EUROPE - The 2014 edition of Event Logistics Live (ELL) has been postponed following industry concerns over its organiser's decision to run the event in the same week as its key competitor.
The event, a networking summit for international exhibition logistics providers, was due to take place at Wembley on 24-26 June, less than one week before the previously scheduled IELA (International Exhibition Logistics Associates) Congress in Amsterdam on 28 June.
Its scheduling was seen by some as an aggressive move against its key competitor, a claim dismissed by MD of UK organiser Tfconnect, Trevor Foley (pictured), who claimed the decision was based on market feedback. Speaking to EW at the time, Foley claimed many attendees would be travelling long distances from other continents and the close scheduling of the two events would give them the chance to attend both events, rather than choose one over the other.
"For some time now, I have been concerned about the issue of two competing events taking place in the same month," he said in a statement on the ELL website. "Whilst this has worked for two years, for those wishing to attend both events, the length of time required away from the office has become an issue.
"We have therefore taken the step to postpone ELL from its June date to an end of year slot, for which a date and venue will be advised soon."
Event Logistics Live launched in 2011, conceived to accommodate international event logistics specialists on a non-exclusive, non-member basis, as opposed to the then members-only IELA event. IELA subsequently opened its event to non-members in mid-2011.
The 29th IELA Congress takes place on 28-29 June at the NH Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky in Amsterdam. The association aims to bring together the exhibition and event’s logistics key players, newcomers and niche solution providers in one location.
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