Intermodal Europe, the leading event dedicated exclusively to the container, transport and logistics industry, will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary this November in Hamburg.

'The gateway to the world' might be a bold claim, but Germany's second-largest city and biggest port has never been shy. The Hanseatic city of Hamburg makes the ideal setting for the 40th anniversary of the event; a city that is virtually synonymous with this industry and a global maritime hub. Sophie Ahmed, Intermodal Event Director explains, "Hamburg is the European gateway for foreign trade and the maritime industry is one of this cities key economic factors. We hope that by bringing the event to Germany, it will provide a platform to support and promote businesses both locally and globally".

Visitors to Intermodal Europe can expect a diverse range of high profile exhibitors showcasing innovative products and services in the halls of Hamburg Messe, alongside engaging forums and conference sessions to demonstrate the best of the container and intermodal sector. "The conference sessions allow the audience and the speakers to step back from their daily business to focus on and understand key issues in the industry and where improvements can be made" says Sophie Ahmed, Event Director. "It can help to give people a more objective view of the industry." The free-to-attend conference programme will host a wide variety of featured sessions, including:

Shipper and Shipping Line Panel
Hosted by Joost Sitskoorn, of the European Shippers Council, the 'shipper and shipping line panel' will address current and future key issues for shippers, freight forwarders and shipping lines.

Intermodal Port Forum
Enhancing the cross-border cooperation of ports, developing smart concepts for macro-regions, new routes, new technologies congestion and Port Development" and security in the supply chain, will be some of the subjects of discussion in the Intermodal Port Forum held on Wednesday 18th November. Representatives from the Associated British Ports, Port of Bilbao, Port of Strasbourg and Hamburg Port Authority will be involved within this panel discussions.

Hamburg Intermodal Summit
Tailored for the local market and presented in German, key speakers will tackle important issues, focusing on how to get more quality and transparency in the hinterland connections to the sea harbours. Hosted The German Promotion Centre for Intermodal Transport, the forum aims to generate Hamburg-focused awareness and discussion. The forum will include sessions such as 'The role of the terminal in the intermodal supply chain', "Customer orientated logistic solutions via rail", "the Bayrolo project" and 'How to get more efficient intermodal hinterland transport'.

Improving the competitive position of rail freight
"Because a lot of customers and operators attend the Intermodal Europe conference sessions, the speakers are talking to an informed audience" says Director of European Rail Freight Association and Chairman of the Rail Freight Group, Lord Tony Berkeley, who will present a session the rail freight forum sessions.

Strengthening European rail freight transport throughout the logistics and supply chain and improving the competitive position of rail freight, will be a focus on day two.
"Sharing views, issues and experiences can help to demonstrate the importance of ensuring that governments and the Commission, as well as regulators, understand the industry and the needs of operators and customers to enable the sector to grow" Lord Berkeley adds.

Intermodal Technology Forum
Focussing on recent developments in terminal technology and systems, the Technology Forum will debate topics such as automated port operations, future trends in materials, containers and other hardware, and efficient data management to provide better cargo and customer information. Speakers include Dr Svenja Töter, Fraunhofer Center for Maritime Logistics and Services.

Innovation in Containers Forum
Editorial Director of World Cargo News, Paul Avery, will lead a conference forum focusing on the latest container innovations including: 'New design innovation: 1956/2015- From 35' to 53'", 'Smart container logistics: Two Innovations from Switzerland' and 'The Coming of Age of the Smart Container'. A case study on People factors in container management will also be presented by Alan Robertson, Director, Webster Robertson.

NEW for 2015, Intermodal Europe will incorporate 'RORO' (the event for roll-on/roll-off professionals), creating an enhanced exhibition experience. Developed in response to industry feedback, the new show format will not only benefit from more content and speakers, it also opens the door to a broader spectrum of exhibitors, providing further business opportunities for attendees.

The second day of the show will feature a dedicated full day conference programme, with sessions including RORO Technology Forum, Outlook for RORO Market and Shippers/Car Carriers Panel. Representatives from Port of Tallinn, Associated British Ports, Cuxport, Rhenus Holdings, Port of Lübeck and Port of Hamburg will all be taking part in the RORO Port Forum, discussing the challenges faced by the ro-ro market globally. "The free conference sessions are valuable as an opportunity for delegates to not only learn about developments in the industry, but also to voice concerns about current issues and get some answers" adds Sophie Ahmed.

With 120+ exhibitors expected at Intermodal Europe 2015, Sophie explains why the event is such an important industry meeting point. "Intermodal Europe is chosen by many companies as a platform to launch new products to the industry as well as to reconnect with customers, prospects and industry peers, all under one roof" says Sophie Ahmed, Event Director.

Supported and endorsed by the Port of Hamburg, Intermodal Europe 2015 will be the most important event for professionals associated with the container and intermodal industry. "We are very pleased that Hamburg is this years' venue for Intermodal Europe," says Axel Mattern, CEO of Port of Hamburg Marketing. "Hamburg's universal port is an attractive hub for customers worldwide, scoring decisively with high-performance hinterland connections throughout the whole of Europe by rail, inland waterway vessels and trucks. This is also evident in the favorable development of the seaport hinterland traffic during the first half year. A total of 2.9 million TEU were transported, representing an increase of 2.3%".

Hosted by the Hamburg Messe, the venue has the credentials and experience to be the perfect platform for Intermodal Europe.

More information about the event can be found at www.intermodal-events.com, or to register to visit click here.

Contact the Intermodal Europe Team