Dr Robert Schönberger, global industry lead, transport logistic & air cargo exhibitions / ceramic exhibitions at Messe München took time in his busy day to address a range of questions from ACW.

ACW: When was the first transport logistic Americas / air cargo Americas / project cargo Americas event held?

Schönberger: The roots of this major logistics event stretch back to 1991, when Air Cargo Americas debuted in Miami, organised by the World Trade Center Miami. Fast forward to 2022, Messe München – organiser of the globally renowned transport logistic in Munich – launched transport logistic Americas. In 2025, the event expands further with the debut of project cargo Americas, transforming it into one of the most comprehensive multimodal logistics platforms in the Americas.

ACW: Has the event evolved over the years in terms of size, scope and international participation?

Schönberger: What began as a regional air cargo conference has grown into an international, multimodal logistics gathering that attracts professionals from across the global supply chain. The event has significantly expanded in both size and scope, now encompassing air cargo, freight forwarding, project cargo, maritime, rail, and logistics tech – while drawing increasing participation from Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia.

ACW: What led to the decision to co-locate these three events in Miami?

Schönberger: Miami serves as a strategic gateway between North and South America and is a natural crossroads for international trade. Co-locating the three events enables attendees to tap into synergies across different logistics sectors – from air and oceanfreight to heavy-lift and integrated supply chains – while benefiting from the city’s infrastructure, connectivity, and regional influencex.

ACW: How does this event compare with its counterpart in Munich and other global transport logistics conferences?

Schönberger: transport logistic Munich remains the world’s leading logistics trade fair, with over 77,000 attendees and 2,700+ exhibitors in 2025. Its American sibling in Miami is smaller in scale, but uniquely tailored to the Americas, offering high-level content, curated networking and strong regional focus. It brings the global standards of Munich to a geopolitically critical market in a more intimate and targeted format.

ACW: Who are the key organisers and strategic partners behind the event?

Schönberger: The event is co-organised by Messe München – a global powerhouse in trade fair management – and the World Trade Center Miami, which brings decades of regional experience. This partnership blends international brand recognition with local market intelligence, creating a globally informed but locally grounded platform for the logistics sector.

ACW: What are the main learning opportunities for attendees at the 2025 conference?

Schönberger: Attendees can expect a high-impact conference programme covering trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, AI in logistics, regulatory shifts and supply chain resilience. Sessions are curated with input from leading logistics publications, industry associations, and top-level executives, offering real-world insights and strategic value.

ACW: What types of industry professionals typically attend, and which sectors are best represented? Which sectors might be under-represented?

Schönberger: The show attracts a diverse range of logistics professionals, including freight forwarders, shippers, 3PL/4PL providers, airport and seaport authorities, cargo airlines, infrastructure developers, and tech innovators. Air cargo and project logistics are especially well represented. Sectors like rail and inland waterway transport are growing but still relatively under-represented – creating opportunities for expansion.

ACW: What are some of the most anticipated panel discussions or keynote topics for this year’s event?

Schönberger: Expect strong interest in panels on AI-powered logistics, green corridors, e-commerce supply chains, trade disruption and resilience, and digital freight marketplaces. With geopolitical tensions, decarbonisation mandates and labour shortages dominating headlines, these themes will take centre stage.

ACW: How can attendees maximise networking opportunities at the show?

Schönberger: While the event doesn’t rely heavily on formal networking formats, the vibrant show floor itself acts as a natural hub for connection. Exhibitors design their booths to foster interaction, and the open layout encourages spontaneous conversations between professionals from across the logistics spectrum. In addition, side events, hosted receptions, and exhibitor-led showcases offer fertile ground for building new business relationships. And of course, Miami’s dynamic atmosphere after hours – from waterfront dinners to informal gatherings – provides the perfect backdrop for continuing the conversation outside the venue.

ACW: Are there specific innovations or technologies being showcased that attendees should watch for?

Schönberger: Absolutely. Expect demonstrations of blockchain solutions for cargo tracking, AI-based route optimisation, autonomous handling equipment, drone delivery prototypes, and sustainable fuels and electrification technologies. These aren’t just concepts – they’re being implemented today by the industry’s most forward-looking players.

ACW: What kind of exposure can exhibitors expect in terms of audience reach and media coverage?

Schönberger: Exhibitors benefit from international visibility through Messe München’s global network, media partnerships, and targeted outreach across the Americas. Coverage spans trade media, digital platforms, and social channels, with exhibitors featured in show directories, newsletters, and pre-show promotional campaigns.

