Jacques Vandermeiren, CEO of the Port of Antwerp, will officially open AntwerpXL on Tuesday 7th May as the highly-anticipated inaugural event for the breakbulk, RoRo and heavy lift industries opens its doors at the home of breakbulk and largest steel port in Europe – the Port of Antwerp.
During the opening ceremony, Jacques Vandermeiren will perform a ribbon cutting to declare the show officially open. The following day, thousands of breakbulk professionals, including major names in the industry, such as Fednav, BBC Chartering, RHB, Tata Steel, Siemens and Spliethoff, will visit the port to take advantage of the unrivalled business, networking and knowledge sharing opportunities the show has to offer.
Over 100 companies will come to the city from 7-9 May 2019 to showcase market-leading products and services, launch new technologies and make major announcements to a captive international audience.
Mark Rimmer, Divisional Director at AntwerpXL, said: “The breakbulk community wants an event to be held in Antwerp, so it makes sense to meet in the place where business is done. There is no better place for companies to exhibit their products and services in front of industry peers, discuss the latest industry trends and demonstrate the value they can provide in order to support the needs of customers and their global commitments. AntwerpXL will bring people together to discuss the future of the industry, back at the home of breakbulk.”
The exhibition will run alongside a highly-anticipated conference programme where breakbulk decision makers from across the globe can share knowledge, learn from industry experts and enjoy numerous networking opportunities. Over 40 major names will deliver in-depth presentations, Q&A sessions and debates on the Main Deck Stage, covering innovation, digitisation and lessons from disruptors in the breakbulk, maritime and project cargo industry.
AntwerpXL will host a variety of engaging and thought-provoking sessions to shape the future of breakbulk. This includes a discussion on how the industry will adapt to new market conditions and new technologies, designed to inspire the next generation of industry professionals. Chaired by Sue Terpilowski OBE, Managing Director, Image Line Communications, and President, WISTA UK, and Chair, Maritime UK’s Women’s Taskforce, the session will explore new ways of thinking, working and collaborating for those starting a career in the industry.
The Innovation Start-up Zone, Sponsored by Bulkchain by NxtPort, will also feature some of the industry’s most ground-breaking new companies and showcase the innovative new technologies and products they have developed.
Key industry figureheads will be amongst those keen to make new connections and learn from the brightest industry minds while visiting the city. In addition to numerous opportunities to network throughout the show, including breakfast seminars and networking parties, organisers will give guests the chance to experience Antwerp over the three-day event. A tour of the Port of Antwerp, offered free to all AntwerpXL visitors, will give attendees the chance to see and learn about the port’s multipurpose terminals, Kieldrecht Lock, Deurganckdok, Zuidnatie, Churchill Dock and the Antwerp Railhouse.
AntwerpXL’s Welcome Reception at the Antwerp Expo marks the official launch of the show and gives guests the opportunity to meet the industry-leading organisations exhibiting their latest innovations and developments at the event.
The event also has an official one-on-one networking platform, AntwerpXL Connect, so visitors can set up meetings with suppliers and prospects and manage their schedule. All this, plus dedicated areas on the show floor where visitors can congregate and meet with industry peers – the Networking Lounge, VIP Lounge and Antwerp Business Point.
AntwerpXL takes place on 7-9 May 2019 at the Antwerp Expo in the Port of Antwerp in Belgium. For more information on visiting the exhibition, booking as a delegate for the conference or exhibiting, please click here.
