The truth behind digitization, Latin America's e-commerce potential, and the launch of unmanned aircraft will be just three of a range of discussions heading the agenda at TIACA's 2017 Executive Summit 'Future Proofing Air Cargo', from 18th to 20th October 2017, in Miami, FL, USA.

The three-day event will bring together air cargo decision makers from across the globe for opportunities to network, grow new business, and learn from the experts during a series of panel discussions and workshops, at the Turnberry Isle Resort & Golf Club.

For the first time, the Executive Summit will welcome the voice of the maritime industry, with Troels Støvring, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of freight platform Twill Logistics, a part of Damco International, sharing his experiences from the sector.

Dr Hans Heerkens, Chairman, Platform Unmanned Cargo Aircraft (PUCA), Zvi Schreiber, Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Freightos, and Tim Strauss, the new Vice President, Cargo, for Air Canada, will lead the debate on innovation.

"TIACA is the only organization to represent all segments of the global air cargo supply chain and our Executive Summit provides a platform for air freight leaders to explore the topics affecting us all and find new ways to run slicker businesses," said Vladimir Zubkov, Secretary General, TIACA.

"This year's event will see us welcome innovators from across our industry, and beyond, to give their insight on how we can make the most of the exciting opportunities available and overcome the challenges we face."

"TIACA will also explore news ways of supporting the industry, including with consultancy services."

Regulators involved in the development of new security legislation, including Asha Menon, World Customs Organization (WCO), Sylvain Lefoyer, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and Justin Jedlinski, Transport Canada, will bring delegates up-to-date on the latest regulations and give the industry an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns.

The value that Airport Communities can bring to all stakeholders in the supply chain will be discussed in a panel chaired by Steven Polmans, Head of Cargo and Logistics, Brussels Airport Company.

The Executive Summit will also provide a platform for the announcement of ground-breaking initiatives developed this year by the Air Cargo Community.

Sanjiv Edward, TIACA Chairman and Head of Cargo Business, Delhi International Airport, will chair a session launching a TIACA initiative to create a Cargo Service Quality tool that will initially measure service levels at Airports and Cargo terminals.

"Airports and Cargo terminals form a vital link in the supply chain and these initiatives will help bring efficiency to the supply chain as well as empowering the shipper community," said Edward.

A new initiative to launch shipper quality Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), developed by Cargo iQ and the Global Shippers' Forum (GSF), working with TIACA's Shippers' Advisory Council, will also be announced at the summit.

Other topics to be covered in the workshop and seminar program include innovation and trends in Pharma air cargo, updates on lithium battery regulations, and challenges and opportunities across the Latin American market.

TIACA is teaming up with the Supply Chain Americas (SCA) conference for the Executive Summit week. SCA is attended by a range of Shippers including the likes of Black+Decker, Walmart, and Yahoo.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available for the Executive Summit as well as the Hall of Fame, taking place on October 18th.

Contributed by TIACA