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At this year's Xeneta Summit, speakers shared the secrets to mastering ocean and air freight procurement. Whether in the heat of tender season or laying the groundwork for future success, attendees discovered groundbreaking insights to revolutionize their approach.
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Day 0 - October 16
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Day 1 - October 17
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Day 2 - October 18
17:30 - 20:00
Registration & Badge Pickup
Beurs van Berlage
18:00 20:00
Networking
Welcome Reception with Hapag-Lloyd and Xeneta
Beurs van Berlage
6:10 - 7:00
5km Canal Dash
Beurs van Berlage
Kickstart your day with a guided 5km morning jog through Amsterdam’s scenic streets! Join fellow Summit attendees for a refreshing run before a jam-packed day of keynotes and networking.
8:00 - 13:00
Registration & Badge Pickup
Beurs van Berlage
9:00 - 9:15
Opening Address
Hall #1
Join Tonia Luykx for the official opening of the 2024 Xeneta Summit. Our host will reflect on the significant changes to our industry, from the adoption of cutting-edge technologies to the growing emphasis on sustainability and supply chain resilience. Attendees will be introduced to key topics and sessions designed to address the challenges and opportunities facing the ocean and air freight industry today.
9:15 - 9:30
CEO Keynote
Hall #1
In the highly anticipated CEO Keynote, Patrik Berglund, Co-Founder and CEO of Xeneta, will share strategic insights on how LSPs and BCOs can navigate the rapid transformation of the logistics landscape, while staying competitive and resilient.
Xeneta was born out of a belief that there is an untapped potential for everyone in the shipping industry, to systematically learn from our individual and collective endeavours. The Xeneta Summit is testimony to the community we've built together over the last 12 years, and Xeneta is thrilled to welcome back industry leaders from around the world so we can continue transforming the way freight is bought and sold.
Xeneta was born out of a belief that there is an untapped potential for everyone in the shipping industry, to systematically learn from our individual and collective endeavours. The Xeneta Summit is testimony to the community we've built together over the last 12 years, and Xeneta is thrilled to welcome back industry leaders from around the world so we can continue transforming the way freight is bought and sold.
9:30 - 10:00
Product Keynote: Transforming How Freight Is Bought and Sold
Hall #1
In his much anticipated CPO keynote, Fabio Brocca will unveil new and future platform updates and share how Xeneta’s data, insights, and tools can help customers successfully navigate market volatility.
Attendees can expect a session packed with transformational updates, including predicting market trends, peer comparison, new datasets, and enhanced user experiences.
10:00 - 10:35
Ocean
Gemini Alliance – Replacing Uncertainty with 90% Schedule Reliability
Hall #1
Recent years have shown that as schedule reliability has gone down due to market volatility, the spot market has responded with higher rates. Although this is an inherent dynamic of the market, shippers end up with less reliability and greater costs. The Gemini Alliance promises to deliver something different. A 90% target for schedule reliability, as well as green ambitions and helping customers meet contractual obligations.
Join Rolf Habben Jansen, CEO of Hapag-Lloyd AG, Kenni Skotte, Vice President, Head of Ocean Network Product at Mearsk, and Greg Knowler, Europe Editor at Journal of Commerce, as they discuss key regional hubs for Gemini services, measures taken by Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk to protect the resiliency of its service in the face of market disruption and the knock-on effect this alliance will have on rival operators and other market players. This session will also address concerns around transshipments and vessel capacity.
10:35 - 11:00
Ocean
Air
Indexing – a First Step in Transforming How Freight Is Bought and Sold
Hall #1
Join Erik Devetak, CTO and CDO at Xeneta, Bjorn Vang Jensen, CEO of Nanooq Management Consultancies, and Sami Nazar, Category Manager International Transportation at Decathlon, as they explore the evolving landscape of index models in supply chain, and their growing importance in today's dynamic freight environment.
Together, they'll explore the motivations for switching to an index model, what sort of alternative models can be explored, and why its unusual for an industry as large as container shipping to not be using index-based models more widely.
11:00 - 11:30
Networking Coffee Break
Expo Hall
11:10 - 11:25
Lightning Talk
Fast Knowledge Sharing with Market Benchmarks
Expo Hall Theatre
Learn how to identify your market position and develop compelling narratives for senior management and service providers.
11:30 - 12:00
Navigating the Polycrisis and How Leaders Within the Shipping Industry Can Prepare for a Crisis-Orientated Future
Hall #1
It is time to envision how human behaviour will change the coming years now that society is hit by a so-called 'polycrisis': where several crises in a row (Covid, Ukraine, inflation, recession etc. + the long-term climate crisis) shake up society and rattle our mental wellbeing. How does this affect our behaviour? Decision-making? And leadership?
