Don’t miss this timely and candid address from Peter Friedmann, Executive Director of the Agriculture Transportation Coalition (AgTC), as he unpacks the current landscape of U.S. agricultural exports in 2025 and what’s on the horizon for 2026. With global demand shifting, supply chain bottlenecks evolving, and trade policy in flux, American ag exporters are navigating a complex and often unpredictable environment. Peter will offer expert insights into the real-world challenges facing exporters — from port congestion and container availability to market access and rising costs — and share a forecast for how the next year might shape up. This session is a must-attend for anyone involved in ag logistics, international trade, or export strategy.

As global trade patterns shift and uncertainty becomes the norm, shippers are reevaluating how they approach ocean freight contracts. This panel will explore the current state of ocean contracting from the shipper’s perspective — what’s delivering value, where friction remains, and how contract strategies are evolving to meet the demands of today’s dynamic market. We’ll examine how long-term agreements are functioning amid rate fluctuations and service variability, and discuss the rise of more flexible, hybrid, and digital contracting models. Hear from experienced shippers and industry experts on how to balance cost control, service reliability, and risk management in your ocean freight strategy. Whether you're navigating your next RFP cycle or trying to build more resilient partnerships with carriers, this session will offer practical insights to help you optimize your approach.

Supply chain experts tackled one of the industry’s most complex challenges: managing tariff exposure in an uncertain policy environment. The panel offered practical guidance on how supply chain leaders can adjust sourcing strategies and build flexibility into their operations to mitigate risk.

North American and European trade experts explored the emerging opportunities and operational realities accompanying the growth of the trans-Atlantic trade lane. The panel examined how businesses are adapting their strategies to capitalize on this increasingly dynamic transatlantic environment.

Mark George, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern, shared insights on Norfolk Southern’s potential merger with Union Pacific—a move that would create the first genuine transcontinental railroad in U.S. history.

Three carrier presidents gathered for a candid discussion of the industry’s most critical challenges, including shifting carrier alliances, tariffs and USTR Chinese vessel fees, ongoing geopolitical disruption around the Red Sea, legacy infrastructure constraints, and ambitious decarbonization targets.