Geneva) – The International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that the 2026 IATA Cargo Experts Conference (CEC) will focus on practical ways to improve day-to-day air cargo operations through global standards, technology, and data. The conference will take place in Budapest, Hungary, on 23–24 September 2026.
What the IATA Cargo Experts Conference will cover
“CEC brings cargo experts together to share what works, tackle common challenges, and take away tangible ideas they can apply in their own organizations. The focus is on operations. For a business whose customers literally depend on reliable delivery each and every day, effective operations are essential to success,” said Brendan Sullivan, IATA’s Global Head of Cargo.
Under the theme “From Expertise to Execution”, the conference will feature three specialized tracks:
- Digital Cargo: Advancing ONE Record adoption and putting digital technologies into practice, including APIs, AI and automation, with a focus on cargo security, visibility, data quality, and interoperability.
- Safety & Security: Addressing emerging security risks, including the safe handling of dangerous goods and the proliferation of undeclared lithium batteries, while strengthening risk assessment and oversight.
- Pharma & Cargo Operations: Strengthening ground handling, resilience, and cold-chain operations with smarter compliance and real-time data supporting pharmaceutical shipments.
Why the 2026 IATA Cargo Experts Conference Matters
The air cargo industry continues to play a critical role in global trade, connecting manufacturers, exporters, logistics providers and consumers across international markets. As supply chains become increasingly interconnected, airlines and cargo operators face growing expectations around shipment visibility, operational efficiency, security and delivery reliability. The 2026 IATA Cargo Experts Conference aims to address these priorities by bringing industry professionals together to discuss practical solutions and emerging operational challenges.
Digital Transformation in Air Cargo
Digitalisation is becoming increasingly important as cargo stakeholders seek to reduce paperwork, improve information sharing and streamline shipment processing. Initiatives such as IATA’s ONE Record standard aim to create a common framework for sharing air cargo shipment data across the industry.
By enabling stakeholders to exchange information through standardised digital channels, ONE Record can support better shipment visibility and more efficient collaboration. The use of application programming interfaces, automation and artificial intelligence may also help organisations identify operational bottlenecks, improve planning and make better use of available data.
For cargo businesses, successful digital transformation requires more than adopting new technology. Consistent data standards, system interoperability and effective collaboration between airlines, freight forwarders, ground handlers and other partners are essential to achieving meaningful improvements.
Strengthening Cargo Safety and Security
Safety and security remain fundamental priorities for the global air freight sector. The growing use of lithium batteries in consumer electronics and other products has increased the importance of accurate shipment declarations, appropriate packaging and compliance with dangerous goods regulations.
Undeclared or incorrectly declared dangerous goods can create significant risks during transportation. Industry collaboration, employee training and stronger risk assessment procedures can help improve the identification and management of these shipments.
The conference’s safety and security discussions are expected to provide an opportunity for professionals to exchange operational knowledge and explore ways to strengthen oversight throughout the cargo handling process.
Improving Pharmaceutical Logistics and Cold-Chain Operations
Pharmaceutical shipments require carefully controlled transportation conditions to protect product quality and integrity. Temperature-sensitive medicines, vaccines and other healthcare products may need specialised packaging, continuous monitoring and coordinated handling across multiple transportation stages.
Reliable cold-chain operations depend on accurate temperature data, trained personnel, suitable infrastructure and effective contingency planning. Digital monitoring and real-time information can help logistics providers identify potential disruptions and respond more quickly when shipment conditions change.
By bringing together expertise across digital cargo, security and pharmaceutical logistics, the 2026 IATA Cargo Experts Conference provides a platform for addressing interconnected industry priorities. Its emphasis on practical execution highlights the importance of translating technical standards and shared knowledge into measurable operational improvements across the global air cargo network.
Related reading: Etihad Cargo Delivers Strong 2025 Performance with 9% Volume Growth and 8% Revenue Increase
Ahmed Abdul Wasey
Managing Editor, Eat ‘N Stays
Ahmed Abdul Wasey is the Managing Editor in Eat ‘N Stays, overseeing all editorial coverage of travel, hospitality, and food across Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf region. He sets the publication’s editorial direction and reviews coverage across hotels, restaurants, tourism, cruise, and industry news before it publishes.
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