Opening of the event and welcome by the organizers.

Today's global supply chains are internationally networked and face challenges such as geopolitical risks, sustainability and pressure to improve efficiency. In this international panel discussion, experts from various countries will discuss how companies can future-proof their global supply chains through resilience, transparency and digital technologies.

Crises such as the war in Ukraine and the conflicts in the Middle East are disrupting global supply chains. Fluctuating capacities and rising prices are forcing shippers to rethink their purchasing behaviour – away from pure price and towards flexibility, data intelligence and reliable partnerships.

Climate targets, ESG reporting requirements and rising energy prices are putting shippers under enormous pressure. Sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, but a must – but how can change be achieved when cost pressures and capacity shortages are growing at the same time?
From electric trucks and hydrogen drives to CO₂ tracking and intelligent route planning, strategies are needed that truly reconcile economic efficiency and climate protection.

Road transport remains the backbone of logistics, but faces growing challenges such as rising demand, sustainability requirements and technological innovations. The panel will highlight how digital tools, automated processes and sustainable concepts can make transport chains more efficient, safer and more future-proof.

Supply chains work well – until suddenly, they don't. In humanitarian crisis operations, such as those in Ukraine, the Middle East or Sudan, disrupted supply routes, limited resources, incomplete information and constantly changing circumstances are part of everyday reality.

Drawing on real-life experiences from crisis zones, this keynote explores how teams can remain effective and capable of taking action when planning alone is no longer enough. At its core are three simple principles: Expect the unexpected. Know your priorities. Value your relationships.

The focus is not on humanitarian aid itself, but on translating lessons from extreme situations into the world of logistics and supply chain management: How do you prioritize when resources are scarce? How do you make decisions with incomplete information? And what role do relationships and networks play when the original plan no longer works?

The presentation demonstrates how companies can systematically assess and modularize existing logistics structures to achieve greater flexibility and efficiency. The approaches and methods are illustrated using the practical example of Mercedes-AMG, providing valuable insights for organizations aiming to further develop and future-proof their existing systems.

The increasing digitalisation and networking of logistics and robotics systems opens up enormous opportunities – but at the same time, the risks posed by cyber attacks are also growing. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss how companies can effectively protect their systems, data and processes, which best practices have proven successful, and which strategies are crucial for future security challenges.

Sustainability is no longer just a trend, but a decisive factor for long-term corporate success. In this panel, experts discuss how companies can integrate environmental and social responsibility into their business models, make processes more efficient and secure competitive advantages at the same time.

Diversity in teams and organisations is a key driver of innovation, creativity and sustainable success. In this panel discussion, experts will discuss how companies can promote diversity, leverage different perspectives and create inclusive structures – and what positive impact this has on collaboration and decision-making processes.