Logistics & Transportation Events in Dortmund
Zukunftskongress Logistik
Zukunftskongress Logistik - Where the Future of Logistics is Shaped
In an era where supply chains are evolving rapidly and digital transformation is no longer optional, the Zukunftskongress Logistik known internationally as the Future Congress Logistics: Dortmund Talks has emerged as one of the most important events in Europe for the exchange between research, business, and society.
Taking place annually in Dortmund, Germany, the congress has earned a reputation as a platform where visionary thinking meets practical implementation. It’s not just another industry gathering it’s where the direction of logistics is debated, decided, and designed. From digital twins and AI to sustainability and human-centric innovation, the congress creates space for bold ideas, concrete strategies, and shared responsibility.
A Unique Intersection of Research, Industry, and Social Transformation
What sets the Future Congress Logistics apart is its multidisciplinary approach. Unlike typical trade shows that focus primarily on commercial transactions or new product showcases, this event explores logistics as a societal driver, blending science, business, and civic perspectives.
Organized by leading German research institutes, including Fraunhofer IML and the Technical University of Dortmund, the event acts as a bridge between theoretical development and industrial application.
The congress explores topics such as:
Artificial intelligence and machine learning in logistics
Sustainable supply chain models and circular logistics
Human-technology collaboration in warehouse environments
Autonomous systems and the Internet of Things (IoT)
Ethical implications of data-driven logistics
The inclusion of social and political angles ensures that logistics isn't treated in isolation but as part of a broader conversation about the future of society and the economy.
Why the Zukunftskongress Logistik Is an Essential Event
With a rapidly changing global landscape, logistics is at the forefront of innovation, resilience, and sustainability. The congress provides a space for professionals and academics alike to reflect, rethink, and reimagine.
Attending the event offers several compelling benefits:
Insight into cutting-edge research before it reaches the market
Access to industry pioneers leading real-world innovation
Opportunities for collaborative projects across sectors
Exposure to logistics startups and emerging technologies
Dialogue on regulatory and ethical frameworks shaping the future
It’s not just about staying informed it’s about actively shaping what comes next.
Programme Structure: Thoughtful, Strategic, and Human-Centric
Unlike dense, sales-driven expos, the Zukunftskongress Logistik follows a clear structure that facilitates learning, interaction, and reflection. The programme is built around keynotes, panel discussions, and moderated talks, designed to create space for both inspiration and critical thinking.
The typical structure includes:
Day 1: Strategic Keynotes + Industry Panels
Day 2: Research Sessions + Innovation Workshops
Day 3: Startup Presentations + Networking Events
Between sessions, attendees are encouraged to network in curated spaces that support deeper conversation, including research cafés, breakout rooms, and live labs.
With its digital newsletter, the congress keeps participants up to date about schedules, speaker lineups, and organizational updates making it easy to stay connected before, during, and after the event.
A Platform for Startups and Emerging Talent
In addition to academic and enterprise representation, the congress has become an essential launchpad for young talent and innovative startups working in logistics and adjacent fields. The Startup Track offers a rare opportunity to pitch directly to industry experts, potential investors, and strategic partners.
By highlighting early-stage ideas alongside established enterprise projects, the event reinforces one of its core messages: the future of logistics is collaborative.
Here, new voices are not just welcome they are essential.
Key Highlights from Past Editions
Over the years, the Future Congress Logistics has featured groundbreaking topics and forward-thinking perspectives that have shaped European logistics strategies. Some memorable themes include:
The Logistics Mall concept - an early model of logistics-as-a-service
Digital Shadows and Digital Twins - bridging the physical and digital world
Blockchain in Logistics - from hype to real-world application
Robotics in Intralogistics - enhancing, not replacing, human effort
Resilient Supply Chains - especially critical in the post-pandemic world
Each of these ideas, once presented as future visions, are now standard discussions in logistics boardrooms, showing the event’s influence and foresight.
The Role of Dortmund: A Symbolic and Strategic Location
Dortmund is not only home to the congress it’s a symbol of industrial transformation. Once a center of heavy industry, the city has reinvented itself as a hub for innovation and applied research in logistics and digitalization.
The presence of institutes like Fraunhofer IML, one of the world’s leading logistics research organizations, provides a strong foundation for the event and ensures scientific rigor behind the discussions.
For attendees, the city serves as a living example of how traditional industries can evolve, adapt, and thrive in a digital era.
The Zukunftskongress Logistik as a Future-Shaping Event
In a sector often defined by movement, the Future Congress Logistics - Dortmund Talks offers something rare: a moment to pause and think deeply about where we’re headed.
By bringing together academia, industry, and society, the event fosters a balanced conversation that goes beyond technology and profitability. It asks: How can logistics serve humanity better? How can we build systems that are smarter, more inclusive, and more resilient?
If you are a logistics leader, researcher, policymaker, or innovator, this is not just a conference you should attend it’s one you’ll want to be part of.
