Two days of conference in the heart of Bucharest
Enjoy two days of knowledge-sharing to empower the freight forwarding community in South Eastern Europe.
Scroll down for the detailed programme.
Confirmed speakers and moderators
Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim
President of FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations), CEO Topocean
Turgut Erkeskin
Immediate Past President of FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations), CEO Genel Transport
Marius Cae
President of USER (Freight Forwarders Association of Romania)
Dr. Ivan Petrov
Past President of FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations), Vice President NSBS (The Bulgarian Freight Forwarding Association),
CEO Trans Express, Sofia
Antonella Straulino
Chair REU FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations), Head of International Relations FEDESPEDI
Lia Potec
Team Leader eFTI, European Commission, Directorate – General for Mobility and Transport, Maritime Transport and Logistics Unit
Josh Finch
Logistics Risk Manager
TT Club
Gino Laioș
Vice Chair TAPA EMEA (Transported Asset Protection Association EMEA), Global Senior Manager Security Programs Philip Morris International
Nicolette van der Jagt
Director General CLECAT (European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services)
Diana-Maria Bejenaru
Lawyer, Partner, Head of Transport and Logistics Practice, DMB Partners
Dan Cotenescu
Director General BursaTransport
Dirk Penasse
General Manager ESPORG (European Secure Parking Organisation)
Niels Beuck
Advisory Body Safety Security Chair FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations) & Deputy Director General DSLV (German Federal Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics e.V.)
Ralf – Charley Schultze
Director General UIRR (International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport)
Vitalie Belescu
CEO Keypartner & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova
Antonio Stoean
Senior Policy Officer Pro Danube International & External Senior Consultant at Danube Commission – Danube Solidarity Lane
Oleg Borta
Manager Director Gradalogistic & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova
Andrea Tang
Legal Services Director FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations)
PhD Momchil Antov
Director NSBS (The Bulgarian Freight Forwarding Association)
Dr. Stéphane Graber
Director General FIATA (International Federation of
Freight Forwarders Associations)
Serdar Ayırtman
Chair of UTIKAD (Turkish Forwarding and Logistics Association) Micro Logistics and E-Commerce Working Group & Digitalization Focus Group, Board member UTIKAD (Turkish Forwarding and Logistics Association), CEO Catoni Group
Adrian Ţenu
Manager Administrator Imperador & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ghiorghe Bătrînca
Assoc. Prof. at Constanța Maritime University, Board Member, Constanța Maritime Ports Administration, Chairman of the Risk Management Committee & Director, Mur Shipping Romania
Ana Maria Hohan Negru
Country Manager R-BAG Romania & Moldova
Programme
DAY 1
Monday, May 18th, 2026
| 09:00 – 10:00 | Arrival of delegates, registration and networking (tea/coffee) – Constanta Ballroom & Foyer |
| 10:00 – 11:00 | Opening session – Key notes: 1. Introduction by representative of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure 2. Remarks by representative of the European Commission 3. Remarks by Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim – President of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), CEO Topocean 4. Remarks by Mr. Marius Cae – President of USER (Freight Forwarders Association of Romania) – host association 5. Remarks by Dr. Ivan Petrov – Past President of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), Vice President NSBS (The Bulgarian Freight Forwarding Association), CEO Trans Express, Sofia 6. Remarks by Mrs. Antonella Straulino – Chair REU FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), Head of International Relations FEDESPEDI Recognition of sponsors and photo session |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Official opening of the exhibition by the representative of USER (Freight Forwarders Association of Romania) – host association Visit of the exhibition area – Constanta Foyer |
| 11:30 – 13:00 SESSION ONE | Panel discussion 1: Security, risk and compliance – Fighting fraud and crime in the supply chain Topics: Types of transportation fraud (missing cargo, carrier identity theft, fictitious payment), due diligence systems, automated vetting of subcontractors, the role of insurance in risk mitigation, cybersecurity, prevention methods, legal response recommended by the lawyer, TAPA security standards, secure parking etc. Speakers: • Representative of EUROPOL – TBC • Mr. Josh Finch, Logistics Risk Manager, TT Club • Mr. Gino Laioș – Vice Chair TAPA EMEA (Transported Asset Protection Association EMEA), Global Senior Manager Security Programs Philip Morris International • Mrs. Nicolette van der Jagt – Director General CLECAT (European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services) • Mrs. Diana-Maria Bejenaru – Lawyer, Partner, Head of Transport and Logistics Practice, DMB Partners • Mr. Dan Cotenescu – Director General BursaTransport • Mr. Dirk Penasse – General Manager ESPORG (European Secure Parking Organisation) Moderator: Mr. Niels Beuck – Advisory Body Safety Security Chair FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) & Deputy Director General DSLV (German Federal Association for Freight Forwarding and Logistics e.V.) |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch – Champions Restaurant |
