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This is our curated roadmap of the most influential U.S. logistics conferences in 2026. If you are planning your professional calendar and investment for the coming year, these are the dates you need to save.
SMC³ JumpStart: Data-Driven LTL Strategy
SMC³ JumpStart is a high-density event for freight leaders seeking a clear pulse on the 2026 market. The agenda focuses heavily on Applied AI for automated billing, revenue models, and final-mile strategy.
- Key Focus: LTL market outlook and financial clarity for the year ahead.
- Why Attend: Exceptional peer-to-peer networking capped to ensure high-value executive dialogue.
Manifest by DHL: Innovation at Scale
With over 7,000 attendees, Manifest is where supply chain technology meets global operations. In 2026, the event features a dedicated Cold Chain Program, making it a non-negotiable for teams managing temperature-sensitive networks.
- Network Highlight: Access to CSCOs from global brands like IKEA, Coca-Cola, and Patagonia.
TPM26: The Global Container Standard
Organized by S&P Global, TPM26 is the primary venue for negotiating global container contracts. The 2026 edition centers on risk management across three tracks: TPM Cold Chain, TPM Tech, and TPM Academy.
- Essential For: Shippers and carriers needing a deep dive into pricing, capacity access, and contract strategy.
SCOPE Leadership Summit: Peer-to-Peer Strategy
An invite-only summit where 80% of attendees represent Fortune 100 companies. This is not a vendor-heavy trade show; it is a curated environment for VPs and C-level executives to solve geopolitical risks and supply chain resilience challenges.
TIA Capital Ideas: The Pulse of 3PL
TIA Capital Ideas is the primary North American event dedicated exclusively to 3PL leadership and brokerage-based logistics. This conference addresses the core financial and operational drivers of the sector, including brokerage economics, margins, and sales growth strategy.
- Network Highlight: Over 1,500 industry professionals discussing practical insights on market volatility.
- Focus: Peer-to-peer networking and established leadership tactics.
Georgia Logistics Summit: Multimodal Connectivity
The Georgia Logistics Summit provides a direct look at multimodal operations within one of the largest logistics hubs in the U.S. The event focuses on the practical intersection of ports, rail, and trucking, moving beyond typical "trade show fluff."
- Agenda: Multimodal connectivity, tariffs, and how strategy shifts under economic pressure.
- Why Attend: High-level executive decision-making and innovation insights in the Southeast hub.
FTR Transportation Conference: Data-Driven Intelligence
FTR is a data-centric conference focused on market forecasts and economic analysis. It provides direct access to analysts and peer intelligence to guide long-term planning across three specific tracks:
- The Truck Track: Freight markets and capacity challenges.
- The Freight Track: Cost-control strategy for shippers and 3PLs.
- The Rail Track: Rail equipment markets and regulatory updates.
IANA Intermodal EXPO: End-to-End Coordination
Intermodal EXPO is the central meeting point for the intermodal freight ecosystem, connecting rail, ocean, and trucking leaders. Built for those dealing with the coordination challenges of moving freight across different modes of transport.
- Executive Keynote: Featuring Jim Vena, CEO of Union Pacific, on rail industry perspectives.
- Technology Focus: Infrastructure innovation and global freight trends across 130+ exhibitors.
Why These Events Matter in 2026
The logistics industry is currently navigating a tectonic shift driven by Generative AI, multimodal visibility, and fluctuating trade tariffs. Attending these forums is no longer just about networking; it is about updating your competitive edge.
At Kaizen Softworks, we help logistics leaders turn the insights gained at these summits into robust software solutions, from AI-driven route optimization to automated compliance systems.
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