Logistics & Automation - Dortmund
LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Dortmund: Driving the Future of Intralogistics and Material Flow
In today’s rapidly evolving supply chain landscape, the need for smarter, faster, and more automated logistics solutions has never been greater. At the heart of this transformation is the LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION trade fair, held annually at Messe Dortmund and organized by Easyfairs. This event serves as a premier meeting point for decision-makers, innovators, and technology providers shaping the future of intralogistics, material handling, and supply chain management across Europe.
Combining a strong focus on cutting-edge innovation with practical solutions, the Dortmund edition of LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION has become an essential fixture in the industry calendar. It offers a dynamic platform for discovering the latest technologies, establishing new partnerships, and sharing expert knowledge that directly impacts operational efficiency and business growth.
Messe Dortmund: The Ideal Venue for Innovation and Networking
Messe Dortmund is not only one of Germany’s leading exhibition centers, but also a strategic location known for its accessibility, modern infrastructure, and central position in Europe’s logistics corridor. With its robust connectivity via road, rail, and air, the venue makes it easy for both national and international visitors to attend.
The spacious exhibition halls offer an ideal environment for large-scale product demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and technical presentations. As logistics continues to evolve into a highly digitized and automated field, this space fosters meaningful engagement between exhibitors and attendees.
Key Focus Areas at LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Dortmund
LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION is more than just a showcase of products—it's a complete ecosystem of ideas, innovation, and implementation. The trade fair covers a wide spectrum of topics critical to modern logistics and automation systems.
Core topics featured include:
Intralogistics equipment and solutions for smart warehousing
Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) for real-time data integration
Material handling technology for streamlined operations
Automation components and robotics, including cobots and AGVs
Packaging and logistics automation technologies
IT systems for logistics and supply chain data flow
Transport and courier software, including last-mile delivery solutions
Tracking, monitoring, and picking systems
Conveyor technology and order fulfillment automation
Sustainability in logistics with energy-efficient systems
The diversity of content ensures that visitors from every corner of the industry can find tools, strategies, and partners that suit their specific needs.
Highlights of the Event: Innovation and Collaboration at Its Core
Future-Ready Solutions on Display
A defining characteristic of the Dortmund fair is its emphasis on innovation and forward-thinking technologies. Exhibitors include both established players and rising start-ups that are transforming traditional supply chain processes with digital tools and smart automation.
Attendees can explore:
Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) for flexible and autonomous material transport
AI-powered WMS platforms for intelligent inventory forecasting
Logistics robots and cobots that enhance human productivity
IoT and RFID tracking for real-time asset visibility
SaaS logistics solutions for better control over fleet and warehouse operations
Each of these technologies is showcased with live demonstrations, giving visitors a hands-on look at how they function in real-world settings.
Business Benefits of Attending LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION
The trade fair is designed to provide more than inspiration—it offers real business value by helping attendees improve supply chain efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance overall process agility.
Key reasons to attend:
Discover breakthrough innovations to stay competitive in a fast-changing market
Meet industry leaders and technology experts face-to-face
Evaluate and compare solutions across different suppliers
Learn from thought leaders in specialized conferences and forums
Create new partnerships and investment opportunities
Target Audience and Industry Reach
LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Dortmund attracts a highly qualified and diverse professional audience. Whether you're a logistics manager at a multinational corporation or a supply chain consultant helping SMEs scale, the event is tailored to deliver actionable insights.
Typical attendee profiles include:
Operations and warehouse managers
Supply chain directors and consultants
Procurement and sourcing specialists
Automation engineers and IT professionals
Investors and business development teams
The event’s international reach also allows for cross-border networking, opening up new markets and collaborative ventures across Europe and beyond.
Easyfairs and Its Global Vision for Logistics Events
As part of the Easyfairs family of international trade fairs, LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Dortmund is integrated into a broader network of events held across Europe. These fairs share a common goal: to foster innovation, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing in logistics and automation.
Other Easyfairs events focus on regional needs while maintaining a high standard of content and exhibitor quality. This ensures that industry professionals can access the best technologies and insights whether they attend in Dortmund, Zurich, Stockholm, or Barcelona.
Easyfairs’ commitment to industry growth is reflected in their support for start-ups, sustainability initiatives, and digital transformation in supply chains. Through their trade fair platforms, they continue to push the boundaries of what logistics events can deliver.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Logistics Starts in Dortmund
The demand for smarter, more efficient, and more responsive logistics solutions is accelerating. Intralogistics is no longer just about storage and transport—it's about data, connectivity, automation, and adaptability. At LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Dortmund, visitors gain first-hand exposure to the technologies and trends shaping the industry’s next chapter.
As the global logistics industry faces ongoing challenges—from supply chain disruptions to sustainability mandates—events like this provide the insight and partnerships necessary to thrive.
Why LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION Is a Must for Supply Chain Professionals
Whether you're looking to automate your operations, digitize your warehouse, or explore new transport management systems, LOGISTICS & AUTOMATION in Dortmund offers a well-rounded, future-focused experience. With its rich program, expert speakers, and impressive lineup of exhibitors, the event delivers both inspiration and actionable takeaways.
