MEGATRANS 2024 showcased industry innovations while addressing sustainability and collaboration, charting a progressive path for supply chain and logistics.
Hosted by Prime Creative Media, MEGATRANS 2024 was a landmark event in the supply chain and logistics industry brought together key stakeholders to explore the future of the industry. Held at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre on September 18-19, 2024, the event served as a platform for industry leaders and innovators to engage in discussions on pressing challenges and opportunities.
From sustainability to technological advancements, the event highlighted the interconnectedness of various sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
With a robust lineup of speakers, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, the event aimed to shape the direction of the industry as it navigates a rapidly evolving landscape.
Official Breakfast
The event was kickstarted by the Victorian Transport Association (VTA), which hosted its official opening breakfast.
VTA CEO Peter Anderson set the stage for the morning, emphasising the pressing logistics challenges that the industry faces and the need for collective action and innovation.
“The supply chain is connected. We can’t think in silos,” says Peter.
The breakfast event’s sponsor, Zurich Resilience Solutions’s Peter Johannson, Principal Risk Engineer, delivered an insightful speech on resilience in the face of climate change, cyber threats, and technological advancements.
“Businesses are now being electrified as they deploy artificial intelligence solutions,” says Peter.
He noted that social engineering is integral to companies improving their operations and that to achieve Scope 3, they should look at supply chain mapping, governance, and risk management.
“The human element is also important. We should aim to have well, happy, and resilient employees,” he says.
The Victorian Minister for Roads & Road Safety and Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, also addressed the audience, outlining Victorian government projects that are set to reshape the logistics landscape.
She highlighted the West Gate Tunnel, scheduled to open in 2025, and the North-East Link, both of which promise to enhance freight efficiency.
“My role is to work with the VTA as a facilitator for a sustainable and productive freight sector,” says Melissa.
In an era where the demand for skilled labour continues to rise, Horne also celebrated the success of the Truck Driver Program, which has trained nearly 400 heavy vehicle drivers since its inception.
“Twenty-five per cent of the drivers trained so far have been women,” Melissa added.
John Murphy, CEO, Prime Creative Media, rounded out the morning’s speeches with a clarion call for collaboration.
“The future of the sustainable supply chain provides both opportunities and challenges as we work towards reducing our carbon footprint,” says John.
The breakfast was only the beginning of a dynamic day at MEGATRANS 2024 when the show floor opened to thousands of attendees. Visitors explored the latest innovations and engaged with industry leaders, setting the stage for conversations and connections.
Industry insights
The conference featured a series of sessions that delved deeper into specific industry challenges and innovations.
One such session, sponsored by OneStop, focused on enhancing visibility and efficiency within the interconnected supply chain. This was followed by a discussion by Toll Group on “Creating the Sustainable Fleet of the Future,” where experts tackled the pressing need for decarbonising logistics fleets.
Post-lunch discussions included a seminar titled “Sustainability and Safety in Supply Chain,” where the panel discussed how automation and digitisation are paving the way for greener operations. The session on “Decarbonising International Shipping & Transport” offered insights into achieving net-zero commitments by 2050 – a challenge that requires concerted efforts across the sector.
Day two of MEGATRANS 2024 continued to foster collaboration, with discussions on the integration of in-warehouse and on-the-road fleets, moving from ambition to action in supply chain sustainability, and leveraging telematics for efficiency gains.
“We think that the transport industry is a key market for us,” says Adam Duncan, General Manager of Sales at Adaptalift.
“We’ve had good feedback from all our team that have worked on the stand. It’s been positive, good engagement from some potential customers, and we look forward to following up the leads.”
One of the event’s partners, the Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA) held a lineup of seminars. This included open remarks from Stephen Lakey, Director, SCLAA, followed by seminars named Trust in Supply Chain Technologies, Eco-Innovation: Driving Profits and Planetary Health, A Fresh Perspective on Inventory Management for Supply Chain Efficiency, Integrating Sustainability and ESG into Supply Chain Management for Competitive Advantage, and Simplifying International Shipping and Transport.
MEGATRANS was more than just a gathering; it was a pivotal moment for industry leaders to confront the evolving challenges in logistics and supply chain management.
“It’s about brand recognition in this space for us,” says Richard Boothey, Business Development Manager, Kärcher.
“The exposure that we’ve got out of it has been great. We’ve had a steady flow of traffic and a lot of interest in products, particularly the robotics side of the business. It’s overall been a positive experience.”
“This year’s event has exceeded the footfall seen at the last MEGATRANS, which speaks volumes about the industry’s enthusiasm,” says Lauren Chartres, Show Director.
“The positive feedback from attendees signalled a strong desire for continued dialogue and innovation in the logistics sector.”
MEGATRANS 2024 has set a new benchmark for engagement and innovation in the logistics sector. With record attendance and meaningful dialogue, the event was a collective commitment to sustainability, technology, and resilience, ensuring a dynamic future for the industry.
Mercury Awards showcase
The Mercury Awards were held at the Melbourne Convention Centre on the night of September 18th. They celebrated achievements in the logistics and supply chain industry and were sponsored by SEW EURODRIVE. The event emphasised innovation and sustainability, showcasing both established industry leaders and emerging talents across sectors from warehousing to sea freight.
Merging with the Australian Bulk Handling Awards, the gala offered enhanced visibility and networking opportunities for attendees.
Award winners included Allotrac for Supply Chain Innovator of the Year, Skilled Materials Handling for Best Technology Application, CEVA Logistics for Sustainability Initiative Award, Machship for Freight Transport Solution of the Year, Dr. Elsie Hooi for Contribution to Industry Award, and Silk Logistics for the MHD Sustainable Warehouse Award.