Parcel + Post Expo expands with e-commerce conference

This year, the biggest event for the parcel and postal industry returns to Amsterdam. On October 22, 23 and 24, RAI Amsterdam will be all about innovation and networking during Parcel + Post Expo. New this year is The HUB: a conference on logistics for e-commerce. Managing Director Matthew Gunn gives a sneak peek at this new - even bigger - edition. 

Last year's edition broke all records: with more than 220 international booths, it was a huge experience. The latest and most innovative technologies took center stage. From sorting systems to the smartest delivery vehicles. This year's edition promises to be even bigger and more informative, says Gunn. 

"We have been organizing this fair for years, since 1997. Once it started as a trade fair for letter mail. Until the 1990s, this industry also revolved almost exclusively around letters. People really still got a lot of mail back then. But now, of course, packages have completely taken over the industry. Traditionally, the expo was mainly about the journey of letters and packages through a postal service such as PostNL to the recipient. Meanwhile, the boundaries have become more blurred: retailers, for example, increasingly have their own delivery services and warehouses. As a result, the industry is more complex and larger than ever."

The free-to-attend trade show is for anyone who wants to stay at the forefront of the latest trends and innovations in the delivery industry. At the expo, you'll find everything you need to know about how advanced technologies can make delivery companies even more efficient and profitable. Gunn: "What makes the expo really special is the hands on technology we showcase. Visitors can see, but also feel and even try out innovations. Curious about the latest parcel lockers? Those will be there. Want to try out the latest delivery bike? Then you can! Participants in the expo really pull out all the stops to show visitors the latest technologies and experience them."

This year's expo is bigger than ever. Gunn: "Every year we grow. Meanwhile, the expo also has all kinds of spin-offs, but we come back to Amsterdam every year. So this year with more than 250 booths. That includes many companies that return every year to show their latest solutions. But we also have a lot of new participants that you've never seen anywhere else." 

In addition to viewing all those booths, visitors can also participate in a variety of extras for free. For example, the Parcel & Postal Technology Awards will be presented on the first day of the expo. In addition, attendees can visit the Innovation Forum for three days. There, presentations and panel discussions on current topics will take place. "Technology takes center stage here," says Gunn. "Themes include robotics, electric vehicles, parcel lockers and return solutions."

The Start Up Innovation Day will also take place on Tuesday. Innovative startups have previously applied for this Dragon's Den-style competition. Shortlisted companies will introduce themselves this day and the best idea will win a prize. "And if you want to see even more interesting startups, be sure to visit the Startup Innovation Zone. There, all kinds of different startups have a booth together and you really take a look at the future of the industry."

The more strategic sessions will take place at the UPU World Leaders Forum. "Where is the industry going in the future? And how do we all get there? The theme of this forum is 'Smart collaboration solutions to increase customer trust.'"

New this year is The HUB - a conference on logistics for e-Commerce. Here e-commerce specialists can learn all about the latest logistics solutions and technologies on October 22 and 23.

Consider: AI algorithms for intelligent inventory management, automated warehouses, eco-friendly packaging solutions and other cross-border opportunities. "We track the journey of the package. The order is placed, packed, shipped, maybe crosses the border and then ends up at the parcel service to finally arrive at the recipient. And, of course, we shouldn't forget the returns. Those are also a big part of a package's journey these days. That very piece of the journey gives many retailers and postal services headaches."

Several interesting discussion panels are scheduled during the conference, as well as challenging presentations and networking events. Gunn: "With this new addition, we want to attract even more retailers to the expo. We have been around for a long time and visitors from the mail and parcel industry know how to find us perfectly. But the expo is also incredibly interesting for retailers. Just think of Amazon, Ikea and Nespresso: these are big players in the market that are also increasingly dealing with parcel services. And those are the players we want to welcome even more."

For three days at The HUB, visitors can immerse themselves in all things e-commerce logistics. There are keynotes on the ever-changing landscape of e-commerce logistics with a focus on trends, challenges and market opportunities. You can also attend panel discussions with industry experts sharing their insights. "There is something interesting for every visitor. Some visitors will follow the complete program from beginning to end and others may do more cherry picking. Those choose exactly the one or two topics that fit their organization perfectly. And of course you can network with the more than 250 attendees," Gunn adds.