From 30 June to 2 July 2026, the NEC Birmingham will once again become the centre of the supply chain and logistics industry as Multimodal returns for what promises to be its biggest and most influential edition yet.

As the UK, Ireland and northern Europe’s leading logistics and supply chain event, Multimodal has built its reputation over 19 years by bringing together every mode of transport, every corner of the supply chain and every level of decision-maker under one roof. But in 2026, the event matters more than ever.

With supply chains under continued pressure to become more resilient, more sustainable and more digitally connected, the need for face-to-face conversations, practical insight and trusted partnerships has never been greater. That is exactly what Multimodal delivers.

More than an Exhibition

At its core, Multimodal is where logistics business gets done. Over three packed days, visitors can explore solutions from hundreds of exhibitors spanning road, rail, sea, air, warehousing, technology, customs, ports, automation and intralogistics.

Whether you are a cargo owner looking for more efficient freight solutions, a retailer navigating supply chain disruption, a warehouse operator exploring automation, or a logistics provider seeking new partnerships, the exhibition floor offers unrivalled access to suppliers, services and innovation.

The scale and diversity of exhibitors is one of the event’s greatest strengths. Visitors can compare providers side-by-side, hold detailed operational conversations and discover technologies that improve visibility, efficiency and resilience.

As part of UK Logistics Week, Multimodal also connects seamlessly with the wider logistics ecosystem, giving visitors a broader perspective on warehousing, fulfilment, last-mile delivery and integrated supply chain operations.

The co-location of Warehouse and Yard in an adjacent, seamlessly connected hall means smoother navigation and richer networking across supply chain functions. At the same time, eDX, the delivery and fulfilment arm of IRX, joins Multimodal under one roof. For over a decade, eDX has equipped online retailers and brands with the tools and insights to streamline last-mile logistics. Now, it’s bringing that expertise to the heart of the UK’s most comprehensive logistics event. Meanwhile, just down the road at Stoneleigh Park, Road Transport Expo (RTX) will be in full swing - with free shuttle buses linking it directly to the NEC. It’s a powerful alignment that makes the West Midlands the undisputed hub of UK logistics that week.

A conference programme built around real challenges

One of the biggest draws for visitors is the extensive free-to-attend conference programme. Featuring more than 100 sessions and over 120 speakers across 5 theatres, the programme is designed to provide practical, commercially relevant insight into the issues shaping logistics in 2026 and beyond.

The programme is compliled in conjunction with the industry’s leading trade associations to guarantee all critical issues are addressed, and leaders in those genres are represented as speakers. Trade bodies include Logistics UK, Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade, UKWA, Rail Freight Group, Road Haulage Association, Cold Chain Federation, Fresh Produce Consortium, Institute of Grocery Distribution and the UK Major Ports Group.

This year’s sessions place strong emphasis on sustainability, AI, trade, rail freight, digital transformation and supply chain resilience.

Among the standout sessions already generating great interest is:

The Future of Sustainable Logistics

A high-level discussion exploring the smart and sustainable priorities shaping 2026/27 logistics strategies, featuring:

• Chris Cook, Managing Director – UK & Ireland Area, Maersk
  
• John Trenchard, Vice President Sustainable International Supply Chains, DP World
  
• Kelly Hobson, Managing Director, Shape Tomorrow
  
• Phil Roe, President, Logistics UK
  
• Steve Carter, Executive Director – Technology Sector Global, Unipart
  

With decarbonisation now firmly embedded into boardroom agendas, this session promises practical insight into balancing operational reality with long-term sustainability goals.

Technology and AI also feature heavily throughout the programme. Sessions including:

Visibility Isn’t Value: How AI Drives Real Results in Multimodal Logistics

Predictive Shipping: How AI Forecasts Demand, Route and Delivery Times

Global Customs Updates: How AI is Redefining Global Trade Compliance

will explore how businesses are moving beyond data collection into meaningful operational improvements through automation, predictive analytics and intelligent planning.

For organisations focused on resilience and security, sessions such as:

Cyber Threats in the Maritime Domain

and

Minimising Cargo Losses & Optimising Supply Chain Resilience

will provide valuable insight into protecting operations in an increasingly digitised logistics landscape.

