Education Day

Supporting the next generation

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 Education Day is where students have the best opportunity to connect with professionals from across the supply chain.

What's included?

Our Education Day program includes a show floor tour and career panels where industry professionals will share what it takes to create long-lasting and fruitful career path across the breakbulk supply chain.

View the program

Why attend?

Help you develop a better understanding of the breakbulk and related industries.
Open your eyes to roles and career paths that you may not have known about or considered before.
Provide an environment for you to connect and create relationships with industry professionals to gain tangible, post-university mentorship and career opportunities.
Give you exposure to the latest innovations.

Make High-level Connections

The Exporters Competitive Maritime Council (ECMC) will once again lead the student tours on the exhibition floor. The influential group, consisting of leading U.S. EPCs, manufacturers and global forwarders, will introduce students to a variety of exhibitors to get a clear picture of their career options in this exciting industry.

Creating Opportunity

Margaret Kidd, director of the University of Houston’s supply chain and logistics technology program at the University of Houston, has been a groundbreaking advocate for Breakbulk's Education Day. She is a primary connector between students and professionals, knowing that identifying talent early is the key to building tomorrow's leaders.

More about Margaret

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.

Education Day 2024 Agenda

Thursday 17 October 09:00 - 14:00

An Introduction to Breakbulk

What is breakbulk and project cargo? How does it differ from other types of cargo? A leading industry expert will give a general overview and shed light on the particulars of this industry.

Thursday 17 October 10:00 - 11:30

Student Show Floor Tour

Students will be taken on a tour of the show floor by members of the ECMC (Exporters Competitive Maritime Council). They will have the chance to speak with a plethora of different companies covering the entirety of the supply chain; discovering what a career in breakbulk can look like, as well as more opportunities that are out there for students.

Thursday 17 October 11:30 - 12:15

Closing the Talent Gap

Helping to bridge the ongoing talent gap. This session will delve into the root causes of this talent shortage and explore innovative strategies for attracting and retaining new industry professionals.

Thursday 17 October 12:15 - 12:45

Lunch

Thursday 17 October 12:45 - 13:15

Student Research Poster Competition: Results Announced

Giving undergraduate students the opportunity to contribute to research related global capital projects, gain recognition from industry partners, and expand their network. This session will announce the winners of the annual Student Poster Competition.

Thursday 17 October 13:20 - 14:00

Alumni Success Stories 

Hear from those who have recently graduated and joined the workforce to learn about their experience to date and top tips for success when starting out.