• The AirCargo Conference will take place from 15 to 17 February 2026 in Orlando, bringing together a broad cross-section of the global air cargo and logistics community through a joint “big tent” partnership between freight forwarders, airlines, airports, trucking companies, technology providers, and regulators.
• The 2026 programme is designed around current industry pressure points, with sessions addressing regulation, market volatility, geopolitics, tariffs, operational risk, and the responsible adoption of technologies such as AI, alongside keynote insights on leadership and market direction.
• Networking remains central to the event’s value, with more than 100 exhibitors, structured networking opportunities, and dedicated sessions for first-time attendees, positioning the conference as an active forum for engagement, alignment, and practical industry dialogue.

Taking place from 15 to 17 February 2026 at the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate, the AirCargo Conference will once again bring together a broad cross-section of the global air cargo and logistics community.

Positioned as a “big tent” forum for the industry, the conference is jointly hosted by the Airforwarders Association, Airports Council International – North America (ACI-NA) and the Air & Expedited Motor Carriers Association (AEMCA). That three-way partnership reflects both the audience profile and the agenda, with freight forwarders at its core but strong representation from airlines, airports, trucking companies, technology providers and regulators.

“Registrations are surging well above last year’s level, and last year was an extremely successful event for us,” Brandon Fried, Executive Director of the Airforwarders Association, said. “This is the conference for the rest of us – where all stakeholders get together, not just freight forwarders. Anyone who serves the logistics community comes to this conference.”

Industry pressure points

The 2026 programme has been designed to reflect what Fried describes as a sector operating under tighter regulation, thinner margins and faster decision cycles. Sessions will focus on adaptation to these new realities, with particular emphasis on regulation, market volatility, geopolitics, tariffs and operational risk.

The conference will feature two morning keynote sessions. Kendra Tanner, President of Allstates WorldCargo, will open proceedings on Monday, bringing what Fried describes as a compelling leadership story and a fresh industry perspective. She will be followed by Brian Clancy, Managing Director of Logistics Capital & Strategy, returning to the event to deliver a “tune-up” on where the market is heading.

Beyond the main stage, the agenda will address issues such as truck fraud, airport cargo area congestion and regulatory enforcement. 

Discussions will include collaboration with US policymakers and insights from a Government Accountability Office study examining cargo truck congestion at airports. International concerns are also firmly on the agenda, reflecting the increasingly global nature of the audience.

Technology and automation will again feature prominently with sessions on AI, data and automation, bringing together both industry practitioners and external experts. 

“Logistics and freight forwarding is ripe for AI adaptation, but there are some cautions we need to exercise,” Fried noted. “We want to explore ways to employ AI, ways not to employ AI, and how to keep the people side of the business front and centre while using AI as a tool in the background.”

Networking at the core

While the content is a major draw, networking remains central to the AirCargo Conference formula. More than 100 exhibitors are expected, with breakfasts and lunches deliberately scheduled in the exhibition hall to maximise interaction.

“That validates our formula,” Fried says. “We make sure everyone has an opportunity to get together and network.”

For those attending for the first time, organisers are planning a dedicated new-attendee session on Sunday afternoon, building on a format that proved popular last year. 

As airfreight faces continued regulatory, technological and geopolitical change, the 2026 AirCargo Conference is positioning itself as a forum not just for discussion, but for alignment across the logistics community.

“This is not a conference you attend passively,” Fried concludes. “Arrive with clear priorities, get involved, ask questions and be ready to hear things you may not have thought about before.”