ACW: What industries and regions do most buyers and decision-makers represent?

Schönberger: The buyer audience is primarily composed of professionals from logistics, aerospace, retail, pharma, heavy industry and manufacturing, with strong representation from North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Miami location ensures a dynamic mix of U.S. and international decision-makers looking to strengthen cross-continental trade routes.

ACW: What tools or support does the event provide to help exhibitors connect with high-quality leads?

Schönberger: The event’s strength lies in being a high-visibility platform where key industry players gather with intent. While there’s no formal matchmaking programme, exhibitors benefit from direct access to a highly relevant, decision-making audience walking the floor. The layout encourages engagement, and many exhibitors structure their presence to host targeted meetings or product reveals. In addition, press attention and strong brand exposure – both on-site and in the run-up to the show – help exhibitors attract the right visitors to their stands organically.

ACW: Can you share a success story or case study of an exhibitor who saw strong ROI from participating?

Schönberger: At the 2022 edition, several exhibitors used the platform to announce new partnerships, launch services or highlight strategic developments – often with media and key stakeholders present on-site. One standout feature of the event is that it provides a stage for visibility: companies leverage the presence of international press and peers to make impactful announcements. This type of momentum-building exposure is something many exhibitors cite as a key return on their investment, and organisers expect to see even more collaborations and deals unveiled in 2025.

ACW: How do the organisers help exhibitors stand out in such a competitive and international environment?

Schönberger: Exhibitors can take advantage of premium sponsorship packages, speaking opportunities, product demo stages, branded lounges, and digital spotlight features -giving innovative companies a platform to shine even in a crowded marketplace.

ACW: When was the first transport logistic Americas / air cargo Americas / project cargo Americas event held?

Schönberger: The roots of this major logistics event stretch back to 1991, when Air Cargo Americas debuted in Miami, organised by the World Trade Center Miami. Fast forward to 2022, Messe München – organiser of the globally renowned transport logistic in Munich – launched transport logistic Americas. In 2025, the event expands further with the debut of project cargo Americas, transforming it into one of the most comprehensive multimodal logistics platforms in the Americas.

ACW: Has the event evolved over the years in terms of size, scope and international participation?

Schönberger: What began as a regional air cargo conference has grown into an international, multimodal logistics gathering that attracts professionals from across the global supply chain. The event has significantly expanded in both size and scope, now encompassing air cargo, freight forwarding, project cargo, maritime, rail, and logistics tech – while drawing increasing participation from Latin America, North America, Europe and Asia.

ACW: What led to the decision to co-locate these three events in Miami?

Schönberger: Miami serves as a strategic gateway between North and South America and is a natural crossroads for international trade. Co-locating the three events enables attendees to tap into synergies across different logistics sectors – from air and oceanfreight to heavy-lift and integrated supply chains – while benefiting from the city’s infrastructure, connectivity, and regional influencex.

ACW: How does this event compare with its counterpart in Munich and other global transport logistics conferences?

Schönberger: transport logistic Munich remains the world’s leading logistics trade fair, with over 77,000 attendees and 2,700+ exhibitors in 2025. Its American sibling in Miami is smaller in scale, but uniquely tailored to the Americas, offering high-level content, curated networking and strong regional focus. It brings the global standards of Munich to a geopolitically critical market in a more intimate and targeted format.

ACW: Who are the key organisers and strategic partners behind the event?

Schönberger: The event is co-organised by Messe München – a global powerhouse in trade fair management – and the World Trade Center Miami, which brings decades of regional experience. This partnership blends international brand recognition with local market intelligence, creating a globally informed but locally grounded platform for the logistics sector.

ACW: What are the main learning opportunities for attendees at the 2025 conference?

Schönberger: Attendees can expect a high-impact conference programme covering trends such as digital transformation, sustainability, AI in logistics, regulatory shifts and supply chain resilience. Sessions are curated with input from leading logistics publications, industry associations, and top-level executives, offering real-world insights and strategic value.

ACW: What types of industry professionals typically attend, and which sectors are best represented? Which sectors might be under-represented?

Schönberger: The show attracts a diverse range of logistics professionals, including freight forwarders, shippers, 3PL/4PL providers, airport and seaport authorities, cargo airlines, infrastructure developers, and tech innovators. Air cargo and project logistics are especially well represented. Sectors like rail and inland waterway transport are growing but still relatively under-represented – creating opportunities for expansion.

