Multimodal 2026 wrapped up at Birmingham’s NEC with a clear message: the future of the logistics industry depends on attracting, developing and inspiring the next generation of talent.
The final day of the UK’s largest transport, logistics and supply chain exhibition shifted the spotlight from technology and innovation to people, welcoming hundreds of students and educators for a programme designed to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available across the sector.
By connecting young people directly with employers, trade associations and industry professionals, the event aimed to bridge the gap between education and employment while highlighting the vital role logistics plays in everyday life.
Giving students a closer look at the logistics industry
At the heart of the day’s activities was the Next Generation Programme, hosted by Dulcie Jervis of Meantime Communications.
The programme blended interactive talks, real-world industry stories and practical careers advice to give students a better understanding of what a career in logistics can offer.
One of the most engaging sessions came from Carl Hobbis, Member Services Director at the British International Freight Association (BIFA), who presented “10 Reasons to Consider Logistics as a Career.”
Rather than delivering a traditional presentation, Hobbis encouraged students to get involved through quizzes and audience participation. Joined by two young logistics professionals, he demonstrated the variety of roles available across freight forwarding, international trade and supply chain management, while sharing personal experiences from people already building successful careers in the industry.
Behind the scenes of global touring logistics
Students also gained an insight into one of logistics’ lesser-known specialisms during a presentation by John Corr, Senior Project Manager at Global Motion.
Using examples from major international concert tours and stadium productions, Corr explained the meticulous planning required to move equipment, crews and staging across multiple countries while keeping tight performance schedules on track.
His presentation illustrated how transport planning, customs coordination and multimodal logistics work together behind the scenes to deliver some of the world’s biggest live events.
Understanding the role of customs
International trade was another major topic on the agenda.
Bee Newboult, Head of Regional Marketing and Expansion at Customs Support Group, introduced students to the world of customs procedures and cross-border trade, explaining how customs professionals help keep global supply chains moving efficiently.
She also highlighted how delays or disruption at border crossings can quickly affect businesses, retailers and consumers around the world, reinforcing the importance of customs expertise within modern logistics.
Apprenticeships open the door to logistics careers
The event also showcased the growing range of apprenticeship opportunities available across the sector.
Annie Graham, Head of Apprenticeships at Logistics UK, outlined the different routes into the industry, explaining how apprenticeships can provide practical experience while allowing young people to build long-term careers in logistics, transport and supply chain management.
The session offered students valuable guidance on the qualifications, skills and career pathways available after leaving school or college.
Career Hubs connect students with industry
A key feature of the final day was the Career Hubs initiative, which gave students the opportunity to meet employers and industry organisations in small, guided groups.
Instead of simply walking around the exhibition, participants held conversations with representatives from organisations including Logistics UK, BIFA, UK Warehousing Association (UKWA), the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT UK) and the Cold Chain Federation.
The initiative provided students with first-hand insights into the breadth of careers available across freight forwarding, warehousing, transport operations, cold chain logistics and supply chain management.
Investing in the industry’s future
Reflecting on the event, Robert Jervis, Event Director of Multimodal, said attracting new talent remains one of the industry’s biggest priorities.
He noted that logistics is evolving rapidly, creating opportunities across technology, sustainability, engineering, operations and international trade.
“The Next Generation Programme has given young people the chance to see first-hand just how varied and rewarding working in multimodal industries can be,” he said.
“If we want the sector to continue innovating and growing, we must actively engage the next generation and show them that logistics offers meaningful, long-term careers with real impact.”
A larger platform for UK logistics
The 2026 edition also marked an important milestone for the event itself.
For the first time, Warehouse and Yard and eDX, the delivery and fulfilment event previously associated with InternetRetailing Expo (IRX), were brought together with Multimodal under one roof as part of UK Logistics Week.
Held from 30 June to 2 July at the NEC Birmingham, the exhibition featured conference sessions across five theatres, with contributions from leading industry organisations including Logistics UK, BIFA, UKWA and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, alongside senior figures from across the transport, freight and supply chain sectors. Event organisers said the expanded format attracted record participation and reinforced the exhibition’s role as one of the UK’s leading logistics gatherings.
Looking ahead
As Multimodal 2026 came to a close, the emphasis on education and skills reflected a broader commitment across the logistics industry to addressing future workforce challenges.
With demand growing for expertise in digital technologies, sustainability, customs, warehousing and multimodal transport, initiatives such as the Next Generation Programme are helping to introduce young people to an industry that offers a wide range of rewarding career opportunities.
The next edition of Multimodal will take place at the NEC Birmingham from 29 June to 1 July 2027, with visitor registration expected to open in January 2027.
