Pictured: Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA
After a four-year gap the TIACA Air Cargo Forum is back. Bigger, brighter and with more energy than any time previous.
The air cargo industry has been through monumental changes since the last ACF was held in Toronto, October 2018 and the ACF had to evolve equally.
This year’s event, with over 200 exhibitors and thousands of attendees expected, sees some unique firsts and reflects an organisation which has also evolved significantly in the last four years.
The event, which is free of charge to attend for all, will be held in partnership with event organiser Messe München, world-renowned for a number of global logistical trade shows including the world’s largest, transport logistic, which happens in Munich every two years.
The ACF 2022 will be ACF and TLA (transport logistic America), combining to be North America’s largest multimodal trade show.
This reflects how logistics has become more integrated and solution focused based on customer needs.
Another first is the focus on innovation and the next generation of businesses, through the Start.Hub Pavilion, hosted by Edmonton International Airport.
Start.Hub will provide a unique area for innovative companies of tomorrow to showcase their unique service offerings to the mass industry.
A third area unique to this year’s event is a focus on one of the most critical challenges being faced by all sectors of logistics, the workforce.
With a collective need to attract, retain and develop the next generation workforce as well as career changes and returning workers, we must take new steps and find new ways of creating a diverse and inclusive environment that allows individuals to develop themselves and their careers whilst maximising value contribution to corporate bottom lines.
A number of schools and colleges will be sending along students who have been studying supply chain and logistics to experience first hand what a great industry this is.
We will be supporting this with dedicated sessions within the conference programme, where we focus on industry success stories and opportunities.
As mentioned there will be a conference programme held in parallel, with many interesting sessions planned.
Some key highlights will include two CEO roundtable sessions where today’s most influential leaders will debate in one of the sessions how the industry has evolved and where it needs to go next.
The other roundtable will focus on industry sustainability, as we must all focus more on people, planet and global prosperity elements.
In relation to sustainability, TIACA has recently launched its BlueSky programme and we will hold a workshop allowing all interested parties to get the information they need to consider their participation.
We are also in discussions with NASA about obtaining a speaker to talk about the unique logistical challenges faced by space programmes.
Other sessions addressing digitalisation and how airports are conducting the orchestra in some innovative areas of development will complement a session dedicated to excellence in pharma logistics, hosted by Pharma.Aero.
Other highlights include Boeing presenting the latest update to its Freight Forecast which will certainly be keenly anticipated.
Innovation will feature in a panel session and we will continue the theme through the TIACA 2022 Sustainability Awards Small Business / Start-Up finalist presentations.
In the run up to the event, an independent jury will shortlist three entries from the numerous submissions received for in person presentations during the ACF with the audience voting for the one they feel is most inspirational and embodies the core objectives of innovative sustainability solutions.
The ACF conference programme will also see the 2020 and 2022 TIACA Hall of Fame recipients being inducted into this illustrious programme whose alumni truly represent some of the greatest industry leaders and innovators throughout the years.
But the TIACA ACF / TLA event isn’t just a 10-6 programme so where better than Miami Beach to host the event to provide the exhibitors and attendees plenty of after-hours opportunities to cement business partnerships, enjoy time with valued colleagues and establish new lasting relationships.
With the unique blend of US and Latin American cultures, the many restaurants and bars will keep all entertained.
For those who like the outdoor pursuits we encourage a day or two either side of the event to enjoy some golf, beach, fishing or shopping activities.
The Miami Beach Convention Center is just steps away from the Atlantic Ocean and will hopefully be a permanent location for the event every two years.
Therefore, the TIACA board and management, together with partners Messe München cordially invite the entire air cargo and logistics industry to join us for the Miami event on 8-10 November to experience a trade show like no other in 2022.
It will offer opportunities to engage with colleagues, learn what’s new, exciting and innovative, celebrate success, recognise best practices, develop new relationships and have the maximum amount of fun and enjoyment whilst conducting all important business.
And don’t forget there is no cost to attend. See you all there.
This article was published in the October issue of Air Logistics International, click here to read the digital edition and click here to subscribe.