ACW: What are some of the most anticipated panel discussions or keynote topics for this year’s event?

Schönberger: Expect strong interest in panels on AI-powered logistics, green corridors, e-commerce supply chains, trade disruption and resilience, and digital freight marketplaces. With geopolitical tensions, decarbonisation mandates and labour shortages dominating headlines, these themes will take centre stage.

ACW: How can attendees maximise networking opportunities at the show?

Schönberger: While the event doesn’t rely heavily on formal networking formats, the vibrant show floor itself acts as a natural hub for connection. Exhibitors design their booths to foster interaction, and the open layout encourages spontaneous conversations between professionals from across the logistics spectrum. In addition, side events, hosted receptions, and exhibitor-led showcases offer fertile ground for building new business relationships. And of course, Miami’s dynamic atmosphere after hours – from waterfront dinners to informal gatherings – provides the perfect backdrop for continuing the conversation outside the venue.

ACW: Are there specific innovations or technologies being showcased that attendees should watch for?

Schönberger: Absolutely. Expect demonstrations of blockchain solutions for cargo tracking, AI-based route optimisation, autonomous handling equipment, drone delivery prototypes, and sustainable fuels and electrification technologies. These aren’t just concepts – they’re being implemented today by the industry’s most forward-looking players.

ACW: What kind of exposure can exhibitors expect in terms of audience reach and media coverage?

Schönberger: Exhibitors benefit from international visibility through Messe München’s global network, media partnerships, and targeted outreach across the Americas. Coverage spans trade media, digital platforms, and social channels, with exhibitors featured in show directories, newsletters, and pre-show promotional campaigns.

ACW: What industries and regions do most buyers and decision-makers represent?

Schönberger: The buyer audience is primarily composed of professionals from logistics, aerospace, retail, pharma, heavy industry and manufacturing, with strong representation from North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The Miami location ensures a dynamic mix of U.S. and international decision-makers looking to strengthen cross-continental trade routes.

ACW: What tools or support does the event provide to help exhibitors connect with high-quality leads?

Schönberger: The event’s strength lies in being a high-visibility platform where key industry players gather with intent. While there’s no formal matchmaking programme, exhibitors benefit from direct access to a highly relevant, decision-making audience walking the floor. The layout encourages engagement, and many exhibitors structure their presence to host targeted meetings or product reveals. In addition, press attention and strong brand exposure – both on-site and in the run-up to the show – help exhibitors attract the right visitors to their stands organically.

ACW: Can you share a success story or case study of an exhibitor who saw strong ROI from participating?

Schönberger: At the 2022 edition, several exhibitors used the platform to announce new partnerships, launch services or highlight strategic developments – often with media and key stakeholders present on-site. One standout feature of the event is that it provides a stage for visibility: companies leverage the presence of international press and peers to make impactful announcements. This type of momentum-building exposure is something many exhibitors cite as a key return on their investment, and organisers expect to see even more collaborations and deals unveiled in 2025.

ACW: How do the organisers help exhibitors stand out in such a competitive and international environment?

Schönberger: Exhibitors can take advantage of premium sponsorship packages, speaking opportunities, product demo stages, branded lounges, and digital spotlight features -giving innovative companies a platform to shine even in a crowded marketplace.

Strong momentum at meeting place for key players

“Changes in global trade policies directly impact companies’ network design, logistics flows and total cost of ownership within their supply chains,” said Dr Monique Murfield, associate professor and director of the center for supply chain excellence, Farmer School of Business, Miami University. “Global supply chains cannot be upended overnight, so in times of uncertainty, conferences are particularly important to provide opportunities for supply chain executives to exchange ideas and strategies.”

The Miami Beach Convention Center will once again be the meeting place for key players from across the global supply chain. Organised by Messe München, the event is the largest fair for logistics and intermodal freight transportation in the USA and brings together logistics and air cargo professionals, supply chain executives, and shippers from key industries. The format combines high-level networking on the show floor with a diverse educational program in seminars and sessions, attracting participants from North and South America, Europe and Asia.

“The strong momentum from Munich shows that the industry values structured exchange, especially when many markets are in transition,” says Schönberger. “With transport logistic Americas and air cargo Americas, we aim to offer exactly that kind of orientation and focus – tailored to the realities of the Americas.”

Held at the intersection of key trade routes between North and South America, Miami offers the ideal location to foster international dialogue. A comprehensive seminar program will accompany the exhibition, covering topics such as regional infrastructure, nearshoring, sustainability, digitalisation and multimodal logistics.