Ahead of the WOF SUMMIT, which takes place in Vienna on 4th-5th May, we caught up with Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group Christoph Grasl and asked him about this inaugural event.
Christoph Grasl has more than 25 years of experience in freight and logistics. He started his carrier in freight forwarding at Vienna Airport in 1996. In the year 2000, he switched from Austria to Hungary and developed an SMB forwarding company within nine years to one of the top players in the Hungarian logistics market. During this period he also finished his MBA in logistics and supply chain at Danube University.
From 2009 he became MD of one of the leading air and sea cargo forwarders in Austria and had the Regional Director role for Central Eastern Europe. Finally, he was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer on the global corporate level. In a short break from the logistics industry, he did his second master’s studies in real estate management and started a property development company. From 2022 he is back in the logistics industry as Chief Commercial Officer of the WOF Group following his passion to connect people.
Logistics Business (LB): Tell us about the WOF SUMMIT and the whole idea behind it.
Christoph Grasl (CG): It all started with the vision of a handful of logistics experts from all over the world to create a new innovative platform for the logistics and supply chain industry. Our slogan ‘Explore The World Of Freight In The Heart Of Europe’ is a perfect description of what we create and where our focus lies. With the WOF EXPO in Bratislava last year, we set our first milestone and out of this experience and the valuable customer feedback we designed the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.
Even that is not just another logistics congress in Austria, but the first-ever with a truly regional approach for Central Eastern Europe. We have top industry speakers not only from Austria, Germany and the CEE countries but even from overseas like India and the United States. Furthermore, the optimal networking atmosphere for all our visitors is essential for us.
LB: What is innovative about your event and how does it differ from rivals?
CG: At WOF SUMMIT, networking is not just having a coffee with another interesting participant but is powered by the innovative 1to1 Meeting Scheduler. So, all our visitors can pre-arrange their most valuable networking meetings already online two weeks before the event. As we set it up as a hybrid event, this is also valid for our virtual guests from all over the world.
Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 is the only logistics and supply chain event in Austria with a truly regional approach and covers the whole Central Eastern Europe. This combined with an exclusive exhibition area, a VIP networking area, the top keynotes and panel discussions and the evening gala WOF Connect & Charity, make our summit a unique experience for all logistics and supply chain friends.
LB: Why should companies come to WOF SUMMIT? How will WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 help businesses to thrive in current unpredictable times?
CG: Everybody who deals with transport, logistics and supply chain will find personal value at the WOF SUMMIT. We have the latest market insights, trends and best practice examples in digitalisation, e-commerce and green deals. You can touch base with sustainability trends in logistics real estate, be part of the digital air cargo revolution and feel the resilience of global supply chains in the actual shaky ocean freight markets. We have a deep dive in e-commerce also for business start-ups and offer solutions in the last mile distribution.
Last but not least, logistics is still a people’s business, so we teamed up with leading Universities in CEE and discuss with high potential the logistics leadership roles of the future. This and much more you can experience at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022.
LB: The inevitable part of WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022 will be the gala night WOF Connect & Charity, please tell us more about it.
CG: WOF Connect & Charity festive evening will be an absolute highlight of the two days of inspiration, learning, and knowledge sharing at the event. The importance of this unique evening stems not only from the strong focus on networking as WOF Connect & Charity is also about giving. Building on the success of the first charitable event during the WOF EXPO 2021 in Bratislava last year, this year we will look beyond our fundraising borders with Österreichische Krebshilfe.
The Austrian Cancer Aid, founded in 1910 under the personal auspices of the Emperor, supports approx. 30,000 cancer patients and relatives in their 66 cancer centres in Austria. Österreichische Krebshilfe will be an important part of this special evening. You will experience a combination of networking, good music and dance, inspirational people and stories, and of course an ultimate foodie experience. An evening from which you will emerge inspired and energised.
We are looking forward to seeing you all at the WOF SUMMIT Vienna 2022!
To find out more in information and get your ticket, CLICK HERE
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