12:10 - 12:40
Looking Beyond Resilience to Achieve Supply Chain Excellence – What Should Organisations Be Investing In?
Hall #1
Major disruptions are no longer a novelty – how are supply chains preparing for disruptions, and what solutions are available today vs coming up in the next five years? Wolfgang will touch on integrated systems and data sharing, ecosystem building and management, as well as moving yourself into a position to spot and jump on opportunities to differentiate your business.
12:10 - 12:40
Supply and Demand – Are Peak Seasons Still Relevant and What Else Affects Import Cycles?
Hall #2
A big influx of new ships promised to provide more services on popular trade lanes. But as we saw earlier this year, new active service ships were immediately spoon fed into troubled waters into the Far East to Med trade lane. Whilst greater capacity had the potential to smooth out rising spot rates, the very opposite happened.
In fact, we’ve never seen such a sharp rise in rates outside of traditional peak season. It’s no longer about following the calendar, any contract might be subject to peak season surcharges, which leads us to question, who defines peak season and by what terms?
12:40 - 13:45
Networking Lunch
Expo Hall
13:00 - 13:15
Lightning Talk
Peer Comparison
Expo Hall Theatre
See how to compare your spend performance to that of your industry peers.
13:45 - 14:15
Ocean
2024 Recap – Ocean
Hall #1
Back by popular demand... join Michael Braun, VP of Customer Success & Solutions at Xeneta for Key Insights, Projections, and Strategies for Success.
13:45 - 14:15
Air
Air Market Outlook: Looking Back to Move Forward
Hall #2
Let the data speak for itself in this dynamic look at the air freight market — both what we've seen in 2024 and projections for 2025. Air freight experts will review key metrics including capacity, imports and volumes, load factors and rates, and what the current trends of these means for the year ahead for shippers, freight forwarders and airlines.
14:25 - 14:55
Ocean
2025 Ocean Market Outlook
Hall #1
Is 2024 bringing back memories of the chaos caused during the Covid-19 pandemic? You're not alone. Join Peter Sand and Emily Stausbøll for the 2025 Ocean Outlook and uncover emerging trends, disruptive technologies, and shifting market dynamics that will shape the landscape. Discover actionable strategies to optimize operations, enhance supply chain resilience, mitigate risks, and leverage opportunities for sustainable growth in the year ahead.
14:25 - 14:55
Ocean
Air
Using Data To Optimize Global Operations Across Ocean and Air During Market Flux
Hall #2
When operating on a global scale across multiple modes of transport and tradelanes, realtime data is essential. However, too many organisations are yet to address data uniformity and siloes, or understand what business intelligence they need from their data to optimise global operations across ocean and air.
Hosted by Fabio Brocca, CPO at Xeneta, this session looks at how AWS and PVH uses freight intelligence and emerging technologies to support its globalisation journey – and how you too can use data intentionally and in partnership with market experience and acumen to practically derisk your complex supply chain.
15:05 - 15:30
Ocean
Achieving Visibility for Maritime Trade
Hall #1
In an era where black swan events—unexpected disruptions like pandemics and geopolitical tensions—are reshaping global supply chains, understanding their impact is more crucial than ever. The past three years have shown us that even when one disruption subsides, new challenges are always on the horizon.
So, how can importers and shippers better manage their supply chains in unpredictable markets? How can you mitigate the vulnerabilities that just-in-time planning introduces into procurement strategies? How do you navigate port congestion and fluctuating transit times with minimal disruption to business operations?
Join Paolo Montrone, Senior VP and Head of Global Trades at Kuehne+Nagel, and Patrik Berglund, CEO & Co-Founder of Xeneta, as they explore the value of transparency in maritime trade and how you can leverage data to pivot towards a more resilient supply chain.
So, how can importers and shippers better manage their supply chains in unpredictable markets? How can you mitigate the vulnerabilities that just-in-time planning introduces into procurement strategies? How do you navigate port congestion and fluctuating transit times with minimal disruption to business operations?
Join Paolo Montrone, Senior VP and Head of Global Trades at Kuehne+Nagel, and Patrik Berglund, CEO & Co-Founder of Xeneta, as they explore the value of transparency in maritime trade and how you can leverage data to pivot towards a more resilient supply chain.
