Agenda - BVL Supply Chain CX 2025

Many projects start with ambitious goals—and quickly lose momentum. Platforms remain stuck in pilot mode, operational teams are overloaded, and IT struggles with legacy systems. Dr. Franz Steinberger shows how companies can move into targeted execution with Minimum Viable Change: small, testable steps that deliver impact under real-world conditions.Instead of complex programs, the focus is on pragmatic progress—designed to fit into existing processes, teams, and systems. The talk shares proven levers from successful projects with DACHSER, Audi, and Voith:How do you build momentum?How do you create real readiness for change?And how do you turn a pilot into true scale?For everyone who doesn’t just want to plan digital transformation—but start tomorrow with a clear, actionable roadmap.
 

LOGISTICS NEXT LEVEL: How Strauss is Redefining the Future of Logistics

Leadership today is more demanding than ever. Especially when it comes to dealing confidently with rapid and far-reaching changes. Anyone who finds it difficult to adapt to new things will be all the more challenged to guide employees safely through change processes.
Self-management and socio-psychological skills are becoming increasingly important in a working world that is increasingly shaped by AI. Managers are faced with a central task: they must shape the use of AI in such a way that it is understood as support and as a technology that strengthens people, not replaces them. A decisive lever here is the design of psychological safety: only in a trusting working environment are people willing to accept new technologies and actively participate.

This session deals specifically with the following questions:

• What perspectives and behaviors do managers need in the digital age?
• What can be influenced by leadership - and where do we reach our limits?
• How does motivation change - and what role does communication play in overcoming new fears?

In a collegial exchange with experienced systemic coaches, this session gives you the opportunity to contribute your own questions, get food for thought on
and develop practical solutions together. This is not just about impulses, but also about space for reflection and further development.
 

In today’s volatile, high-stakes logistics landscape, success is no longer defined by siloed systems or standalone tools—but by connected networks, shared intelligence, and collaborative execution. In this forward-looking session, Sven Meyer, Regional Sales Manager DACH Alpega, will explore how Collective Intelligence is becoming the most valuable asset in global transport. By uniting shippers, carriers, LSPs, and technology providers on a single digital platform, logistics leaders can unlock end-to-end visibility, resilience, and sustainability at scale. Discover how Alpega’s Digital Transport Platform—powered by Connecta—brings this intelligence to life across procurement, planning, execution, and optimization.

The #HafenFan campaign is on everyone's lips and is rocking the world of logistics! In our “20-minutes-to-go”-session, you will learn more about the birth of the campaign and its success story. At the same time, we will give you a live demonstration of the digital tools resulting from our innovations in the operation of a public inland port.
 

What do the new trends mean for the structure of the global supply chain landscape? In this session, participants will get an exclusive first look at the key findings of BVL's upcoming study “Trends and Strategies 2025”. Initial results will be jointly reviewed, discussed, interpreted such as their impact on the logistics and supply chain of tomorrow predicted. The aim is to derive specific findings that can help to actively shape the future of the supply chain.
 

Real innovation often emerges from a workplace transformation, with a strong employee experience serving as the basis for driving change. Crafting an exceptional employee experience can be the first step toward innovation. The next crucial aspect is fostering a thriving culture, underpinned by real, lived values. This goes beyond buzzwords — values should be meaningful and embraced by all. These values should then form the basis of a cultural charter that’s clearly communicated, supported, and integrated into the overall employer experience. The question remains: Is your organization ready for transformation? This coffee talk seeks not only answers to this issue but also shows how innovation can be implemented quickly in your organization. Fix the fundamentals, catch the employees, develop it, live it.

Germany's inland ports are far more than just transhipment centres - they are trimodal logistics hubs. With efficient solutions for combined freight transport, they make a key contribution to the transport transition!

Are you already a #PortsFan? Visit us for a personal exchange over a good glass of wine in our #HafenFan wine lounge!

The future of document processing has begun - with AI clerks that read, check and process consignment notes, invoices and customs documents independently. The past few months have impressively demonstrated that traditional OCR tools and rigid SaaS products are a thing of the past. In his presentation, Holger Trittenbach (Head of Product at ExB) will show how Anna - a virtual AI clerk - not only processes documents, but also understands them. In a live demo, she recognizes discrepancies in real documents and transfers structured data directly into the TMS or ERP system - seamlessly integrated and ready for use in just a few days. For anyone who wants to make processes smarter, reduce the workload of teams and reach the next level of automation with AI.

