SIL Barcelona, organized by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) and one of the world's largest fairs for Logistics, Transport, Intralogistics, and Supply Chain, and the benchmark in Spain, the Mediterranean and Latin America, has closed today its 23rd edition with more than 15,000 participants, 650 companies, 40% of them international, and more than 250 events. This figure represents an increase of 20% compared to 2022 when attendance was slightly over 12,000.
During the celebration of its 25th anniversary, the SIL has had an economic impact on the city and its metropolitan area of 50 million euros, thanks to the massive attendance during the three days of its celebration in Barcelona, while many participating companies have stated that they have closed many businesses and operations that will materialize in the coming months. The success of the 25th anniversary is corroborated by the data provided by the SIL digital platform, from which 8,317 digital contact exchanges have taken place, nearly 3,000 meeting requests and 7,106 messages between attendees.
SIL 2023, which this year has had Euskadi (Autonomous Community of Basque Country) as the guest region, has brought together a wide range of exhibitors who have presented more than 150 worldwide exclusive developments focused on technological solutions, innovations and specialized services in terms of logistics, transport, intralogistics, supply, last-mille, etc. In addition, it has had a great number of conferences, panel discussions and other parallel activities regarding current challenges and emerging trends within the Industry.
The president of SIL, Pere Navarro, wanted to highlight that "once again, the success of SIL Barcelona has been possible thanks to the high profile of all the companies and professionals that during these three days have met at the great meeting point of the sector in our country. Many participating companies have expressed their satisfaction because throughout these three days they have done business and have made high-quality contacts".The president of SIL also says: "we have lived a really special edition. The celebration of the 25th anniversary coincides with a changing moment within the Industry, with the implementation of technological developments that improve all levels of logistics. During this time, the fair has grown with the sector, based on internationality, on promoting business, networking and market knowledge. From today we are already working for the SIL 2024 edition to maintain this high level".
On the other hand, Blanca Sorigué, SIL’s General Manager explained that "SIL has once again shown its great potential by bringing together the most outstanding international agents of the logistics sector and has been the perfect showcase for networking, with 650 participating companies and gathering more than 15,000 professionals. In addition to having exceeded the number of professionals who have participated compared to the last edition, we have to highlight the great level of these attendees because the 90% of them have told us that they hold positions with purchasing power in their companies". Sorigué added that "we are the only event where all sectors of the logistics chain are represented, serving as a key lever for the growth and development of logistics, not only locally, but worldwide. Our wish is to continue this success for at least another 25 years".
After a 25th anniversary of success, SIL has taken the opportunity to launch the dates of its next edition that will take place from June 5th to 7th, 2024.
The port community of Barcelona takes center stage
The Port of Barcelona has been one of the main protagonists of the last day, with a press conference and the presentation of the Business Mission of the Port of Barcelona to India. In addition, the institution has celebrated its traditional cocktail gathering the entire port community, with the presence of freight forwarders, consignees, stevedoring companies, workers, suppliers and customers, in what was one of the most crowded events of the day.
The SIL Job Market Place conducts interviews to fill logistics vacancies
During this last day, the event has hosted the Job Market Place, organized by Barcelona Activa in collaboration with the SIL, and has had several companies with the idea of covering different job vacancies; among them: Alquimia Fruits, Cargobici, Cargo-Partner, Decathlon, DHL Supply Chain, Grupo CTC, Mail Boses, Torredella Ingeniería-Arquitectura y Vanapedal. This is a recruitment and networking place where companies have been able to find candidates according to their needs. A total of 374 candidates submitted their application to the positions offered by the companies. The 107 candidates that meet the required profiles were selected, having a job interview this last day of the SIL.
Five international congresses
Another SIL’s important feature of this edition was the celebration of five large international congresses simultaneously: ALACAT’s 39th edition, the most important congress in terms of logistics in the area; the 18th edition of European Conference & European Research Seminar, organized by CSCMP (Council Supply Chain Management Professionals); the 19th MedaLogistics Week, the reference event for logistics and transport in the Mediterranean; and EUROLOG’s 26th edition, the annual congress organised by ELA (European Logistics Association). The fifth congress has been the SIL Knowledge, an extremely important event within the SIL, where its meetings were divided into six areas of knowledge: supply chain; innovation, technology and digitalization; sustainability; logistics and transport; ecommerce, last-mille and smart mobility; and talent. In this sense, 400 speakers have gathered into 144 sessions, which has allowed them to build business bridges and exchange of knowledge and experience between Hispanic, European, and Mediterranean logistics.