Industry gets ready to discuss North and Latin American ports, shipping and logistics at TOC Americas next week
Over 500 participants, senior executives from regional container ports, shipping and logistics sectors will attend the 14th annual TOC Americas conference and exhibition to discuss the changing face of trade flows and logistics in North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. The conference will take place from 14-16 October, at the CCCI in Cartagena, Colombia, the TOC Americas press office said.
With the advent of Panama Canal expansion, changes to regional economies and trade flows, growing vessel sizes and a raft of new infrastructure developments, the state of shipping and logistics across the Americas is changing rapidly. All this will be reflected in a busy 3-day conference programme, with sessions covering international trade trends, container shipping forecasts, port development, terminal operations, equipment and technology, hinterland issues, and cold chain logistics.
Delegates will be able to learn how container ports can improve productivity without disrupting day to day operations, attendees will find out why shippers make ocean freight procurement decisions, analyse regional shipping networks after the Panama Canal expansion, prepare for the container and reefer shipping trends impacting supply chains, and discover best practices for transporting perishable cargo.
Major shipping lines in attendance
TOC Americas is a magnet for shipping line executives with an operational, network design, and port and terminal focus. This year’s conference promises to be no exception, with participation from key figures including Robbert van Trooijen, CEO, Latin America and Caribbean, Maersk Line; Howard Finkel, Executive Vice, President Trade Division, COSCO Container Lines Americas, Poul Hestbaek, SVP Latin America West Coast & Caribbean, Hamburg Süd; Boris Leyton, VP Operations & Logistics WCSA, CSAV; and Karlien Brolsma, General Manager Procurement, Maersk Line Central America.
Terminal productivity
Terminal productivity is under the spotlight as larger container vessels are deployed on all markets and trades. Shippers and carriers are looking to terminals for faster, more reliable turnaround times in order to ensure supply chain integrity. On Day Two of TOC Americas 2014, a panel of experts will discuss how the growing stresses of ship size vs. port capabilities can be reconciled in the debate Latin American Terminal Productivity & the Supply Chain Impact. Delegates will be able to hear from speakers representing Maersk Line, CSAV, Moffatt & Nichol, AECOM, SSA Marine, SPRC, and Virginia International Terminals.
Port technology exhibition
TOC Americas includes the region’s biggest dedicated container port equipment and technology exhibition. Visitors will be able to view the latest advances in container handling technology and automated solutions for the berth, in the yard and at the gate. Click here to see the latest floor plan.
Networking focus
As usual, the region’s premier container shipping conference and port technology expo will bring together industry leaders representing port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, freight forwarders and cargo owners.
Alongside the formal conference sessions and exhibition, TOC Americas also offers a social environment in which to network and meet new and old business contacts. The night before the trade show begins, ice-breaker welcome drinks will be held in a casual setting at the official event hotel (Monday, October 13).
After the first day of the event closes, a networking reception will be held on the quayside at event host Port of Cartagena’s Manga container terminal, with drinks, canapés and live entertainment (Tuesday, October 14).
Day 2 of TOC Americas will end with ‘Happy Hour’ drinks on the trade show floor at 16:15hrs (Wednesday, October 15), which is free for all delegates and exhibitors to attend.