SAAFF, the future frontier - topic at 2015 Annual Congress

Explaining the reasoning behind the theme and the changes to the event, SAAFF CEO, Dave Logan says, "The freight forwarding industry is facing major changes as it fights to stay viable in a changing global environment. For freight forwarders to survive and thrive a major paradigm shift is needed. This is what this year's Congress will focus on."

Freight forwarding has become a progressively complex and specialised service in the current context of globalisation, tight security regulations and skills shortages. "We are operating in a turbulent environment. Freight forwarders face numerous challenges: volatile fuel prices, rising toll costs, restrictive carbon requirements and many others. Maintaining a competitive advantage under these conditions requires strategic planning and decisive action. Business is becoming more challenging, as complexity increases."

Currently the industry's outlook is positive, with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) forecasting a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% over the next four years. Even better news is that Africa is the second fastest growing market, with a CAGR of 4.4%.

Topical subjects, golf, tours await delegates

The SAAFF Congress is a powerful platform structured to equip delegates with more practical knowledge on the realities and challenges of the current trading environment and the tools required to leverage these opportunities. It is also a forum for all stakeholders, from sponsors and suppliers to members and customers, to engage directly with senior decision-makers of freight forwarding companies, government and policy makers.

Topics that will be covered at this year's Congress include latest international trends, customs practices, industry modernisation, BBBEE, legislation, supply chain and more.

There is non-stop activity lined up in the programme for this year's SAAFF Congress. New additions to this year's programme include the SAAFF Golf Challenge at the Durban Country Club; a site visit to the Durban port and a sponsors' Meet-and-Greet session, where sponsors, such as the Congress' primary financial contributor, Lombard Insurance Company, can network with the who's who of the industry.

The Congress will run alongside a two-day industry supplier exhibition, with exhibitors displaying products and services for the freight forwarding industry. Since its inception, the Congress has grown in terms of delegate numbers and industry support, entrenching it as the definitive knowledge event focused on trends, opinions, issues and opportunities in the freight-forwarding sector. This year it is bound to set a new benchmark for the industry.