This was the 40th German Logistics Congress

The 40th German Logistics Congress of the German Logistics Association (BVL) took place in Berlin from 18 to 20 October 2023. This year, over 2,000 participants were able to find out about digitalisation, AI, resilient supply chains and the energy transition. In 2024, the congress will be restructured as ‘BVL Supply Chain CX’, with a larger location and more focus on the exhibition area.

BVL, which will continue to support the Logistics Day as a conceptual partner in 2024, hosted the German Logistics Congress (DLK) in Berlin from 18 to 20 October 2023. It celebrated its 40th anniversary this year. Under the motto ‘Think Networks’, specialists and managers from the fields of logistics and supply chain management were able to exchange industry knowledge and experiences, discuss and network. The response to the 40th anniversary was great: the organisers welcomed over 2,000 participants from more than 40 nations, including 121 exhibitors and 148 speakers.

The focus topics of the congress were just as diverse: the latest findings on the energy transition, decarbonisation, resilience and cooperation in supply chains, cyber security, digitalisation, AI and the shortage of skilled workers were presented and discussed extensively in numerous presentations and workshops. The DLK also increasingly offered shorter formats such as ‘Content to Go’, masterclasses and briefing sessions. At the same time, the 121 exhibitors were able to present themselves to visitors in the exhibitor area. The evening programme included a networking evening and an after-work hangout with original Berlin currywurst. A DJ and a live act also provided musical entertainment.

BVL also announced that the congress will undergo a makeover next year. The DLK will then become the ‘BVL Supply Chain CX’, with CX standing for Congress and eXpo as well as Community and eXperience. The reorganisation will be accompanied by a stronger division between the congress and the exhibition. The latter will then offer more space for exhibitors, for example for side events organised by start-ups or specific sectors. The event will also be held at a new location: the Estrel Conference Centre in Berlin-Neukölln will provide BVL with larger spaces and a more modern event infrastructure. Overall, BVL wants to place a stronger focus on internationality, digital networking opportunities and the younger generation. This seems to have gone down well so far: On the last DLK Day, 57 of the approximately 120 available spaces were already reserved or sold. The Supply Chain Day team will also be taking part again.