The finalists shortlisted by the jury will get straight to the point – they will present their work in very brief pitches.

Following the pitches, they will answer questions from the jury, whose members will then select the awardee 2025. 

To find out more about the Science Award for SCM, go to https://www.bvl.de/en/sascm

Forecasting is good - but what if your supply chain could see for itself what's coming? this keynote shows why the journey from forecasting to true demand intelligence is not optional, but critical, and why it's not just about algorithms - but a whole new way of making supply chain decisions.
 

Mentale Stärke ist kein Bonus – sie ist Grundvoraussetzung und hat das Zeug zum Karrierekick. Doch wie bleiben junge Logistiker:innen resilient, wenn Verantwortung, Wandel und Dauerstress zum Alltag gehören? In diesem interaktiven Panel diskutieren Young Professionals, Führungskräfte und (HR)-Expert:innen, wie mentale Widerstandskraft ganz ohne Führungsrolle aufgebaut werden kann. Resilienz ist nicht angeboren – sondern lernbar. Routinen, persönliche Reflexion und vor allem: ehrlicher Austausch im Team oder Netzwerk sind entscheidend. Denn oft hilft ein gutes Gespräch mehr als jede To-do-Liste. Was hilft, wenn’s brennt? Und wie wächst man an Druck, statt an ihm zu zerbrechen?​

In today's rapidly changing business world, innovation management is crucial for success in contract logistics. In an environment characterized by rapid technological change, the Geis Group shows how strategic innovation management and digital integration can not only optimize internal processes, but also successfully shape competitiveness and future viability.
 

In July 2027, a digital network will go live across Europe that will enable logistics companies and service providers to provide freight transportation information digitally during inspections by competent authorities. The EU member states are obliged to introduce interoperable systems in the control authorities in order to be able to accept freight transport information digitally. The objectives for this are: more efficiency in freight transport, digital connection of authorities, faster and more targeted checks, up-to-date transport data for companies, fewer language barriers, better monitoring of cabotage journeys, increased safety for emergency services and more efficient operations, e.g. in the event of dangerous goods accidents. Companies must therefore make the data available on suitable platforms. This is why this session, together with companies and the German Freight Forwarding and Logistics Association (DSLV), will focus on the practical opportunities and challenges of digitizing transport data. The Federal Ministry of Transport will also show what support is being provided by the federal government for implementation.
 

The Seifert Logistics Group demonstrates what future-proof logistics looks like: with no-code and low-code solutions, they digitalize processes, save time and costs — all while ensuring maximum transparency. Digital reporting eliminates delays between work steps. The result is seamless workflows and a new level of collaborative working.We share best practices and practical tips on how to successfully scale these optimised processes company-wide and across multiple locations.
 

Rules, tariffs, and trade agreements are undergoing global changes – and with them, the playing field for internationally operating companies and their supply chains. Political decisions can take effect overnight, trade barriers emerge or shift, and regulatory requirements are becoming increasingly complex.

This hands-on session brings together two perspectives: a sound legal assessment of current developments and regulatory frameworks, and a direct report from practical experience. Together, the speakers will explore how companies can remain flexible, legally compliant, and operational – even under geopolitical pressure. The focus will be on concrete strategies for dealing with tightened export controls, new customs structures, and ad-hoc measures.

In a world where everything is expected to be instant, transparent, and personalized, the supply chain becomes the ultimate lever for customer experience. Technologies such as real-time tracking, predictive analytics, autonomous vehicles, AI-based ETA predictions, and drones are not only transforming operational logistics – they are actively shaping the experience customers associate with a brand.
This panel explores the question: How can logistics become a strategic differentiator through technology – rather than a mere commodity?
The goal is to showcase concrete innovation approaches from real-world practice and discuss how companies can successfully balance experience, efficiency, and sustainability.
 

Just as efficient logistics processes are the key to customer satisfaction and competitiveness in online retail, innovation and cooperation are the basic prerequisites for the retail of the future. This session will present the latest EHI study on trends in ‘Shipping and returns management in e-commerce’ as well as the winning entry of this year's ECR Award in the ‘Innovation Excellence’ category, which shows how intelligent logistics enables innovative retail concepts and provides consumers with a new shopping experience.
 

Discover how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the future of supply chain planning through human-machine collaboration. This session explores real-world applications of AI agents that go beyond automation - enhancing decision-making, increasing agility, and empowering planners to drive smarter, faster, and more resilient operations. Join us to see how collaborative intelligence is not just a buzzword, but a competitive advantage.
 

