We have organized the following event schedule. If you are not able to watch one of our segments live, you can view On Demand after the broadcast. 

+ Keynote speaker presentations – 1 hour

Christian Kille - 9:00am EDT | 14:00 CET

Achim Sponheimer - 9:30am EDT | 14:30 CET

+ Live Q+A / Panel Discussion – 30 minutes

The Q+A begins at 10:00am EDT | 15:00CET

March 18, 2025 - Keynote Speaker Segment 9am EDT | 2pm CET
Christian Kille
Professor at Würzburg-Schweinfurt University of Applied Sciences

The chemical industry at a crossroads …and what does it mean for chemical logistics?

Chemical logistics in Germany is facing profound changes: The keynote will present the results of a recently published study that shows how global changes are impacting the industry, what scenarios are emerging from developments in society, technology, politics, economics and ecology and provides specific recommendations for companies on how they can remain successful with digitalization and standardization.

In detail, you can expect an analysis of global trends and their impact on chemical logistics. You will gain insights into the transformative development of the chemical industry and an overview of the macroeconomic context and its significance for our sector. Finally, six specific recommendations will be given on how you can future-proof your company's position. You will learn how factors such as the shortage of skilled workers, technological change, market dynamics, climate change and political framework conditions will influence the future of chemical logistics.

March 18, 2025 - Keynote Speaker Segment 9:30am EDT | 2:30pm CET
Achim Sponheimer
Global Head of Industry Pharma and Life Sciences & Partner Miebach Consulting

Challenges for standardization of logistics in the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry

The role of global logistics, particularly supply chain management, has grown significantly in recent years. Once primarily focused on cost-effective and reliable goods distribution, the supply chain has evolved into a critical driver of business success, helping companies stand out in an increasingly competitive market.

In most industries, especially as you move closer to B2C, individualization is a driving force for success. However, the pharmaceutical industry faces a tougher challenge. While it relies heavily on strong validated standards, these are often internal and rarely align with external frameworks. As a result, the industry finds itself caught in a difficult position, unable to fully embrace individualization or achieve global standardization, leaving it “stuck in the middle.”

Regulatory requirements are just one challenge; internal SOPs and URS often keep the industry tied to internal standards, delaying broader standardization. High product costs, regional variability, liability concerns, and product sensitivity add further complexity. 

How can the pharmaceutical sector overcome these barriers? Will it find a way to harmonize standards across regions and organizations, or will the regulatory and operational challenges deepen? This session delves into the critical obstacles and opportunities shaping the future of logistics in this highly regulated industry.

March 18, 2025 - Group Q+A Segment 10:30am EDT | 3:30pm CET

Please join us for a panel discussion and live group Q+A session with our keynote speakers, moderated by Christene Smith.