FORWARDER featuring... Antwerp XL, with Sophie McKimm of Easyfairs

ANTWERP XL ORGANISED BY EASYFAIRS

Antwerp XL was launched by popular demand to re-unite breakbulk specialists that focus on the core of shipping and logistics. Proudly sponsored by the Port of Antwerp, this community-led, content-driven event is expected to attract the key players operating in breakbulk and project cargo. Thanks to a long-standing and unique position at the heart of the European community, Antwerp is the perfect place to meet regarding all things breakbulk, ro-ro & heavy-lift...

WITH...

SOPHIE McKIMM

COVER FEATURE

ANTWERP XL DATE

7-9/05/2019 LOCATION

Antwerp, Belgium WEBSITE

easyfairs.com/antwerp-xl-2019 SOCIAL MEDIA

twitter.com/antwerpxl instagram.com/antwerp_xl/ facebook.com/AntwerpXL linkedin.com/company/antwerp-xl/ CONTACT

Sophie McKimm, Events Manager +44 (0)20 3196 4356 sophie.mckimm@easyfairs.com

ANTWERP XL

WITH SOPHIE MCKIMM AT EASYFAIRS

SOPHIE SAYS...

Easyfairs is among the top 20 exhibition providers worldwide.

A

ntwerp XL was launched by popular demand

players operating in breakbulk and project cargo. Thanks

to re-unite breakbulk specialists that focus

to a long-standing and unique position at the heart of the

on the core of shipping and logistics. Proudly

European community, Antwerp is the perfect place to

sponsored by the Port of Antwerp, this communityled, content-driven event is expected to attract the key

meet regarding all things breakbulk, ro-ro & heavy-lift.

COVER FEATURE Q A

What is Easyfairs?

Established in 2004, Easyfairs is amongst the top 20 exhibition providers worldwide. Head-quartered in Belgium, we pride ourselves on delivering market-leading events that serve niche industries. Whilst incredibly ambitious, Easyfairs is family business – an important quality as this enables us to pursue our long-term vision and annually reinvest 80% of profits into future projects and activities. Whilst being a family business Easyfairs is dynamic and fast-paced, with over 750 lively and energetic colleagues, running 220 events, hosting over 28,000 exhibitors and 1.2m visitors, across 10

SOPHIE SAYS...

AntwerpXL is a targeted maritimefocused exhibition...

Q A Q A

venues and 17 countries. Easyfairs is a proud member of UFI, The Global Association of the Exhibition industry.

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What is AntwerpXL? AntwerpXL is a targeted maritime-focused exhibition for the breakbulk community in the home of breakbulk: the city of Antwerp.

When and where will AntwerpXL be?

It will be held on 7–9 May at the newly refurbished Antwerp Exhibition Centre.

Q A

What will AntwerpXL offer that sets you apart from any other logistics event?

AntwerpXL is a focused exhibition, led by and dedicated to the Breakbulk community. Antwerp XL is a dedicated platform for the community, offering networking opportunities, market leading content and relaxed environment to connect with new and current buyers.

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What should we expect from the event?

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Who visits the event?

From project owners & EPC’s to breakbulk forwarders working on projects & wider breakbulk specialists.

Where can I purchase a ticket?

Registration will be launching shortly, so watch this space! Visitors can register their interest today at https://www.easyfairs.com/antwerp-xl-2019/ antwerp-xl-2019/ to ensure they are kept up with the latest show news.

The latest developments & innovation, networking opportunities, inspiring content and a relaxed, friendly environment to meet both new & existing clients or partners.

What are the key features of AntwerpXL? There is so much happening on the AntwerpXL show floor, key features include; The Port of Antwerp networking lounge, open to all exhibitors and visitors alike. The

Q A

Why are these industry events so important?

Taking breakbulk back to its roots – events like these allow people to connect face-to-face with these companies making new industry contacts, develop relationships and open up new business opportunities.

innovation start-up zone will showcase future technologies.

From start-up technology companies and the thought-

These types of events allow networking opportunities

provoking content programme which is supported by the

that you may not get the chance to otherwise.

AntwerpXL education partner project professionals who will be hosting their Project Forwarding Managers accredited course at AntwerpXL.

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Who exhibits at the event?