Marketing relies on smooth, efficient logistics – because even the most creative campaign falls flat if products are unavailable or deliveries are unreliable. Especially in the age of TikTok, Instagram & Co., where viral trends can cause demand to skyrocket overnight, logistics becomes a decisive success factor. But logistics also benefits from marketing – not only when it comes to polishing its often outdated image and presenting it as a high-tech industry with critical, forward-looking relevance. The potential goes far beyond that. Logistics and marketing are now inseparable – and together, they are unbeatable.
 

New players with fresh ideas are challenging the logistics and supply chain industry. In three keynote speeches, innovation drivers will show how traditional processes are being rethought, how ideas are turned into marketable solutions, and how established companies can benefit from collaborating with start-ups, incubators, or investors.

The topics: disruptors in logistics, the path from idea to market launch, and cooperation instead of competition. Modern, progressive, and forward-looking – a look at what will drive the industry tomorrow.

Today’s supply chains function less like linear chains and more like dynamic, interconnected networks. This masterclass explores how to manage that complexity through end-to-end connectivity, real-time collaboration, and integrated planning and execution. Learn how leading companies are transforming siloed operations into agile, resilient ecosystems that adapt to constant change. Discover how AI agents support this shift by automating routine tasks and enhancing responsiveness—without replacing human expertise. We'll discuss architecture, use cases, and success factors for building and managing a connected supply chain. Get inspired to take the next step toward a smarter, more adaptive logistics network.

China is a driving force for innovation in logistics and supply chain management. This session explores current developments and technological trends in the Chinese market. Learn how local companies are transforming processes, which success models have emerged, and what Western markets can learn from them. Practical insights and real-world applications demonstrate why China is no longer just a production hub, but has become a true innovation lab for global supply chains.

Expect a behind-the-scenes look at the future of Supply Chain Management.

“It's time for...?” For over ten years, we've been active in the startup and innovation acceleration game within the supply chain world. What have we learned? What mistakes are still being made?

Experts and shapers of Germany’s logistics innovation ecosystem will discuss — and we want to hear: What is it time for now?
 

How do CO₂ pricing, minimum wage, the drive transition, insurance costs, and regulatory and societal demands change cost structures in the CEP sector? What challenges and opportunities arise especially for small and medium-sized enterprises?
The goal is to provide sound knowledge and discuss possible solutions to meet these challenges. Invited are CEP entrepreneurs, industry experts, policymakers, and professionals from public administration and associations who want to get ready for Procurement 2026+.
1.    Simulations of diesel and electricity price developments beyond 2026
2.    Impact of a €15 minimum wage on personnel costs
3.    Operating and acquisition costs of electric vehicles compared to combustion engines
4.    Developments in vehicle insurance costs in the CEP market
 

The session provides an overview of the current state of transport logistics in the consumer goods industry and in retail, highlights the transport logistics strategies of market-leading manufacturers and retailers, classifies current transport logistics challenges and ventures an outlook on relevant future developments. With a special thematic focus on transport logistics between manufacturers and retailers, the make-or-buy question and collaboration with logistics service providers, the session lays the foundation for the subsequent Coffee Talk.
 

This session sheds light on opposing viewpoints from different economic contexts. For example: Do hoodies and ties divide or unite? Are visionary or traditional views more successful? Is a focus on profitability or innovation-driven experimentation more advisable? And much more.

This talk does not stop at any topic - for better collaboration and better deals in the future.
 

Today's business environment in logistics requires a higher degree of automation on the one hand and a high degree of adaptability on the other. The presentation deals with how technology platforms such as AutoStore can enable growth and at the same time investment security for the future through high standardisation and constant innovation.Today's business environment in logistics requires a higher degree of automation on the one hand and a high degree of adaptability on the other. The presentation deals with how technology platforms such as AutoStore can enable growth and investment security at the same time through high standardisation and constant innovation.
 

Black box systems are increasingly being met with skepticism by users and companies - especially when it comes to AI. Training data is often used as a knowledge base, which comes from a variety of known and unknown sources. Open source AI promises improved transparency and more democratic access to AI technologies. This session will explore how open source AI can change access to AI, what benefits it brings to companies and whether it can reduce dependencies and perhaps even redefine make-or-buy decisions.
 

