Air Cargo Week is similar to the year in many other industries. From post-Covid growth in 2022 to the depths of contraction during 2023 caused by a global rise in inflation and energy costs to a booming 2024, which has now benefited from eight straight months of double-digit growth driven mostly by continued e-commerce expansion. But what does tomorrow hold?
Unfortunately, the Red Sea crisis and the broader conflict in the Middle East show no signs of abating. The impact on air freight, while positive from a demand perspective, creates additional challenges as it has become very difficult to provide capacity to legacy customers as well as new incoming orders. We are also prepared to see US East Coast and Gulf ports closed as labor agreements expire at the end of September and discussions on new agreements reach an impasse.
All of this leads to the prediction that 2025 could see further growth in demand for air freight, but also more challenges from limited capacity and more complex compliance requirements as countries look to shore up security and border management regulations.
Against this backdrop, the TIACA Air Cargo Forum (ACF), taking place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from November 11-14, will provide the ideal setting to discuss and debate what the future holds. To hear the thoughts of industry leaders and connect with exhibitors who will be showcasing an amazing range of services and solutions.
But TIACA ACF is more than just a trade show and conference, and we are very excited to once again invite the entire industry to unite and join us in Miami for what promises to be a bigger and better ACF.
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and South Beach location provide the ideal location for ACF because it offers everything the industry has to offer.
Actions will kick off on Monday, as we’ve introduced a golf outing for those who love the early morning Florida sunshine. The golf course is located next to MBCC, so it is easily accessible from all conference hotels.
Monday afternoon will see the TIACA Board meet to determine strategies that will ensure the industry association continues to deliver exactly what is needed to support all sectors. TIACA membership now includes nearly 500 organizations from across the supply chain and we have a discount available to all new members who sign up for the event.
Also on Monday, we will be holding a TIACA Sustainability Workshop… and invite everyone to see what’s new in TIACA’s sustainability portfolio.
Another new feature we added this year is network receptions. These events are optional, and a fee is required, but will provide the perfect setting to connect with colleagues and friends, old and new. Monday evening, we will be hosting a sunset cocktail reception on the MBCC rooftop with amazing views of South Beach.
Tuesday morning starts with another new feature: why not join us for sunrise yoga on the beach to show the world how resilient we are as an industry. The event is free, and we will have a limited number of special yoga mats to give away.
Then the real work begins, and the conference program and exhibition floor are opened.
This year’s conference program will feature a large number of inspiring industry leaders. We invite everyone to take a look at the program and create their own schedule of special sessions that should not be missed. Come listen and participate in the conversation… remember that this is your industry and the ACF is your event.
Some of the conference program’s returning highlights include the induction of this year’s inspirational winner into the 2024 TIACA Hall of Fame. Keep watching to find out who it is and join us in celebrating this momentous occasion.
We will also host the final presentations for the 2024 Sustainability Awards, which once again have the generous support of CHAMP Cargosystems. An independent jury will select three startup/small business finalists who will be invited to present their solutions to the public. They will then vote for the person they found most inspiring. The winner will then receive a $10,000 prize and accelerated participation in the global industry.
But that’s not all…
On Wednesday evening, we will be hosting the second of our new Connections Reception, the Cargo Connections Reception against the beautiful backdrop of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, located directly across the street from MBCC. Don’t forget to purchase your reception tickets as places are limited.
The exhibition floor has been redesigned to provide more meeting spaces and food and beverage outlets. Plan your day with over 100 different booths from airlines, airports, freight forwarders, trucking companies, ground handlers, GSAs, technology providers, industry consultants, training providers, ULDs, equipment suppliers, charter brokers, safety agencies and more.
We’ve introduced a new feature this year to help you manage your time and enhance your experience. A business/meeting and networking management tool is available to enable you to connect and interact with more new business partners. An ideal opportunity for exhibitors to invite attendees to visit them at their booths or for individual attendees to invite others into the provided meeting space to facilitate these new interactions. Why not consider customizing a table with your company’s pop-up logo? We can secure one for you. Details about the network accelerator can be found on the registration website.
Another new feature not to be missed is the Industry Spotlight stage, which provides the opportunity for organizations to present what’s new in their business. We will publish a daily schedule of the amazing presentations that will be given.
Don’t forget to book your hotel through TIACA’s dedicated hotel booking site where we have the best rates available. Why not extend your stay to take advantage of all that South Florida has to offer?
To help you make the most of your free time, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite things to do, details of which are on the event’s website. Why not treat your customers or colleagues to some of the amazing goodies available.
I look forward to welcoming the entire industry to Miami. Don’t forget sunscreen!
