The 34th IELA (International Exhibition Logistics Association) Congress and 8th Partnering Event takes place 23-28 June in Venice, Italy, with the conference agenda set to explore the potential of the Human Factor.
The association says the emphasis will be on moving from a product-focused to a customer-centric perspective.
Elizabeth Niehaus, IELA Executive Officer said the choice of overarching theme reflected the changing nature of the exhibition and events logistics industry. “The role of its leaders is to guide and promote the positive changes and developments for us all. We are being confronted by the challenge of communication, by our skill to inform our teams on how the big picture looks and where the company needs to develop. The first step is to raise awareness, then the next is to build confidence and courage in dealing with change,” she said.
“The new IELA Forum format, introduced last year, encourages free movement between flows throughout the day: THINK, BREAKFAST BRAINS and STREAM. Our aim this year is to go a step further with EXPLORE, bringing our delegates on board byimagining novel experimentation-driven perspectives and even business models that will impact all industry players,” Niehaus added.
Vicki Bedi, IELA Chairman 2018-2020, said: “Leadership development is at the core of my belief and focus at IELA. In this phase of transition we look to build leadership not only at the top but also from the bottom of the pyramid upwards. And, with this in mind, exploring and building on the 'Human Factor' is the theme at this Congress for IELA Members as they are the most important asset - Human Capital.”
Speakers for the #THINK session include:
- Laurent Noel, from Comexposium
- Markus Metzmacher, ifm electronic gmbh
- Giacomo Lucchini, UFI Operations & Services Working Group Chair
- Giovanni Bifulco, Italian Trade Agency.
Designed to make delegates #THINK like an Organiser, like an Exhibitor, like a Venue Owner, and like a Pavilion Organiser, the session will be moderated by Florent Jarry, from AMR International Limited.
This year’s BREAKFAST BRAIN sessions will actively encourage the exchange of personal experiences to gain tips and support on three topics:
- Power Up Women Leadership with Elizabeth Niehaus,
- Digital Transformation by Luigi Bianchi, form Wexlog France
- Airline Changes/Declaration of Dangerous Goods with Daniel Mithran.
Keynote Speaker, Sofia Crespi will launch the STREAM sessions, Unlocking Human Potential.
IELA describes its new EXPLORATORY ZONE as “a playground” designed to enhance high-quality learning via the means of experience.
This year’s 8th edition of its partnering event is open to non-IELA members and delegates can book 21 meeting slots via the MyAgenda tool.
The Venice congress is expecting 384 delegates, with 272 members from 147 countries. The conference will be divided into four parts: the General Assembly, the IELA Forum, the Working Group Meetings and the Networking Sessions. There will also be a Welcome Cocktail, Host Dinner and a Gala and Awards Night.
