From 30 June to 2 July 2026, the UK’s logistics and supply chain community will come together once again at the NEC Birmingham for Multimodal, the industry’s leading event for freight, transport, warehousing and supply chain management. Now firmly established as a must-attend date in the calendar, Multimodal continues to evolve in step with the sector it serves, offering a comprehensive platform to explore innovation, share knowledge and build meaningful business connections.
In 2026, the event takes on even greater significance as part of UK Logistics Week - a powerful co-location of complementary exhibitions spanning warehousing, intralogistics, yard operations and last-mile delivery. This expanded format reflects a fundamental shift in the industry: supply chains are no longer linear or siloed, but fully integrated ecosystems where efficiency depends on seamless collaboration between every link.
For visitors, this means far more than a traditional trade show. It is an opportunity to gain a 360-degree view of the entire logistics landscape in one place. From ports and shipping lines to rail freight operators, warehouse automation providers and final-mile specialists, Multimodal and UK Logistics Week collectively provide an unmatched snapshot of how goods move, and how that movement is being transformed.
A Show Floor Built for Real Business
At the heart of Multimodal is its extensive exhibition, bringing together hundreds of companies from across the logistics industry. The diversity of exhibitors is one of the event’s greatest strengths, with global freight operators, ports, carriers, technology providers and specialist service companies all represented.
For warehousing and logistics professionals, the show floor offers direct access to the latest innovations shaping operational performance. This includes everything from warehouse management systems and robotics to handling equipment, storage solutions and data-driven optimisation tools. In an environment where efficiency, speed and accuracy are critical, being able to see these solutions in action, and critically to be able to discuss them face-to-face with suppliers, provides a significant advantage over remote research.
The growing presence of warehouse logistics machinery is particularly notable. Automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS), autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), conveyor technologies and advanced picking solutions are increasingly central to modern operations. At Multimodal, visitors can explore how these technologies integrate with broader supply chain strategies, helping to reduce costs, improve throughput and enhance resilience.
Importantly, the exhibition is not just about technology, it is about practical application. Conversations on stands often move quickly from product features to real-world challenges, enabling visitors to assess how solutions can be tailored to their specific operational needs.
The UKWA Pavilion: Warehousing at the Centre
A key focal point for the warehousing community is the UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) pavilion. As the leading voice for the sector, UKWA plays a vital role in highlighting the strategic importance of warehousing within the broader logistics structure.
The pavilion brings together members, partners and industry experts, creating a hub for discussion, collaboration and knowledge-sharing. For visitors, it offers access to specialist insight on key issues such as capacity constraints, workforce development, sustainability and regulatory change.
In 2026, the role of warehousing is more critical than ever. The continued growth of e-commerce, increasing customer expectations for speed and reliability, and ongoing global uncertainty have all elevated the importance of well-managed, strategically located warehouse space. The UKWA pavilion reflects this shift, positioning warehousing not as a supporting function, but as a core driver of supply chain performance.
Insight That Matters: The Conference Programme
Beyond the exhibition, Multimodal’s free-to-attend conference programme provides a rich source of insight for professionals across the sector. Developed in partnership with leading industry bodies, the sessions are designed to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing logistics today.
The event spans four theatres over three days, featuring a packed conference programme that includes contributions from LOGISTICS UK, BIFA, UKWA, CILT, RHA, and other leading industry bodies.
Key themes for 2026 include decarbonisation, digital transformation, supply chain resilience, workforce development and the evolving role of artificial intelligence. These are not abstract concepts, they are real issues that businesses must navigate daily.
For warehouse operators, sessions exploring automation, AI-driven decision-making and data visibility are particularly relevant. As facilities become more technologically advanced, the ability to integrate systems and extract actionable insights from data is becoming a key differentiator.
Equally important are discussions around sustainability. With increasing pressure to reduce emissions and improve environmental performance, warehouses are playing a central role in enabling greener supply chains, from energy-efficient buildings to optimised inventory management and reduced transport miles.
The conference programme also provides valuable updates on policy and regulation, helping attendees understand how government initiatives and industry standards may impact their operations. Combined with case studies and practical examples, these sessions equip visitors with knowledge they can apply immediately.
The Power of Face-to-Face Networking
While technology continues to transform how businesses operate, one constant remains: the value of personal connection. Multimodal has built its reputation on creating an environment where meaningful, face-to-face interactions can take place.
In 2026, this is more important than ever. After years of digital communication becoming the norm, the opportunity to meet partners, suppliers and peers in person offers a level of engagement that cannot be replicated online. Conversations are more dynamic, trust is built more quickly, and ideas are exchanged more freely.
The scale and diversity of the audience further enhance this experience. With thousands of professionals attending, from SMEs to global organisations, the event creates a unique concentration of expertise and decision-making power. Whether you are looking to generate leads, strengthen relationships or explore new markets, the networking opportunities are extensive.
Informal interactions on the show floor are complemented by structured networking events, ensuring that attendees have multiple opportunities to connect in ways that suit their objectives.
New Networking App
Just unveiled for Multimodal 2026 is a brand-new, purpose-built event app, designed to give every attendee a smarter, more connected and more structured experience at this year's show.
Being fully web-based, the app requires no download from an app store, meaning attendees can access it instantly via a QR code or link sent directly to them. As it’s updated in real time, it is always up-to-date showing the latest attendees, exhibitor list, conference sessions and speakers.
One of the app's most exciting features is the ability for visitors and exhibitors to request meetings with one another directly through the platform, before and during the Show. This two-way meeting request tool fundamentally changes how meaningful business connections are made at Multimodal, facilitating purposeful, pre-arranged conversations.
Celebrating Excellence: The Multimodal Awards
A highlight of the event is the Multimodal Awards, which recognise excellence across the logistics and supply chain sector. Covering categories such as warehousing, technology, sustainability and partnerships, the awards celebrate the achievements of companies and individuals who are driving the industry forward.
The awards evening is more than a ceremony — it is a key networking event in its own right. Bringing together industry leaders in a more relaxed setting, it provides an opportunity to celebrate success, build relationships and reinforce connections made during the day.
For those entering the written judged awards, the process itself offers value, encouraging businesses to reflect on their achievements and benchmark themselves against industry standards. For winners and finalists, the recognition provides a powerful platform to enhance credibility and visibility.
UK Logistics Week: A Broader Perspective
The integration of Multimodal into UK Logistics Week is a defining feature of the 2026 event. By bringing together multiple exhibitions under one umbrella, the week provides a holistic view of the supply chain, from inbound logistics to final delivery.
This broader perspective is essential in today’s environment. Challenges such as labour shortages, rising costs, geopolitical uncertainty and sustainability targets require coordinated solutions that span the entire supply chain. UK Logistics Week enables these conversations to happen in one place, fostering collaboration across sectors.
For visitors, it also means greater efficiency. Instead of attending multiple events throughout the year, they can access a wide range of insights, solutions and contacts in a single visit, maximising both time and return on investment.
Why It Matters in 2026
The logistics sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Advances in technology, changing consumer expectations and evolving regulatory landscapes are reshaping how businesses operate. In this context, events like Multimodal play a critical role in bringing the industry together to share knowledge, explore innovation and build the partnerships needed to succeed.
Face-to-face engagement is central to this process. It allows for deeper conversations, faster decision-making and stronger relationships, all of which are essential in a competitive and fast-moving environment.
Multimodal 2026 offers a space where these interactions can take place, supported by a rich programme of content and a diverse range of exhibitors. It is not just a place to see what is new, but to understand what is next.
For more information and to register visit multimodal.org.uk, contact the team, or call on +44 (0) 20 7384 7760.
