UKWA 2026 conference spotlighting AI and cybersecurity in warehousing
The UK Warehousing Association (UKWA) is gearing up for its National Conference on 4 March 2026 at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham, under the theme "Warehousing: The Backbone of British Logistics." Sponsored by Kallikor, the event promises to be a pivotal gathering for the warehousing sector, offering an extensive programme designed to address current challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
UKWA CEO Clare Bottle highlights the conference’s value as a platform for industry professionals to engage with the latest developments, share best practices, and network with a wide array of colleagues. The conference boasts a line-up of industry leaders, expert panellists, and over 20 specialist suppliers showcasing diverse products and services, reinforcing its status as a must-attend event for warehouse professionals keen on staying ahead of the curve.
A major highlight will be a keynote session by Kallikor focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) within warehousing. This session will underscore that AI is not just accessible to large blue-chip corporations but also represents a significant game-changer for small and medium-sized enterprises, potentially enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness.
Cybersecurity, a rising concern in logistics and warehousing, will feature prominently with a panel led by Helen Barge, Digital Risk & Resilience Leader at Barnett Waddingham. The discussion aims to equip attendees with strategies to combat the relentless rise of cybercrime and protect their businesses against digital threats, a topic that resonates strongly in light of recent cyber security conferences hosted in the region, including a recent free one-day event at the University of Nottingham dedicated to improving cyber awareness among local organisations.
Additional panels and breakout sessions will delve into crucial areas such as automation, property strategy, and skills development. Notably, Obinna Njoku, Warehouse Transformation Lead at Pepsico, will share insights on automation, while Danny Kennedy from Ocado will discuss property strategies impacting warehousing operations. The skills and training session, led by Joann Robertson of Babcock International, will focus on supply chain transformation and workforce development, reflecting ongoing sector priorities emphasised in last year’s UKWA conference, which attracted a high percentage of first-time delegates and received excellent participant feedback.
Economic and geopolitical contexts will be set by Walter Boettcher, Head of Research & Economics at Colliers, during the conference’s opening address. Following this, Andrew Malcolm, CEO of Malcolm Group, will provide further keynote insights, and the evening will conclude with an after-dinner presentation by Tony Mannix, Strategic Advisor – Retail Logistics at GXO, promising to deliver both inspiration and practical knowledge.
The conference offers an attractive early bird package for UKWA full members, including a full day of sessions, refreshments, a networking dinner, and overnight accommodation. This reflects UKWA’s commitment to delivering value and facilitating meaningful engagement among attendees who are at the forefront of warehousing and logistics in the UK.
The event's timing and location in Nottingham, a hub for logistical excellence, align with concurrent regional initiatives focused on cyber security and digital resilience, underscoring the increasing intersection between warehousing operations and technology. As the sector navigates rapid technological adoption and evolving risks, forums like the UKWA National Conference serve as critical venues for collective learning and strategic advancement.