Antwerp XL is back, live and in-person

“The first edition in 2019, was an instant hit. Thanks to the extensive breakbulk ecosystem around Antwerp, Easyfairs could easily gather 3,000 relevant participants”, says Annick Dekeyser. Many companies used the opportunity to invite their international customers. The fair received an award from the Association of Event Organisers (AEO) for the best launch event of the year.

Unfortunately the editions of 2020 and 2021 had to be postponed because of Corona. “In 2021 we were all set to launch the show but ultimately chose not to take any risks. Most of the booths were already designed and people had made their travel arrangements. That was a real pitty but the best for everyone’s safety”, Annick explains.

What to expect
2022 has proven that the industry is looking forward to meeting each other again. Todays booth bookings show an increase of 40% in comparison with 2019. “Visitor registrations are expected to reach the magic number of 5.000, including freight forwarders, shipping lines, shippers and logistics companies active in breakbulk supply chains”, explains Annick Dekeyser.

Source: Port of Antwerp Bruges

The event runs over three days from 4 to 6 October, with ample networking opportunities. The programme includes a port tour in Antwerp, showing the breakbulk facilities such as Wijngaardnatie, a state of the art terminal, and Deufol who is a packing expert of industrial cargo. The conference running on the main deck gathers impressive names from the industry.

After-drinks
“Most of all, I am looking forward to the after-drinks in ‘den Engel’ at the ‘Grote markt’ in Antwerp. Although it is a small café, it has a great gift of being very popular and you get to hear the latest unrevealed insights of the industry. There is a clock always showing 5 minutes to midnight, so you keep staying in the good mood without rushing home.”
Source: Port of Antwerp Bruges