JTL-Connect 2024, our popular trade fair for eCommerce enthusiasts, once again exceeded all expectations this year. The event bidder a wide range of innovations, expertise and networking opportunities. On September 27, over 2,000 visitors gathered at the XPOST in Cologne to find out about the latest trends, products and services in eCommerce. With over 50 specialist presentations and 70 exhibitors, this year’s JTL Connect was a complete success and proof of the ever-growing importance of the JTL community. Let’s dive into the biggest highlights now!
The highlights of JTL Connect 2024
JTL Connect 2024 kicked off with an inspiring keynote speech by CEO Sebastian Evers and CPTO (Chief Product & Technology Officer) Wolfgang Hilpert. The Managing Director team gave a comprehensive overview of JTL’s future corporate strategy and goals for the coming years. A central point: the expansion of the JTL 360° portfolio, which aims to enable online merchants to achieve outstanding customer relationships through the JTL ecosystem. The integration of third-party provider apps and the establishment of further subsidiaries were also announced. Wolfgang focused on the plans to improve the quality of the JTL portfolio.
A highlight of the keynote was the presentation of our three new subsidiaries in the JTL Group: JERA, GREYHOUND and countX. At the trade fair, they vividly demonstrated how their solutions are integrated into the JTL ecosystem to offer our customers real added value.
Sebastian and Wolfgang also presented the strategic initiatives for 2024 to 2028, focusing in particular on JTL’s technological evolution, such as the introduction of the JTL Cloud ERP solution, which promises our customers greater flexibility and efficiency.
Overall, the keynote speech provided an exciting outlook for the coming years and our vision of driving multichannel eCommerce forward with innovative solutions.
The lectures - knowledge transfer at the highest level
The concentrated knowledge power that had already been imparted the day before at the JTL Academy Day was now continued at the trade fair.
The lecture program at this year’s JTL Connect included around 50 sessions on seven stages, covering various aspects of eCommerce. The variety of topics in the trade fair program reflected the full diversity and complexity of the industry. From the presentation of our latest product developments such as JTL Cloud ERP to practical tips for international shipping and tax law in online business, there was something for every visitor.
One of the highlights was the presentation “The future above the clouds: JTL Cloud ERP” by Manuel Pietzsch. He presented the vision of a cloud-based ERP system designed to increase efficiency and flexibility for retailers. Pawel Kesik and Christian Kokot’s presentation “Using the JTL-Wawi API for smarter business processes” focused on how individual business processes can be optimized using our open REST interface.
The topic of payment was brought into focus by our main sponsor PayPal and platinum sponsor Mollie. Christina Klug from PayPal provided answers to the question “All PayPal, all good?” and explained what really matters when choosing a payment provider. Christopher Henke from Mollie vividly demonstrated how merchants can use the special features of other European markets to their advantage.
The eBay stage was, of course, all about marketplace trading. Here, visitors could learn, for example, how to create the perfect listing and meet customer expectations. Our colleague Matiwos Hadgu presented the top features of our warehouse management software and how efficient order preparation and automation optimizes warehouse processes and reduces costs on the JTL stage with “JTL-WMS: Running in the warehouse, running with customers”.
Live demos and a practical insight into the world of JTL
The WMS demo warehouse, which is crowned the public’s favorite every year, offered a special experience. Visitors were able to experience the entire process up close, from commissioning to packing and shipping the products. All participants had the opportunity to test the intuitive handling of our warehouse management software JTL-WMS for themselves and have their trade fair goodies delivered directly to their homes by DHL.
The POS demo store also provided insights into our mobile checkout app JTL-POS. Visitors were able to select products from the candy store’s well-stocked shelves and test the purchasing process with our POS solution.
Our production tool was used live at the JTL Plan&Produce stand. This was an impressive demonstration of how production can be efficiently implemented with JTL software. As a use case, the team presented a 3D printer that produced shopping tokens with the JTL logo on site.
Focus on the community
JTL Connect was once again a meeting place for the entire JTL community. A strong network of retailers, partners, developers and industry experts was on site and used the trade fair as a platform for exchange and collaboration. Participants were able to make contacts and exchange new insights in a relaxed atmosphere.
Our subsidiaries countX, JERA and GREYHOUND were also represented with impressive trade fair stands. At GREYHOUND, visitors were able to get a taste of the movie theater and learn how “cinematic” efficient customer management via CRM can be while enjoying a portion of fresh nachos. countX presented an exciting competition in which visitors could win Air Pods.
The finale - the legendary after-show party
To round things off, the after-show party was held on the MS RheinMagie, one of Europe’s leading event ships. Passengers enjoyed the fantastic atmosphere, first-class catering and an impressive entertainment program during a cruise on the Rhine. This bidder was a great opportunity to network further in a relaxed atmosphere, exchange experiences and bring the day to a close together.
The live band “Spirit of Soul” provided the right musical atmosphere, bringing the ship to life with their great performance. Almost nobody could resist their mix of soul, funk and pop. The dance floor quickly filled up and the party went on into the night – a wonderful end to an eventful day at the fair.
A successful event with a lasting impression
JTL-Connect 2024 has once again shown how important a strong exchange within the eCommerce community is. We would like to thank all participants, exhibitors, partners and sponsors who made this trade fair an unforgettable event. With exciting presentations, practical live demos and the valuable exchange among each other, we were able to provide an insight into the future of eCommerce and set new impulses for the retail of tomorrow.
We are already looking forward to JTL Connect 2026 and to continuing the success story together with our community.