Digitalization in intralogistics offers great potential, yet many processes still operate in isolation. In this presentation, we will share practical experiences and learnings, showing how data-driven solutions already contribute to optimization. We will also take a look at how warehouse areas and systems could become more connected in the future and which developments may support the path toward integrated intralogistics.

Every year, around 400,000 people leave the labor market, which is equivalent to a city like Duisburg. The blue-collar sector in logistics, where many baby boomers work, is particularly affected. With their wealth of experience, they are indispensable. Instead of simply letting them go, we should think about how we can keep them in work for longer. Ergonomic aids, relieving technologies and flexible working models can help. Experience cannot be replaced, but we can preserve it through targeted measures. The session will provide exciting solutions and creative suggestions for securing expertise so that everyone benefits - employees, companies and Germany as a business location.
 

Special achievements in science and research will receive their well-deserved recognition at the BVL Supply Chain CX. 

Sustainability, digitalization and the transformation to e-mobility - the demands on a future-proof logistics property are increasing. The BVL Logistics Real Estate Working Group addresses these issues and works in partnership with other associations to develop concepts for the logistics real estate of tomorrow. 

The “Power of Logistics” member BAUAKADEMIE has created a benchmark for the ancillary costs of logistics properties and shows how they have developed. The “Rail & Logistics Real Estate” focus group is working closely with the VDV to promote the sustainable transportation of goods by rail. And the “Automotive” focus group is cooperating with the VDI to jointly develop a recommendation for the safe storage of high-voltage batteries.

Germany's inland ports are far more than just transhipment centres - they are trimodal logistics hubs. With efficient solutions for combined freight transport, they make a key contribution to the transport transition!

Are you already a #PortsFan? Visit us for a personal exchange over a good glass of wine in our #HafenFan wine lounge!

This session sheds light on opposing viewpoints from different economic contexts. For example: Do hoodies and ties divide or unite? Are visionary or traditional views more successful? Is a focus on profitability or innovation-driven experimentation more advisable? And much more.

This talk does not stop at any topic - for better collaboration and better deals in the future.
 

BVL Supply Chain CX connects professionals, logistics enthusiasts, young talents, and many more people who together form the supply chain community. And what else is needed besides good content, an expo, intensive discussions, and exchanges during the day? Celebrating together! 

The entire supply chain community is invited to celebrate together, engage in informal and relaxed conversations with other participants, speakers, and exhibitors, and end the second CX day on a high note. The CX Party is the perfect place to recharge your batteries in a relaxed environment, deepen contacts, be visible, and have a good time. With delicious food, refreshing drinks, rousing karaoke sessions, and exciting live acts, the best conditions are in place to deepen personal relationships in a unique way and be part of the community. 

The BVL invites all CX participants to this special mix of networking, entertainment with special acts, and a great atmosphere to celebrate the community and our shared enthusiasm for supply chains and logistics. 

Today's IT landscape offers a wide range of specialized tools: Some focus on the early detection of risks, others on end-to-end planning. What has been missing until now is an integrated approach. We show how the combination of both worlds is not only possible, but also significantly more effective - true to the motto: “1 + 1 > 2”.

AI is changing working life - especially in logistics. What will the jobs of the future look like in Germany's third-largest economic sector? What (digital) qualifications and (technological) skills will be in demand in the future? And how can companies shape the transformation together with their employees in a meaningful, efficient and sustainable way?
In the panel of the image initiative “Die Wirtschaftsmacher”, company representatives will present their concepts and ideas, share experiences and perspectives and discuss with the audience how work can be organized in an employee-oriented way in an increasingly digital world.
 

The Start-Up Award offers young and up-and-coming companies the unique opportunity to present their business idea and solutions to a top-class jury and pitch to an expert audience.

The winner will receive the CX Start-Up Award as well as a free 6sqm stand space at BVL Supply Chain CX 2026.

Each pitch has a maximum length of three minutes, after which the expert jury will ask questions for a maximum of five minutes. The start-up pitch is limited to five companies, the jury consists of 4 people.

Following the pitches, the jury and the audience will vote to determine the winner of the Start-Up Award.

Sustainability needs more than goals – it needs people who take action. In this interactive session, we take the next step together: sharpening our awareness of social and environmental responsibility in the supply chain, sharing inspiring real-world examples, and inviting active participation. How can we create real change together – tangible, effective, and motivating? Whether it’s small steps or big transformations: every contribution matters. Let’s establish a narrative that not only sparks reflection, but most importantly, drives action.