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IMHX 2016, the essential intralogistics event for supply chain professionals, now has over 250 exhibitors booked – over a year before it takes place.

As a result the event, which is taking place from 13-16 September 2016 at the NEC Birmingham, is predicted to be the biggest ever. Rob Fisher, Director of Informa Exhibitions’ Materials Handling Group and IMHX organiser explains: “That we have over 250 exhibitors booked for IMHX 2016 is amazing given that the event is still over a year away.

“When we compare bookings made so far versus those made at the same time prior to IMHX 2013, when the event last took place, we are around six months ahead in terms of both numbers of exhibitors, and space booked. This leads us to believe that this could be the biggest IMHX so far.”

Sponsored by leading financial services provider Investec, this free-to-attend event, the ultimate materials handling supermarket, connecting buyers with suppliers – with all the latest products and services on show – will take place across 32,000 square metres of floor space, the equivalent of four Wembley football pitches. It is set to feature approaching 500 exhibitors which will include the majority of members of leading trade organisation, the British Industrial Truck Association (BITA).

The logistics industry is worth over £93 billion to the UK economy and employs one in twelve of the working population. It is widely regarded as a key barometer of economic health and growth, and as IMHX booking figures illustrate, the industry is going from strength-to-strength, particularly with the growth of internet retailing.

“The continuing growth of internet retailing means supply chain operators face even greater pressure as customers demand faster delivery times – and of course need a connected supply chain that can also handle returns quickly”, comments Fisher.

“In response to this for the first time, IMHX 2016 will feature a dedicated Supply Chain IT Village where providers will be on hand to help visitors meet these challenges – and discover the latest e-commerce solutions. It’s an indication of how relevant this is to current needs that this is already attracting a lot of interest.”

Also selling fast is space in the United Kingdom Warehouse Association (UKWA) Pavilion, alongside the Automated Handling Systems Association (AMHSA) Pavilion. After its debut in 2013, the seminar programme also returns with top speakers from the across the industry due to be announced later this year.

IMHX 2013 was attended by over 19,500 visitors, with 77% of attendees stating that visiting IMHX would influence their buying decisions – and £94 million worth of orders attributed to buyers visiting the show.

“We are extremely pleased with how IMHX 2016 is gathering momentum. This event is attended by decision makers with real purchasing power, alongside the leaders in supply chain management and intralogistics who will showcase their latest solutions and technologies. Make sure you join us at IMHX in Birmingham – this is where business happens.”