Messe München Acquires Air Cargo Americas, Expands Logistics Portfolio

Published: Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Messe München, organizer of the globally popular transport logistic trade fairs, has acquired the renowned Air Cargo Americas Conference & Exhibition from the World Trade Center Miami, marking a significant expansion of its logistics portfolio.

While Messe München is taking over the trade fair, the World Trade Center Miami will remain on board as a strategic partner for a further three editions and will also support the Munich team in operational matters. This will ensure the best possible synergies for the benefit of customers. This strategic acquisition strengthens the collaboration between two major forces in the trade show industry, paving the way for a comprehensive logistics platform that covers all modes of transport.

Since 1991, Air Cargo Americas has been a staple in Miami, firmly rooted in the Americas, and highly valued by the local logistics community. As one of the leading air freight exhibitions globally, it has long provided a platform for industry professionals to engage and innovate. As per Messe München CEOs Dr. Reinhard Pfeiffer and Stefan Rummel: “We are delighted that Air Cargo Americas is joining our portfolio of trade fairs. For Messe München, this is an important step towards further expanding our activities in North and Latin America and tapping into one of the most attractive markets in the logistics industry. Air Cargo Americas is the ideal complement to transport logistic Americas, which we organized for the first time in Miami in 2022 and which was a great success thanks to the overwhelming response.”

The first co-located event will take place at the Miami Beach Convention Center from November 11-13, 2025.  This marks a significant milestone, as the World Trade Center Miami had originally planned to move Air Cargo Americas to this iconic venue, and now, with Messe München on board, the enhanced concept will be realized. This combined trade show promises to deliver unparalleled insights and networking opportunities, solidifying its place as the premier logistics event in the Americas. A free to attend conference will delve into every critical aspect of the logistics industry, curated with the expertise of leading publishers and associations, ensuring a top-tier agenda that meets the highest standards of quality and relevance. Both organizers are expecting over 6,000 participants and 350 exhibitors for the 2025 trade fair.

A Unified Platform for All Transport Modes

The unification of Air Cargo Americas with transport logistic Americas reflects the growing demand for a logistics event that spans all modes of transportation, including air, sea, road, and rail. As the logistics industry continues to evolve, the importance of a multimodal approach cannot be overstated. The combined event will offer exhibitors and attendees a unique opportunity to explore synergies between different transport modes, fostering innovation and efficiency across the supply chain.

“The collaboration between Messe München and World Trade Center Miami brings together the best of both worlds—global reach and regional expertise—creating a platform where the future of supply chain can truly be shaped,” said Joe Mozzali, CEO of Amerijet International Airlines. “As a leading Miami-based cargo airline, Amerijet looks forward to a new and expanded Air Cargo Americas & transport logistics Americas event that will convene the air cargo and logistics industries in our community.”

“DHL has been a dedicated and long-time participant of the air cargo Americas Show since its origins and particularly since 2001” said Xavier Cerruto, Director Business Development & ACS Strategy, and Carmen Goehrig, Business Support & Quality Manager.  “DHL commends the move toward the strong logistics component that will form part of future editions of Air Cargo Americas & transport logistic Americas. These new synergies are certain to attract all transport modes deemed essential by industry leaders.”

A Strategic Location

Miami’s strategic location makes it an ideal host for this expanded logistics platform. As a gateway to Latin America and a major hub for international trade, Miami provides unparalleled access to key markets across the Americas. The World Trade Center Miami’s deep-rooted connections within Florida and Latin America ensure that the event will attract a diverse range of participants, while Messe München’s global network guarantees a strong international presence.

“We are thrilled to be part of an event that not only brings together all aspects of logistics but also leverages Miami’s unique position as a hub for global trade,” said Ralph Cutié, Director & CEO of Miami International Airport, the Western Hemisphere’s busiest international freight airport. “This new partnership between Messe München and the World Trade Center Miami will foster greater collaboration and innovation in the air cargo and logistics industries, benefitting businesses and consumers alike.”

According to Lorena Sandoval, Director of Cargo Sales at American Airlines Cargo, “Air Cargo Americas has played an important role in our cargo growth strategies over the years. American Airlines is a top-tier cargo carrier in Miami, and the news of this show’s expansion to include logistics and supply chain components will secure Miami’s future as a nexus for global trade and logistics.”

A Partnership Forged for Success

The partnership between World Trade Center Miami and Messe München is built on a shared vision of creating a world-class logistics event. Messe München’s expertise in organizing international trade fairs, combined with World Trade Center Miami’s deep understanding of the local market, ensures that this event will meet the highest standards of quality and relevance.

“The cooperation between the World Trade Center Miami and Messe München marks a milestone for the logistics industry,” said Ivan Barrios, President & CEO of the World Trade Center Miami, and Dr. Robert Schönberger, Global Industry Lead at Messe München. “We are both excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring for the future. The multimodal approach is exactly what the industry needs to address the challenges of today and tomorrow, and this event will be the ideal platform to showcase the latest innovations and solutions.”

Looking Ahead

As the logistics industry faces increasing challenges and opportunities, the combined air cargo Americas & transport logistic Americas event is set to become the must-attend event for industry professionals. By bringing together key players from across all modes of transport, this event will foster collaboration, drive innovation, and shape the future of supply chain.

For more information visit www.tl-americas.org

transport logistic exhibitions

The international network of transport logistic exhibitions spans events across four continents. Alternating with the world’s leading trade fair transport logistic in Munich, transport logistic China takes place every two years in Shanghai. In Turkey, Messe München and EKO Fair Limited organize the logitrans International Transport Logistics Exhibition annually in Istanbul. In the USA, Messe München organizes transport logistic Americas, which runs alongside air cargo Americas in collaboration with the World Trade Center Miami. Since November 2023, transport logistic Southeast Asia has also been held biennially in Singapore.

The air cargo sector plays a crucial role at all trade fairs. At transport logistic in Munich, air cargo Europe is the world’s largest gathering of air cargo professionals. Meanwhile, air cargo China and air cargo Southeast are integral parts of the corresponding transport logistic events in Asia. Additionally, air cargo India and air cargo Africa are independent trade fairs. Starting in 2025, both will be expanded to incorporate a multimodal approach and evolve into the transport logistic India and transport logistic Africa exhibitions.

Messe München

As one of the world’s leading trade fair organizers, Messe München presents the world of tomorrow at its around 90 international trade fairs. These include twelve of the world’s leading trade fairs such as bauma, BAU, IFAT, and electronica. Its portfolio comprises trade fairs for capital and consumer goods, as well as for new technologies. Together with its subsidiaries, it organizes trade fairs in China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the U.S. With a network of over 15 associated companies and almost 70 offices worldwide, Messe München is active in more than 130 countries. The more than 150 events held annually attract around 50,000 exhibitors and around three million visitors in Germany and abroad.

World Trade Center Miami

The World Trade Center Miami, founded in 1971, is a non-profit organization and member of the preeminent global trade organization, the World Trade Centers Association, with over 300 World Trade Centers located in more than 90 countries around the world.  The WTCM promotes and enhances trade and commerce by creating and expanding business opportunities through a diverse portfolio of global trade shows, other events and forums which generates international sales, boosts exports, and fosters the ideal environment for international investment.