telephone and internet reached the users on time .
Back in Germany , DB Schenker worked with distiller Lautergold to get their new product to market fast . The maker of schnapps turned its hand to producing alcohol-based disinfectants to fill a huge demand from pharmacies .
“ We are doing our utmost to keep our customers going in challenging times ,” said Annett Riedel , head of sales at DB Schenker Chemnitz . “ This situation shows how valuable our network is both in Germany and across Europe .”
“ Over 350 orders were placed within three days ,” said Lautergold operations manager Mike Schneising . DB Schenker Chemnitz , was able to provide the necessary logistics and transportation resources , including three trucks a day , having worked with Lautergold for 15 years .
www . exhibitionworld . co . uk Issue 5 2020 19