Breakbulk Middle East (BBME), the GCC’s leading breakbulk and project cargo event, held under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, officially announced its agenda for the Breakbulk Middle East Digital Special. The leading event will be held on February 9-10, 2021, with the live-in person event scheduled to be held on February 2-3, 2022.

Despite the challenges due to the global disruption, Breakbulk Middle East is fulfilling its mission to serve the breakbulk and project cargo sector and promote its growth. This year, the event will feature three main sessions that will focus on businesses in the Middle East and outlook for 2021, the role of women in the industry and the need to mould the future generation of professionals.

Assessing the impact on business

The Business Briefing – Middle East Business and Project Outlook session will feature speakers from government and private sector entities. H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure; H.E Prof. Dr. Ismail Abdel Ghaffar Ismail Farag, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, Head of the League of Arab States Official Delegation, IMO Council; Shahab Al Jassmi, Commercial Director of Ports and Terminals, DP World, UAE Region and Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East will open this session providing a full business and project provisional outlook from the government’s perspective.

Post this, influential names from leading organisations will evaluate the industry’s current status, providing an update on the regional capital projects in the oil & gas, infrastructure, renewables and other sectors. They will offer a comprehensive picture of COVID-19 and its effects on the market, speaking about lessons learned from the crisis and key strategies to address it. Speakers will also highlight the way forward with a focus on future projects in the regional market.

Ben Blamire, Event Director, Breakbulk Middle East said, “We are proud of the success that Breakbulk Middle East has achieved with every live event we have had over the years. This year, the Digital Special will be one-of-its-kind. Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, it is heart-warming to see the support we have received from government and private sector organisations and professionals. With the current crisis and the unstable market, we believe it is our responsibility to bring together the global industry to chart a roadmap for the post-COVID era. Therefore, our first session will discuss the business and project outlook, where industry leaders will give an overview of the current situation and emphasise on the need to adapt to the dynamic market.”

The significant role of women

On Day 2, the Women in Breakbulk Leadership Forum will unite top female leaders, who will share insights on the issues that women face in the industry, while exploring ways of increasing women’s involvement in the sector and helping them climb the ladder to leadership positions. Two sessions titled The Many Paths to Female Leadership: A Career Blueprint and How Women Are Contributing to a Post-COVID Business Recovery will inspire women who dream of being a part of the industry. The sessions will be opened by Sue Terpilowski OBE, President, WISTA UK; Director, Imageline; Co-chair, Diversity in Maritime Taskforce, Maritime UK and moderated by Leslie Meredith, Marketing Director, Breakbulk Events & Media.

Meredith shares: “We have always stood by the women in the industry, providing them with a platform to speak about their success, the difficulties they face and inspire other women. In the Women’s Forum, we have some of the finest in the industry. Women who have beaten all odds to be at the top of the game. These women are role models for others, both men and women professionals. We are certain that this session will be one of the most eye-opening and inspiring sessions.”

The next generation of change-makers

The Education Day initiative has received much success over the years. This year, the session will educate students, aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs about what the project cargo and breakbulk industry has in store for them. They will hear from industry experts on why they should be a part of this booming industry that is replete with opportunities.

As part of this session, students will get a peek into a day in the lives of some of the panellists to understand the various verticals in the industry and how they function. To address all the concerns of these young minds, panellists will join for a live Q&A session, that will help students make the right decisions when they decide to step into the industry. Panellists will also dole out tips on what it takes to build a successful career in the industry.

Breakbulk Middle East Digital Special will be free for all. Breakbulk also recently launched the Breakbulk365 program that includes engaging webinars and the BreakbulkONE Show to ensure the project cargo industry stays connected and updated on insights and regional information at all times. To receive the weekly BreakbulkONE newsletter, sign up at http://breakbulk.com/page/one.

Free Registration for Breakbulk Middle East Digital Special is open