MEDS 2010: Reflections
With all the delegates safely home, and the exhibition stands packed away, few can deny the success of this year’s Mail & Express Delivery Show (MEDS). The conference tracks led to several interesting and thought-provoking discussions, whilst the buzzing atmosphere throughout the exhibition area provided a valuable platform to network with industry peers.
The industry-leading show was held at the Novotel London West on April 21.
Post&Parcel asked some of the attendees to express their thoughts on the day:
Susan Barton, postal industry lead for EALA, Accenture, said: “The balance between hearing from postal operators and customers was absolutely perfect. It gave the sense not only of the challenges that are being faced on both sides but the opportunities for the market if we all work better together.
“Overall I thought it was a good event – the challenge around all of the discussion is that the context for the future will be shaped by the new government and at this stage – no-one knows who that will be and so there is a sense of frustration with a continuing lack of clarity post the Hooper report.
“John Coghlan gave a very honest perspective of the challenges DX has faced and his openness made this very interesting and compelling. Anthony Miller is clearly passionate about his area and really focused on the future possibility for the industry – very positive and inspiring. Steve Law and Sean Foy were excellent in giving insight to the customer and the industry from the customers perspective – I thought they were both great. Finally, I would mention Nick Street – his frank attitude and challenging views were great – a refreshing challenge to the industry.”
Commenting on the day, Neil Jackson, chief executive of Triangle Management Services, said: “I was delighted to see so many of our speakers deliver their presentations with optimism. The green shoots of economic recovery are present across the industry and this was reflected throughout the day.”
Andrew Bernard, chief executive of CitySprint, told Post&Parcel: “The Mail and Express Delivery Show is an excellent opportunity for the express industry leaders to come together to discuss the sector; the 2010 event was no exception.
“The last year has been an interesting and challenging year for the sector and it was positive to be able to see so many examples of innovation. At CitySprint we used the event to profile our recently launched SameDay retail offering and I was very keen to discuss this topic with the industry and to determine their view on, what we see as, an industry leading service.”
Furthermore, Don Arnold, former group operations director of DHL Express UK & Ireland, and now an independent consultant, said: “I think MEDS is a great opportunity for mailers, retailers and carriers to come together to discuss current challenges. It’s a good platform to network in a formal and informal environment, and the event is always worth attending. Today has been a worthwhile experience.”
Post&Parcel editor Chris Dolan chaired the opening mail track at MEDS, which explored the post-recessionary market. He said: “Chairing a session at an event like MEDS gave me ample opportunity to broaden my knowledge and share in the visions of market leaders. I specifically enjoyed the examination of the future of direct marketing, and being given the chance to raise the portal’s profile throughout our ever-changing industry.”
What did you think of MEDS? Please comment below…