Specialists from the full breadth of the European breakbulk

Q A

What part of the event are you most looking forward to?

So much of it! But in simple terms; we’re just looking forward to re-uniting the breakbulk community in Antwerp & filling the void that has

cargo value chain; breakbulk forwarders, ocean carriers and

been left by the move to Bremen. There is so much

specialised transport, shipping agents, breakbulk ports and

demand and support for this event – the reception

terminals, port operators & wider breakbulk specialists.

for AntwerpXL has been absolutely fantastic!

COVER FEATURE Q A

Why did you choose Antwerp for the location?

We didn’t choose Antwerp, the breakbulk community did! Antwerp has been the European meeting place for the breakbulk community for over 15 years now, it’s bigger than

SOPHIE SAYS...

We didn’t choose Antwerp, the breakbulk community did!

Q A

What have been your marketing strategies when promoting the event?

Over the last few months, we have developed a unique marketing campaign focusing on the breakbulk market and taking it back to its roots. While their events are now

any event, it’s where so much breakbulk business is done.

generalist, we are niche and focused. We pride ourselves

Of course, as a Belgium owned company Easyfairs has a

on having a dedicated exhibitor marketing package, with a

strong connection with Antwerp and the wider region &

member of the marketing team working closely with all our

we own and run the Antwerp Expo; a leading European

exhibitors throughout the whole year to create personalised

venue (which has just completed phase I of its renovation

marketing messages for additional brand exposure

programme, ready for AntwerpXL’s doors to open next

throughout the campaign, including; PR exposure, mailings,

May). The benefit of being the venue owner is that we’re

and digital marketing. In addition, the marketing team have

able to manage and understand all operational and logistical

been creating strategic partnerships with the world’s largest

requirements & can relate and respond to exhibitor and

ports, associations, including; Project Professionals Group

visitor questions with ease. Whomever you come in contact

who will be hosting an education programme for the project

with, from your stand account manager to the conference

forwarding industry (attending the student programme, you

team, to the venue manager, everyone is Easyfairs staff,

will receive a 15% discount), Antwerp Freight Forwarding

so there is will be no confusion that often comes through

Association, Cargo Connections, Cross Ocean and many

dealing with multiply companies involved with some other

more, event supporters (IMCs and Portilog) and have over

exhibitions. Our strong connection with Antwerp also means

20 global media publications including FORWARDER

we have a close relationship with the Antwerp city team

magazine, CLC Projects, Freightweek, Heavy Lift and

who have worked with us to secure hotel rates, restaurant

Project Forwarding International, ShipManagement

availability and many transport options to ensure the city is

International and more! We are continuously expanding

ready for the arrival of AntwerpXL visitors and exhibitors.

our partnerships across the breakbulk industry to create a

The European capital of breakbulk, a well connected city

content-driven and community-led event.

with the numerous transport links, great restaurants and bars and with a international exhibition centre, Antwerp is the ideal and only location to hold the maritime focused breakbulk event, AntwerpXL.

Q A

How would you define your business culture at Easyfairs?

Easyfairs is an ethical business, and a happy one.

Our values define how we behave on the journey into the future and they shape our products. We’ve selected four values that we apply in our day-today work: integrity, creative entrepreneurship, being results driven and, last but not least, having fun.

Q A

How do you get the best out of your team?

The AntwerpXL team is very similar to the rest of Easyfairs; we are innovative; always looking for new & better ways to bring people together. We love spending time with our clients & ultimately delivering return on investment for our exhibitors & creating unique experiences for all attendees to our events – this is what drives us!

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Where do you see AntwerpXL in 2020?

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Overall, what has the experience of organising the event been like?

Fantastic! We are launch specialists & we love being able to bring a new show to market! As soon as opportunities arise, we jump on them as we are setup in such a way that enables us to react quickly.

We then fall back on our years of experience in

We see the future of AntwerpXL as a targeted & niche

organizing events, our central teams and centers of

event, just like the industry itself; where breakbulk specialists

excellence are there to support us in creating the

meet to network and forge relationships in a friendly

best events possible.

environment. We are not looking to compete with the larger generalist logistics events – we will remain focused on breakbulk & project cargo community & are not looking to stray too far down the value chain.

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