Industry leaders converge in Miami

TIACA’s Air Cargo Forum 2026 will bring the global air cargo industry together in Miami from 26–29 October, against a backdrop of geopolitical disruption, regulatory change and shifting demand. The event will focus on six major themes: AI, digitalisation, global trade, sustainability, security and workforce. Collaboration is being positioned as the central theme of the event. Airlines, airports, forwarders, handlers, shippers, technology providers and regulators will come together to address issues ranging from changing e-commerce and trade rules to AI adoption, sustainability targets and disrupted trade lanes. ACF 2026 is expected to be a major industry networking and exhibition event, with more than 4,000 visitors and 250 exhibiting companies across three days at the Miami Convention Center. Alongside panels and workshops, the programme includes networking events and a Student Day aimed at bringing the next generation of air cargo professionals into the industry. 2026 has so far been a year of change as the logistics industry has been beset by a disruption, geopolitical upheaval, regulatory changes and demand growth. Collaboration within the air cargo industry is the most important way to address these challenges. Airfreight operations are only as strong as the chains forged by the professionals and decision makers that keep them running 24/7. With that backdrop, under the banner of “there is only ONE Air Cargo Conference,” The International Air Cargo Association’s (TIACA’s) Air Cargo Forum (ACF) 2026 returns to Miami, Florida, from 26-29th October. A packed agenda Focusing on the theme “The Future Won’t Wait – Act Faster. Move Smarter. Lead Louder,” this year’s event will challenge industry leaders to embrace change, accelerate innovation and collaborate on the solutions needed to meet the demands of an increasingly connected global marketplace. “The air cargo industry is evolving at an unprecedented pace, making collaboration more important than ever,” Glyn Hughes, Director General of TIACA, said. “The Air Cargo Forum is where our industry comes together not only to discuss the future, but to define it. Our 2026 theme reflects the urgency for organisations to embrace innovation, strengthen partnerships and lead with purpose.” This year, ACF will be catalysing six topics that are currently shaping the air logistics sector: artificial intelligence (AI), digitalisation, global trade, sustainability, security and workforce, supported by a diverse mix of attendees, speakers and exhibitors that covers the entire air cargo supply chain. This year, we have seen the impact of the first year of ReFuelEU reporting, the European Union’s removal of low-value goods duty-free status, constant variation in US import/export policy and disruption to trade lanes in the Middle East and further afield, pushing aviation into an era of unparalleled uncertainty in terms of what lies ahead. Whether it is how the industry tackles the rapidly changing nature of how AI and digitalisation are transforming the way we do business, or how organisations are adapting to sustainability targets, prolonged turbulence appears set to stay, there will be plenty for attendees to discuss. An all-encompassing showpiece From airlines, airports, freight forwarders and ground handlers, to shippers, technology providers, regulators, solution providers and industry leaders, TIACA’s mission has always been to unite every sector of the global air cargo ecosystem, and this is certainly true of ACF. One of its key strengths is its diverse attendance from all stakeholders so that collaboration is truly all-inclusive. “Air cargo has always been built on collaboration, and there has never been a more important time for our industry to come together,” Roos Bakker, Chair of TIACA, said. “Air Cargo Forum 2026 is more than a place to do business; it’s where relationships are strengthened, new ideas emerge and the entire global supply chain comes together to tackle our biggest opportunities and challenges. Whether you’re an airline, airport, freight forwarder, ground handler, technology provider or shipper, your voice matters. Together, we will shape the future of air cargo by acting faster, moving smarter and leading louder.” Not just on the exhibition floor Away from the conference room, this year’s ACF also promises a grand host of ‘extra-curricular’ activities, not limited to: the Golf Cup, Pickleball Tournament, Yoga on the Green, Cargo Crawl, Connecting Cargo Reception and, most importantly, the next-gen networking opportunity through the Future in Flight: Student Day. This is set to allow aspiring young professionals to start the conversations they need to help their careers take flight, and make connections with the companies, innovators and leaders that are currently driving the industry. Set to host over 4,000 visitors and 250 exhibiting companies during three days of panels, the Miami Convention Center will play home to networking, shows, activities,