Global trade uncertainty also remains a major concern for many businesses, making sessions like:

Navigating Trade, Customs and Global Supply Chain Disruptions

particularly timely for importers, exporters and freight operators alike.

Strong warehousing and UKWA focus

Warehousing and intralogistics continue to play an increasingly strategic role across supply chains, and this is strongly reflected in the 2026 programme.

The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) has expanded its involvement this year with dedicated sessions focused on warehouse automation, labour challenges, energy efficiency, AI integration and future workforce development.

For warehouse operators and logistics professionals, these sessions provide practical guidance on adapting facilities and operations to meet rising customer expectations and increasing operational complexity.

Combined with exhibitors showcasing robotics, storage systems, warehouse software and materials handling solutions, Multimodal offers warehousing professionals a complete overview of the latest innovation shaping the sector.

Networking that digital can’t replace

While technology continues to transform logistics, one thing remains unchanged: relationships matter.

Multimodal’s greatest strength has always been its ability to bring the industry together face-to-face. Across the exhibition halls, conference theatres and networking events, visitors can meet suppliers, customers, policymakers and peers in an environment designed for meaningful conversation.

In a world increasingly dominated by virtual meetings and email communication, the value of in-person interaction has become even more important. Deals move faster, trust builds quicker and conversations become more productive.

For many attendees, some of the most valuable opportunities happen outside formal meetings - during chance conversations on stands, in the aisles, after conference sessions or at networking events.

The Multimodal Awards

A major highlight of the week is the Multimodal Awards, taking place on the evening of Day One.

Recognised as one of the logistics industry’s most respected awards programmes, the Awards celebrate excellence across road, rail, sea, air, warehousing, technology and supply chain operations.

The event combines recognition, entertainment and networking, bringing together industry leaders and rising talent alike.

Beginning with a pre-drinks reception sponsored by CNS Ltd and continuing after the ceremony into a lively after party, sponsored by ID Logistics, the focus is on networking and enhancing relationships to the backdrop of soul sounds from the Ian Gill of Vanguard Logistics and fun casino entertainment. The Awards evening has become one of the most anticipated social events in the logistics calendar, with seats selling quickly visitors are encouraged to secure their place early.

Don’t miss the Multimodal Mixer!

For those looking for a more informal networking experience, the Multimodal Mixer remains a visitor favourite.

Open to exhibitors and visitors alike, the Mixer offers a relaxed opportunity to continue conversations over drinks and light bites in the Hall itself towards the end of Day 2 from 5-7pm. It is a perfect setting for reconnecting with contacts, meeting new people and building relationships in a less formal environment.

Use the App to plan your visit

With so much happening across three days, the official Multimodal App is an essential tool for visitors. When registering you can sign up for the App to help map out your visit.

On the App you can:

• View the full exhibitor list
  
• Browse conference sessions
  
• Build a personalised agenda
  
• Arrange meetings
  
• Navigate the hall
  
• Keep up to date with live announcements
  

Visitors are also encouraged to regularly check the “What’s On” page via the website, where new sessions, speakers, networking events and exhibitor events are added throughout the build-up to the show.

Day 3 Focus: Inspiring the Next Generation

A particularly important feature of Multimodal 2026 is the continued focus on attracting future talent into logistics and supply chain careers.

Day 3 shines a spotlight on the next generation of industry professionals, including students, apprentices, graduates and career changers.

With skills shortages continuing across logistics and warehousing, this initiative helps demonstrate the scale, diversity and opportunity within the sector- while giving employers a chance to engage directly with emerging talent.

Register Free for Multimodal 2026

Multimodal 2026 is free to attend, providing access to the exhibition and conference programme.

For anyone involved in logistics, freight, warehousing or supply chain management, it remains one of the most valuable events in the industry calendar.

Whether your goal is discovering new solutions, understanding emerging trends, building partnerships or simply staying ahead of change, Multimodal is where the logistics industry comes together.

Register now via the website at multimodal.org.uk and start planning your visit.