15:05 - 15:30
Ocean
Air
High Value Transformation Journey, with lululemon
Hall #2
Supply chains have become increasingly complex, political and reliant on various technology solutions. Join Prathibha Hampapur and Tonia Luykx as they walk through Lululemon's supply chain priorities for the next five years, how Lululemon continues to navigate risk and prioritise data initiatives within their supply chain strategies and some of the less-spoken about trade-offs required of a world-leading brand.
15:30 - 16:00
Networking Coffee Break
Expo Hall
15:35 - 15:50
Lightning Talk
Improving Tender Performance
Expo Hall Theatre
See how shippers use Xeneta data to improve tender outcomes.
16:00 - 16:40
Ocean
Air
Political Risks in Ocean Supply Chain and Their Impact on Shipping
Hall #1
This session will look at the impact of Industrial action, the ongoing tarrif wars between the US, Mexico and China, and how political instability is having an impact on maritime security – including a rise in piracy incidents. We will also touch on which trade policy/legislation changes should be top of mind for global supply chains, and the wide-ranging sanctions regimes in the US and EU, and how these invite just-in-time manufacturing and stockpiling.
16:00 - 16:40
Ocean
Air
How Do Environmental Initiatives Stand up During Times of Crisis?
Hall #2
Following an introduction by the Baltic and International Maritime Council, this talk will explore the impact of the Red Sea on the Marine Benchmark Carbon Emissions Index (CEI) and discuss whether its practical to hold shippers accountable for missed decarbonisation targets when black swan events force them to adopt less-sustainable transport modes.
Panellists will share successful ocean and air ESG initiatives and the importance of having cost and carbon as mutual business priorities, as well as consider how the absence of an internationally recognised ESG target creates a ‘wild west’ situation among players who operate beyond the EU.
Panellists will share successful ocean and air ESG initiatives and the importance of having cost and carbon as mutual business priorities, as well as consider how the absence of an internationally recognised ESG target creates a ‘wild west’ situation among players who operate beyond the EU.
16:50 - 17:30
Ocean
Air
How Will AI Drive Better Sourcing Outcomes for Procurement Professionals
Hall #1
While the shipping industry remains in the early stages of AI experimentation, we are seeing growing interest in the potential of AI-backed solutions, predictive technologies, and automation.
Join us as we explore how emerging technologies are already supporting future-thinking supply chains, the value of technology-enabled processes for sourcing outcomes, and whether AI in its current form is more distraction than help. This session will also cover why certain digitalisation strategies fail, common barriers tech-first organisations need to break and the very real risk of a growing digitalisation gap.
16:50 - 17:30
Ocean
How Will the Changing Composition of Trade in APAC Shake Up Ocean Freight in the Next Five Years – and How Can BCOs Prepare?
Hall #2
In this session, Peter Sand will lead a panel deep diving into the significance of the intra-Asia market and its impact on global trade dynamics. As Asia continues to be a pivotal region for global shipping and supply chains, we will address critical questions and concerns faced by Beneficial Cargo Owners (BCOs) and shippers operating within and beyond the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.
17:30 - 18:30
Networking Happy Hour
Expo Hall
19:00 - 23:00
Customer Party
Heineken Experience
8:45 - 9:05
Ocean
How To Build An Index – Index-linked Contracting Within Ocean Freight
Hall #1
Hear from Xeneta’s Chief Technology and Data Officer on the impact of data granularity when signing index-linked ocean freight contracts.
8:45 - 9:05
Air
Index-linked Contracting Within Air Freight
Hall #2
Learn how index-linked air freight contracts can benefit both shippers and freight forwarders.
9:15 - 9:35
OCEAN
Predicting Future Market Trends – Deep Dive
Hall #1
Gain a deeper understanding of how we combine machine learning, analyst expertise, and community insights to provide an Ocean Market Rate Outlook.
9:15 - 9:35
Ocean
Leveraging Peer Comparison in Performance Analyses
Hall #2
Explore the critical role of industry-specific benchmarks in understanding and improving your freight market position. Learn how to effectively use this information for internal reporting and to shape strategic objectives.
9:15 - 9:35
OCEAN
Compare Multiple Datasets To Identify Your Best-Fit Suppliers
Breakout Room #2
Discover how Xeneta's new Monitor and Analyze solutions can provide better supply chain visibility, and help you compare multiple datasets to choose the best suppliers for your organization.
9:45 - 10:05
Ocean
Masterclass for Ocean Freight
Hall #1
Product experts will guide you through the key features, functionalities, and best practices from an Ocean Freight Shipper perspective. Perfect for beginners and advanced users, this masterclass will elevate your skill set and transform the way you work with Xeneta.
