Connect, learn and innovate: SIL 2025, the fair that drives the logistics of the future

In an increasingly interconnected world, logistics emerges as the essential nervous system for the smooth functioning of our global society. Without the complex network of airports, roads, ports, and, above all, without the qualified professionals who drive it, the operation of this gigantic machinery that sustains modern life would be unthinkable.

For economies like Spain’s, logistics is not just a key sector but also a significant growth driver. According to ICEX data, Spain has more than 200,000 companies dedicated to the logistics sector, a figure that translates into a substantial contribution of 10% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). This robustness and dynamism of the national logistics sector represent a powerful magnet for foreign investment, which sees Spain as a strategic logistics hub in Europe.

This confidence was clearly reflected during the past 2024, when investments in the sector reached 1.4 billion euros, marking a significant increase of 21% compared to the previous year (2023), as indicated by CBRE data. This sustained growth underscores the potential and growing appeal of the Spanish logistics market, consolidating it as a relevant player on the global scene.

The complexity of logistics is not only found in the capacity and means to provide a supply service to customers. In the current context, it demands constant adaptation to new times and the changing dynamics of the market. This adjustment necessarily involves optimising all phases that make up the supply chain, as well as the adoption of increasingly sustainable and environmentally responsible practices.

In this scenario, the International Logistics Exhibition (SIL) stands as an essential strategic forum to present and disseminate solutions, the latest developments and the trends that are shaping the future of the logistics sector. It offers a space where all sectors have a voice. From the strength of transport and intralogistics, which together account for 46% of participation, to the transformative drive of IT and Industry 4.0, with a notable 19%, passing through the growing importance of sustainability and the last mile (10%), infrastructure and immologistics (both with 9%), and specialised services (7%). The fair organised by the Consorci de la Zona Franca de Barcelona (CZFB) will be held from 18 to 20 June at Pavilion 8 of the Plaza España-Montjuic venue of Fira de Barcelona.

In the words of Pere Navarro, special delegate of the State in the CZFB and president of SIL, “SIL is much more than a fair: it is the great strategic forum where all the actors of the logistics ecosystem meet. A plural space that reflects the transformation of the sector and its decisive commitment to innovation, sustainability and collaboration”.

 SIL offers high-level networking

SIL stands as an opportunity for the logistics sector. This edition will bring together hundreds of companies covering the entire supply chain in one venue. Its international character is particularly noteworthy, with 30% of exhibitors coming from key countries such as Germany, Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, the United States, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Peru, among many others.

The characteristics of SIL make this space the best place to connect with other professionals in the sector. For this reason, the fair promotes networking through various spaces and services that adapt to each participant’s profile. Among them, the B2B Meetings stand out, allowing visitors to explore synergies and business opportunities with exhibiting companies. In parallel, the Job Market Place, in collaboration with Barcelona Activa, is presented as a space for those companies looking to incorporate talent, and for professionals who wish to develop their career in the logistics field. Moreover, SIL’s virtual platform, SIL Virtual IA Platform, powered by artificial intelligence, optimises networking by facilitating contact between profiles with common interests and by suggesting relevant content from SIL Knowledge to attendees, based on their profiles and areas of professional interest.

SIL Knowledge: trends and challenges of logistics

One of the great bets is SIL Knowledge. This space will bring together 350 top-level speakers, offering more than 70 hours of knowledge that will cover logistics in all its breadth. In parallel, three different forums will showcase studies, reports, and innovations in multiple areas. This edition, Artificial Intelligence in Logistics 4.0 will be a central theme, but other crucial aspects will also be discussed, such as sociopolitical strategies and their impact on supply chains, decarbonisation and the sustainability of urban logistics, among many other current topics. SIL Knowledge is undoubtedly a source of learning and debate to drive the future of the sector.

Blanca Sorigué, CEO of CZFB and SIL, highlighted that “our main objective is to accelerate innovation in logistics, boosting the creation of synergies and new business opportunities. Last year, 90% of SIL visitors held positions with decision-making and purchasing power within companies, and we expect a similar turnout this year, reaching 15.000 attendees”.

Additionally, SIL has a strong network of 30 strategic partners, including leading organisations such as ACE, AECOC, AERCE, ALDEFE, ANFAC, ASCAME, ATEIA OLTRA, BCL, CATALONIA LOGISTICS, CEL + CITET, COACAB, Consell d’Usuaris del Transport de Catalunya, EIT Urban Mobility, FEM-AEM, FERRMED, FETEIA-OLTRA, ICIL, IESE, Spanish Shippers Council SSC Transprime, Tcomex, UNESID, UNO and ZLC.

To attend SIL, registration is required through the website, where all information will also be updated. And with the LinkedIn channel, professionals can also stay informed about the latest news from the main international trade fair in the logistics sector.