Breakbulk Middle East 2023 has been deemed a stunning success, with a record 6,496 people attending the 2-day event at the Dubai World Trade Centre, up by an incredible 94 percent compared with visitor numbers in 2022.
“We are thrilled with the turnout and the engagement we saw from attendees this year,” said Ben Blamire, event director at Breakbulk Middle East. “The fact that we exceeded our own expectations in terms of footfall validates that there is a real appetite for knowledge-sharing and networking in the region’s breakbulk and project cargo sector, and BBME is playing a massive role in catering to it.”
Sponsored by Dubai-based port operator DP World, Breakbulk Middle East 2023 also welcomed a record number of exhibitors from across the supply chain, including shippers, carriers, equipment manufacturers, forwarders, tech companies, port and terminal operators and heavy-lift specialists. Amid surging demand for exhibition space in the run-up to the event, the floor plan was expanded an unprecedented four times.
With a 94 percent rebook rate for 2024, a third hall will be added to accommodate current exhibitors who have requested a larger stand, and to make room for new companies looking to leverage the Breakbulk Middle East platform for new business opportunities.
“Networking is the backbone of the shipping sector,” said John Pittalis, marketing and communications director at AAL and a member of the Breakbulk Europe Advisory Board. “As companies grow, we become more disparate and we move into different regions, so it's important that we can engage as close as possible with our audiences. Breakbulk offers AAL the opportunity to do that.”
“Dubai is a central hub where there are so many opportunities to make connections. The response we have got is wonderful and we have met some great people and businesses,” said Filiz Bozat, chief risk officer at heavy transport specialist, Oznakliyat.
The exhibition hall’s main stage once again played host to a series of thought-provoking and engaging panel sessions, with expert speakers tackling hot topics such as sustainability, artificial intelligence and the exciting buildout of Saudi giga-projects.
Breakbulk’s inaugural Golf Day took place at the Dubai Hills Golf Club on the Sunday prior to the exhibition, while for the first time ever, a networking reception for event attendees was held on the evening of Day 1 at the 25Hours Hotel adjacent to the World Trade Centre.
On Day 2, Breakbulk Media & Marketing Director Leslie Meredith hosted the popular Women in Breakbulk Breakfast, this year sponsored by Bureau Veritas, while our long-running Education Day designed to inform and inspire the next generation of logistics professionals welcomed more than 50 students and graduates to the all-day session.
“As always, Breakbulk Middle East is very well organized. It is the ideal platform to meet industry leaders and to network. The dialogues are inspiring and we are so happy to be a part of this event,” said Shikha Mishra, marketing executive at Bureau Veritas, and a speaker at the Women in Breakbulk Breakfast.
“Breakbulk Middle East has been one of the best events we have attended,” said Anfal Zahir Al Affani, market lead at Oman’s Ministry of Transportation, Communication and IT.
Breakbulk Middle East 2024 will return to the Dubai World Trade Centre on 12-13 February.