9:45 - 10:05
Air
Masterclass for Air Freight
Hall #2
Product experts will guide you through the key features, functionalities, and best practices from an Air Freight Shipper perspective. Perfect for beginners and advanced users, this masterclass will elevate your skill set and transform the way you work with Xeneta.
9:45 - 10:05
Freight Forwarder
Masterclass for Freight Forwarders
Breakout Room #2
Product experts will guide you through the key features, functionalities, and best practices from a Freight Forwarder perspective. Perfect for beginners and advanced users, this masterclass will elevate your skill set and transform the way you work with Xeneta.
9:45 - 10:05
Tank
Reefer
Masterclass for Specialized Container Types – Reefer + Tank Cargo
Breakout Room #3
Product experts will guide you through the key features, functionalities, and best practices from a Specialized Container Types perspective. Perfect for beginners and advanced users, this masterclass will elevate your skill set and transform the way you work with Xeneta.
10:15 - 10:50
How Are Airlines Adapting to Rapidly Changing Consumer Demands and Market Trends?
Hall #1
The performance of global supply chains are aided by predictable buying habits, access to materials and consistent shipping patterns.
As buyer habits evolve and shipping patterns become less predictable, we take a look at how airlines are adapting to rapidly changing consumer demands, particularly in terms of trade imbalances, pricing, and service expectations during peak seasons.
10:15 - 10:50
Navigating the Innovations and Challenges in Today’s Freight Forwarding, From End to End
Hall #2
In the midst of global disruptions, the freight forwarding industry plays a significant role in building resilience into global supply chains. With disruptions expected to continue, how can you build more resilience and efficiency into your supply chain?
We've invited Chris Cooper, SVP Ocean Freight at DP World to sit down with Reda Beloui, Enterprise Sales Director at Xeneta, to explore the flexibility needed to succeed in today’s freight forwarding market, and how a unique asset approach has become instrumental in building resilient supply chains for DP World’s customers. Chris will also explore how DP World’s recent move into the freight forwarding market fits within the company’s ambition to move from port operators to end-to-end logistics providers.
10:50 - 11:20
Networking Coffee
Expo Hall
11:00 - 11:10
Lightning Talk
Improving Tender Win Rates
Expo Hall Theatre
Learn how freight forwarders and carriers can increase tender responses and wins.
11:20 - 11:50
What's Top of Mind for the EU Commission?
Hall #1
The session will be a 30mins fireside talk with Birthe Pahnans looking at what’s top of mind for the EU commission with regards to Europe’s single market and competition policy. It will look specifically at merger cases in ocean shipping liners, as well as the implications of the expiration of The 2010 Horizontal Block Exemption Regulations on carrier alliances.
12:00 - 12:30
Let's Talk About the US
Hall #1
Specifically, let's talk about the macro-environment of the US market, trade animosities between the United States and China, and the potential implications of the US Elections. This session will also consider potential scenarios regarding trade restrictions or tariffs that could further disrupt global shipping, and the unprecedented boom for goods post-pandemic.
12:00 - 12:30
Air
Is There Such a Thing As Too Much Regulation for Ocean and Air Freight?
Hall #2
International trade is becoming more and more a pawn in the world of global politics. In this session we will discuss the potential impact of (planned) regulations on the ocean and airfreight markets, including the fact that increased regulation means an increased risk of litigation. We will consider the most pressing regulations that should LSPs and BCOs should expect to see in the next 5 years, and how, without one global policy agreement, organisations will continue to balance competing needs from different geographies/markets.
12:35 - 13:05
Lessons Learnt From 2024 – and What We Can Take Forward
Hall #1
Your job is to keep the supply chain alive, regardless of how unpredictable the market is. And if the last four years have taught us anything, it's that unpredictability is here to stay.
Rather than waiting for the market to 'return to normal', join us for one final session as we discuss lessons learnt over 2024. Not only will you hear from a panel of seasoned logistics professionals about their experiences, you'll gain insights on managing supply chain disruptions in uncertain times, with a focus on the recent Red Sea Crisis.
Finish the summit on a high, with actionable strategies and best practices to adopt in your 2025 planning.
Rather than waiting for the market to 'return to normal', join us for one final session as we discuss lessons learnt over 2024. Not only will you hear from a panel of seasoned logistics professionals about their experiences, you'll gain insights on managing supply chain disruptions in uncertain times, with a focus on the recent Red Sea Crisis.
Finish the summit on a high, with actionable strategies and best practices to adopt in your 2025 planning.
13:05 - 13:10
Closing Remarks
Hall #1
13:10 - 14:00
Networking Lunch
Expo Hall