Responding to a clear market need that goes beyond its original target: honouring handling equipment and the automated systems that process, streamline and optimise the physical flow of supply, production and distribution. With just over a month to go before Intralogistics 2014 opens, an update from Alain Bagnaud, Director of the Global Transport & Logistics group at Reed Exhibitions. The interest in Intralogistics 2014 which clearly emerged in November, is it confirmed at just over a month from opening? AB : That enthusiasm has grown and accelerated. At the time, reservations and brands expressing an interest in Intralogistics allowed us to expect a 15% growth in number of exhibitors. Today, that figure is in excess of 30% and the initial objective of 150 exhibitors has been well and truly surpassed. Consequently we have had to expand the exhibition surface to 10,000 m². Given this is the second edition, this amply shows the relevant positioning of the exhibition dedicated to handling equipment and automated systems. How has this growth reflected the three areas of interest of the exhibition? AB : The progression in numbers of exhibitors is even across the three universes with the strong presence of the leaders in each Intralogistics sector: Mobile with industrial trucks, lifting and handling equipment, Automation and Static with racking and shelving, storage solutions and packing. With regards to the latter area, many specialist providers in the field of warehouse construction and door supply have confirmed their attendance. Many exhibitors are involved with two or even three of the universes in the exhibition. For all these businesses, Intralogistics has become a central professional event which allows them to present their innovations, products and services and responding to a clear market need that goes beyond its original target: honouring handling equipment and the automated systems that process, streamline and optimise the physical flow of supply, production and distribution. Therefore the projects are well planned in terms of agreed investment. So, at Intralogistics they will be looking for suppliers to partner with them in order to implement the project. How to you enable the connection between this demand and the offering at the exhibition? AB : Establishing connections with the exhibitors proceeds in several ways. At the first level with the pre-registration by the visitor directs them to the suppliers who are capable of responding to their search in handling equipment and automation. A second level involves our own teams in order to better define the project with the visitor. This can be done immediately or will be organised by Reed at the event itself. At the same time, before and after the event, Reed guarantees this connection during the whole year. In addition, visitors can avail themselves of a "Project Planners Space" where they can present their projects and arrange meetings with specialist experts from the exhibitors. Can you describe the projects presented ? AB : There is a wide range and in the main, come from the major players in their market. Food processing, automotive, cosmetics, chemicals, consumer goods, heavy industry, multichannel distribution, e-commerce: all the sectors are represented. Projects are led by managers at the highest level who are seeking a return on their investment and fast improvements in productivity. In this sense, many involve automation with the objective of a reduction in production costs. What are the high points being organised alongside the exhibition? AB : With the participation of exhibitors and qualified visitors and conceived by a Steering Committee, a cycle of around twenty conferences and workshops is planned, with updates, testimonials, innovations and trends together with actual case studies. A highlight is the first plenary conference "Warehouse automation, how far?", chaired by Jean-Michel Guarneri, vice-president Supply-Chain ,Vente.Privée.com and member of the Steering Committee. On the last day of the event, three Innovation Awards will be unveiled, one for each Intralogistics universe. For a full list of Intralogistics 2014 exhibitors Click Here. To find out more about Intralogistics 2014 visit the website or, Contact the show exhibition team. Interested in attending? Click here to order your entry badge