In partnership with

Supporting the next generation

Wednesday, September 23 2026 | 9:00AM - 3:50PM

In the context of the talent gap, the industry is enthusiastic and excited to meet young talent and offer them opportunities within their organizations. Breakbulk Americas NextWave Education Day is where students have the best opportunity to connect with professionals from across the supply chain.

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What to Expect

Your complimentary NextWave Education Day pass includes a full day of industry insights, networking, and career exploration. Connect with industry leaders, hear from inspiring speakers, participate in interactive sessions, and explore the Breakbulk Americas exhibition floor. The program also features the Student Research Poster Competition, showcasing innovative research from the next generation of industry talent.

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A timeline of the day

9:00–9:40

Registration & check-in

9:40–9:55

Welcome and opening remarks

9:55–10:15

Introduction to the breakbulk & project cargo industry

10:20–11:05

Alumni success stories and career journeys

11:10–11:50

Professional skills, Q&A, and networking with industry leaders

11:50–1:30

Guided exhibition floor tour with industry professionals

1:30–2:15

Lunch

2:15–3:15

Interactive team challenge solving a real-world logistics project

3:20–3:50

Student research poster competition and awards ceremony

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What's included?

NextWave Education Day Program

Students will gain valuable insight into building a successful career in the breakbulk and project cargo industry, hearing from experienced professionals and emerging leaders. As the industry looks to close the talent gap, education remains key to supporting career changers, inspiring students and strengthening the sector’s future.

The day will include engaging panels and interactive sessions, followed by the student poster competition awards ceremony and an ECMC-led exhibition tour, creating opportunities to connect with leading companies across the project cargo supply chain.

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Student Show Floor Tour

The Exporters Competitive Maritime Council (ECMC) will once again lead the highly anticipated student tours across the exhibition floor. Made up of leading U.S. EPCs, manufacturers and global forwarders, the group will connect students with a wide range of exhibitors, providing real-world insight into the diverse career opportunities available across this dynamic industry.

Student Research Poster Competition and Awards

Join us for our annual Student Research Poster Competition and Awards Ceremony, where undergraduate and postgraduate teams from Texas universities, including University of Houston, Texas A&M at Galveston and Texas Southern University, present research on global capital projects, sustainability, port infrastructure, the energy transition and other key industry themes.

The competition recognizes outstanding work from the next generation of talent, with cash prizes awarded to the top teams.

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Contract Manager ArcelorMittal Projects

“"The NextWave programme celebrates young professionals and shows what's possible for the next generation. It inspires people to be ambitious and look confidently towards the future. [...] Networking is everything. You never know which conversation could shape your career.”

Project Engineer LD Armateurs

“The biggest takeaways for me were the networking opportunities and the innovation on display. It's an excellent place to start your career.”

RCC Representative Hyundai Merchant Marine

“I actually found my job through Breakbulk, so this event means a great deal to me. It's full of opportunities for the next generation. [...] NextWave gives young professionals the chance to learn from experienced leaders while building their own careers.”

Hear from previous participants

Salma Ghazal spoke to us at Breakbulk Americas about her experience working as a supply chain and logistics specialist at Bechtel Corporation. “It’s been great, I’m learning so much, it’s almost overwhelming”, Salma said. Just six months out of college, the young professional returned to Breakbulk Americas' Education Day to offer some sound advice for budding logistics executives.

Just a few years ago, Itoro Ibanga was a student gaining knowledge and making contacts at Breakbulk Americas Education Day. Itoro, now a logistics specialist for Air Liquide USA, was speaking on a main stage panel session about the talent gap and the future of work. We caught up with the executive after his session to chat about his fast-moving career, which has included stints at Port Houston, ocean carrier MSC and forwarder Fracht.