Multimodal 2026 kicked off yesterday with a series of lively and informative keynotes looking at the future of the industry and the challenges and opportunities it faces globally.
At the heart of UK Logistics Week, Birmingham’s NEC will be home to 300 exhibitors and 172 speakers across 119 different conference sessions in five different theatres. Approximately 13,000 visitors from all corners of the logistics industry are expected during the event.
This year, for the first time, Warehouse and Yard, and eDX (the delivery and fulfilment arm of IRX) have also joined Multimodal under the same roof, bringing expertise on last-mile logistics to the centre of the event. In addition, Road Transport Expo (RTX) will also be in full swing, with free buses linking directly to the NEC. It’s a powerful alignment that makes the West Midlands the undisputed hub of UK logistics for the week.
Key topics of discussion
Keynote sessions from topics as diverse as AI and mental health ran throughout the event. Ben Garratt, Interim Policy Director at Logistics UK kicked off the keynote speeches with the launch of the Logistics Report 2026. The report assesses the health of the sector, connectivity between modes, efficiency and decarbonisation. Garratt spoke about the report’s findings, including the impact of the Middle East crisis on the sector. The report calls for Government support for the sector through lower fuel costs, infrastructure investment, reduced border friction and long-term policies to strengthen resilience.
Later in the day, Phil Roe, Logistics UK’s President launched the Logistics UK Skills Report 2026. He outlined which skills will be most in demand in the sector over the next five years. With mechanic and technician vacancies still high, he concluded that skills training needs to reflect the role and focus on upskilling to create job longevity, stating, “jobs will become more effective and will help people build a career.” He concluded that access to skills development drives competitiveness, and rigid pathways should be avoided as they limit employer flexibility.
Later in the Logistics UK Conference theatre, Alexandra Herdman, Senior Policy Manager at Logistics UK, chaired a lively panel debate on the growing demand for air cargo. She looked at how the logistics network can adapt to regional airport expansion.
Meanwhile in the Multimodal 2026 Theatre, Chris Ashley, Senior Policy Lead at the Road Haulage Association gave a keynote on delivering decarbonisation, and the challenge of turning Net Zero ambition into action, drawing on real world operator experiences and data.
He spoke about the importance of Government, the energy sector and the road haulage industry working together to support road haulage decarbonisation. He said, “The energy sector is falling over itself to work with logistics. We need a co-ordinated approach to decide where charging infrastructure needs to be located, and from there we can work on the operational details.”
James Rothwell, Head of Supply Chain at the Institute of Grocery Distribution (IGD) delivered a keynote on the future of food supply chains. He set the scene of a new operating landscape for retailers and manufacturers. He discussed how security and sustainability have evolved from strategic aims to operational imperatives in recent times.
James said, “For far too long, retailers and manufacturers have looked at logisticians as a service rather than a core part of the decision making process. Now we’ve moved on, and logistics is at the heart of supply chain decision making. It’s the key unlocker or the challenges we see today.”
Multimodal Event Director shared his thoughts on AI in Logistics
Two of industry’s biggest hitters, Robert Jervis, Event Director at Multimodal and Gary Jeffreys, SVP EMEA at Zencargo, used a fireside chat as an opportunity to talk about why integrated logistics matter now more than ever. They explored how selective asset ownership is reshaping performance, resilience and customer value.
Talking about AI, Jeffreys said, “The big difference with AI now compared to two years ago is that people are now using the tech to automate very manual processes”.
“Whether that’s warehouse slot booking or chasing suppliers at origin, we’re seeing a move from just looking at all the data to looking at how we can use it to really make a difference operationally. Ultimately it will replace a lot of decision making, meaning people will be able to spend time on things the customer wants and needs.”
Sustainability remains to be a hard hitting topic
Sustainability and Net Zero targets remained an important and much discussed topic throughout the day. Kelly Hobson, Managing Director at Shape Tomorrow chaired a panel debate on the future of sustainable logistics, and the sector’s sustainability priorities for this year and next.
She said, “It feels like we’re in a chapter of massive change. But this new era is going to be tough. We need a change in mindset. Government support is required and leadership viewpoints need to change to understand and explain what it all means going forwards.”
Meanwhile in the Rover Room, Hilary Tam, Sustainability Leader EMEA at Amazon Web Services and Nick Mazzei, VP of Sustainability at DP World, held a fireside chat about how the energy transition is reshaping global trade, and how the process is being enabled by data, AI and digital infrastructure.
Over an engaging conversation, the key takeaway was that access to energy should be an ongoing strategic element of business. Security of supply needs to be factored into plans to build resilience, while cost optimisation is essential to remain competitive.
Day one was a success
Multimodal Event Director Robert Jervis said, “Today has been the epitome of everything that’s great about our sector in 2026. From heated debates about customs to sharing best practice on decarbonisation, we’ve seen some brilliant conversations taking place that will build resilience and foster innovation at a time when world events, and their impact on the logistics industry, can seem uncertain.”
Multimodal 2027 will take place from 29th June – 1st July 2027, at Birmingham NEC. Registration will be available from January 2027.
