A week in air cargo is like a year in many other industries. From the post-Covid growth in 2022 to the depths of contraction during 2023 caused by a global rise in inflation and energy costs to the buoyant 2024, which has now benefited from eight consecutive months of double-digit growth mostly driven by continued e-commerce expansion. But what does tomorrow bring?
The Red Sea crisis and the broader conflict in the Middle East sadly show no signs of abatement. The impact on air cargo whilst positive from a demand perspective creates additional challenges as capacity is becoming very difficult to procure for long-standing customers as well as new requests coming in. We also stand poised to see the US East Coast and Gulf ports shut down as labour agreements expire at the end of September and discussions on new agreements are locked in stalemate.
This all compounds to predict that 2025 could see further demand growth for air cargo but also further challenges from tight capacity and more complex compliance requirements as states look to shore up security and border management regulations.
Against this backdrop, the TIACA Air Cargo Forum (ACF), being held at the Miami Beach Convention Center from 11-14th November, will provide the perfect setting to discuss and debate what the future holds. To hear the thoughts of industry leaders and to engage with the exhibitors who will showcase an amazing array of services and solutions.
But the TIACA ACF is more than just a trade show and conference and we are very excited to be once again inviting the entire industry to reunite and join us in Miami for what promises to be an even bigger and better ACF.
The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC) and the South Beach location provides the perfect venue for the ACF as it offers everything this industry enjoys.
The proceedings will commence on Monday, as we have introduced a golf outing for those who love the early morning Florida sunshine. The golf course is located next to the MBCC so is easy reach from all the conference hotels.
Monday afternoon will see the TIACA Board locked away defining the strategies that will ensure the Industry’s association will continue to provide exactly what is required to support all the sectors. TIACA’s membership is nearly 500 organisations now from across the supply chain and we have a discount available for all new members who sign up for the event.
Also, on Monday, we will hold a TIACA sustainability workshop…inviting everyone to see what’s new in the TIACA sustainability portfolio.
Another new feature we have added this year is network receptions. These events are optional, and a fee is required, but they will provide the perfect setting to engage with colleagues and friends, old and new. Monday evening, we will host the sunset cocktail welcome reception on the MBCC rooftop with great views across South Beach.
Tuesday morning starts with another new feature: why not join us for sunrise yoga on the beach to show the world how flexible we are as an industry. The event is free, and we will have a limited number of special yoga mats to giveaway.
Then the real work starts, the conference programme and the exhibition floor will open.
This year, the conference programme will feature a plethora of inspirational industry leaders. We invite everyone to look at the programme and create their own schedule of featured sessions not to be missed. Come listen and get involved in the dialogue… remember it’s your industry and the ACF is your event.
Some returning highlights of the conference programme include the 2024 induction into the TIACA Hall of Fame of this year’s inspirational recipient. Keep watching to see who it is and join us in marking this great occasion.
We will also be hosting the final presentations of the 2024 Sustainability Awards, once again generously supported by CHAMP Cargosystems. An independent jury will select three start-up / small business finalists who will be invited to present their solution to the audience. They will then vote for the one which they found most inspirational. The winner will then be presented with a US$10,000 prize and an accelerated engagement with the global industry.
But that’s not all…
On Wednesday evening we will be hosting the second of our new networking receptions, a Cargo Connections reception amidst the beautiful backdrop of the Miami Beach Botanical Gardens, located right across the street from the MBCC. Don’t forget to purchase your reception tickets as space is limited.
The exhibition floor has been redesigned to provide more meeting spaces and food and beverage outlets. Plan you day as there are well over 100 different booths from airlines, airports, forwarders, trucking companies, ground handlers, GSSAs, technology providers, industry consultants, training providers, ULD and equipment suppliers, charter brokers, safety agencies and more.
We have introduced a new feature this year to help you manage your time and enhance your experience. A business/meeting management and networking tool is available to enable you to connect and engage with more new business partners. An ideal opportunity for exhibitors to invite attendees to visit them at their booth or for individual attendees to invite others at the meeting space provided to facilitate these new interactions. Why not consider personalising a table with your company pop-up banner? We can secure one for you. Details about the network accelerator tool can be found on the registration site.
Another new, not to be missed feature, is the Industry Spotlight stage, which provides the opportunity for organisations to present what’s new with their business. We will publish a daily schedule of the amazing presentations that will be made.
Don’t forget to book your hotel through the dedicated TIACA hotel booking site as we have secured the best available rates. Why not extend your stay to take advantage of everything that South Florida has to offer?
To help you make the most of your free time we have compiled a list of our favourite things to do, details are on the event web site. Why not treat your customers or colleagues to some of the great things available.
I look forward to welcoming the whole industry to Miami. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
