2025 Highlights

Breakbulk Americas 2025

The 35th anniversary year of Breakbulk Americas was a tremendous success, filled with connection, business, and insight. From 35th anniversary celebrations at the Welcome Reception and After-Party, Workshops, expert speakers at the Main Stage and Education Day, to record attendance at Women in Breakbulk, endless high-fives with Cargo the Camel, and hundreds of new business connections made, the 2025 event was truly special.

2025 Stats Brochure

Breakbulk Americas celebrated its 35th anniversary with record-breaking success - welcoming over 6,250 attendees, 440 global shippers, and 330 exhibitors. Industry professionals from 68 countries joined us in Houston, with 48 out of 50 US states represented. This milestone edition also witnessed record-high numbers for the After-Party at The Rustic, the Women in Breakbulk Networking Luncheon and Education Day - a key indication of the event's future growth.

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2025 event stats

Industry professionals to network with

Global shippers in attendance

Exhibitors to connect with

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The highlights include...

After-Party at The Rustic

The Rustic After-Party was the perfect way to continue the celebrations following the Welcome Reception. Just steps from the convention center, guests enjoyed live music, authentic Texan BBQ, and free-flowing drinks in a lively atmosphere that marked 35 years in style. The evening brought together attendees in a relaxed setting, making it a memorable highlight of Breakbulk Americas.

Education Day

Education Day was a powerful showcase of how the next generation is shaping the future of the breakbulk and project cargo industry. Students and career changers gained valuable insights from panels and interactive sessions, bridging the talent gap with guidance from both established and emerging leaders. The day concluded with the poster competition awards and an ECMC-led exhibition tour, creating opportunities for networking and meaningful connections across the supply chain.

Project Power Awards Ceremony

Breakbulk’s inaugural Project Power Awards are designed to showcase every sector in the industry and the companies and individuals that are demonstrating the path forward. We found out the deserving winners in each category: Barge Transport, Best Logistics Strategy for an Energy Project, Best Use of Equipment, Ocean Transport, Road & Rail, Energy Project of the Year and Energy Champion of the Year. Plus, celebrated with a drink at the winners reception straight after.

Rise & Reset: A Wellness Session for Women in Breakbulk

The wellness session offered a refreshing start to the conference, giving participants the chance to ground themselves through gentle movement, guided breathwork, and focused intention-setting. Accessible to all women and designed to fit seamlessly into the day, it left attendees feeling centered, energized, and ready to make the most of their conference experience.

KEYNOTE: A New Era of U.S. Maritime Strategy

Dr. Salvatore R. Mercogliano took to the Main Stage to explores the driving forces behind the Act and what they mean for U.S. industry and global partners. The SHIPS for America Act marks a major shift in U.S. maritime policy, with ambitious long-term goals to revitalize shipbuilding, grow the Strategic Commercial Fleet, and strengthen the workforce. In the near term, stronger enforcement of Cargo Preference laws and increased policy momentum are already reshaping how government cargo is allocated and how U.S.-flag carriers engage commercially. Added to this, Section 301 tariffs are shifting cargo flows and sourcing decisions, creating both challenges and opportunities

Welcome Reception

The Welcome Reception, sponsored by Cooper/Ports America, set the perfect tone for Breakbulk Americas with a relaxed, Mardi Gras–themed evening on the show floor. Guests mingled over drinks and nibbles, enjoyed music from the DJ, and explored the vibrant atmosphere that celebrated Breakbulk’s New Orleans roots. With bars scattered throughout, it was a lively first opportunity to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and spot key decision-makers ahead of the days to come.

Women in Breakbulk Networking Luncheon

The 2025 Luncheon was a vibrant and engaging event that combined industry insight, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connection. One panel explored the latest challenges and opportunities in procurement, energy, and logistics, while another highlighted the power of collaboration through the lens of major sports events in Houston. The day closed with a fun wellness activity where attendees created their own essential oil blends - a chance to relax, recharge, and bond with one another.

Next stop: Breakbulk Middle East!

Taking place from 4-5 February 2026, Breakbulk Middle East will be celebrating a decade of being the region's largest event for the project cargo and breakbulk industry! Meet top industrial manufacturers, EPCs, project owners, transporters, and service providers - all at the Dubai World Trade Centre. With over 10,500 industry professionals expected, this event offers unparalleled access to one of the world's most dynamic and fastest-growing markets across the Middle East and Africa.

Discover Breakbulk Middle East