| 14:00 – 15:30 SESSION TWO | Panel discussion 2: Intermodal transport and regional connectivity – Development of transport corridors in the Central and South – Eastern Europe Topics: The potential of the Black Sea and the Danube, Middle Corridor, TEN-T Corridors, prioritizing investments in railway and intermodal infrastructure in the Central and South – Eastern Europe, how freight forwarding companies can leverage these corridors to optimise road transport and other transport modes etc. Speakers: • Mr. Turgut Erkeskin – Immediate Past President of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), CEO Genel Transport • Representative of the European Commission – TBC • Mr. Ralf – Charley Schultze – Director General UIRR (International Union for Road-Rail Combined Transport) • Mr. Claudiu Staicu – Director General Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Romania – Directorate General for European Projects Transport – TBC • Mr. Vitalie Belescu – CEO Keypartner & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova • Representative of TITR – Middle Corridor – TBC • Representative of Port of Constanta – TBC • Mrs. Simona Istrate – President OPSFPR (Organization of Private Railway Companies in Romania) – TBC • Mr. Antonio Stoean – Senior Policy Officer Pro Danube International & External Senior Consultant at Danube Commission – Danube Solidarity Lane • Mr. Oleg Borta – Manager Director Gradalogistic & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova Moderator: Dr. Ivan Petrov – Past President of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), Vice President NSBS (The Bulgarian Freight Forwarding Association), CEO Trans Express, Sofia |
| 15:30 – 15:45 | Networking tea/coffee and visit to the exhibition area – Constanta Foyer |
| 15:45 – 17:30 SESSION THREE | Panel discussion 3: Navigating the multitude of regulations – How freight forwarding companies are adapting to evolving regulations Topics: Analysis of major European regulations that are entering or are already in force (such as eFTI, the Mobility Package, EES and key aspects of the Green Deal), Air security (France/EU) – Known Consignor, FuelEU Maritime, integration of sustainable aviation fuels (SAF), cost pressure vs. regulatory pressure, identification of practical adaptation, digitalization and efficiency strategies for freight forwarding companies, transforming compliance into a competitive advantage. How accelerated digitalization and new EU regulations are transforming freight forwarding operations and international logistics, with a focus on preparing for the key deadlines of 2026 and beyond. Digitalization and Supply Chain Security (ICS2 & NCTS), integrating sustainability into the supply chain (CBAM & EUDR). Speakers: • Ms. Lia Potec – Team Leader eFTI, European Commission, Directorate – General for Mobility and Transport, Maritime Transport and Logistics Unit • Ms. Andrea Tang – Legal Services Director FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) • Representative of the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure Romania – TBC • Mrs. Nicolette van der Jagt – Director General CLECAT (European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services) • Representative of IATA – TBC • Representative of the Romanian Customs Authority – TBC • Representative of freight forwarders associations/companies – TBC • Representative of software companies -TBC Moderator: PhD Momchil Antov – Director NSBS (Bulgarian National Freight Forwarding Association) |
| 17:30 – 19:00 | Break |
| 19:00 – 23:00 | Gala dinner – Salon D |
DAY 2
Tuesday, May 19th, 2026
| 09:00 – 09:30 | Arrival of delegates and networking (tea/coffee) – Visit of the exhibition area – Constanta Ballroom & Foyer |
| 09:30 – 11:00 SESSION FOUR | Panel discussion 4: Reinventing multimodal logistics for a sustainable and resilient future Topics: Latest developments in airfreight and maritime transport, port digitalization and data integration, SMEs in an era of market shifts and consolidation, crisis management, sustainability and carbon taxes – who bears the cost of decarbonization and how freight forwarders can offer competitive “green” transport solutions, legal and technical considerations, strategies for freight forwarders (practical recommendations regarding digitalization, contracts, strategic partnerships). Speakers: • Dr. Stéphane Graber – Director General FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) • Representative of IATA (International Air Transport Association) – TBC • Mrs. Nicolette van der Jagt – Director General CLECAT (European Association for Forwarding, Transport, Logistics and Customs Services) • Representative of IAPH (International Association of Ports and Harbors) – TBC • Mr. Serdar Ayırtman – Chair of UTIKAD (Turkish Forwarding and Logistics Association) Micro Logistics and E-Commerce Working Group & Digitalization Focus Group, Board member UTIKAD (Turkish Forwarding and Logistics Association), CEO Catoni Group • Mr. Adrian Țenu – Manager Administrator Imperador & representative of AEM-Trans, Republic of Moldova • Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ghiorghe Bătrînca – Assoc. Prof. at Constanța Maritime University, Board Member, Constanța Maritime Ports Administration, Chairman of the Risk Management Committee & Director, Mur Shipping Romania • CEO of a maritime line – TBC • CEO of an airline – TBC Moderator: Mrs. Ana Maria Hohan Negru – Country Manager R-BAG Romania & Moldova |
| 11:00 – 11:30 | Networking tea/coffee and visit to the exhibition area – Constanta Foyer |
| 11:30 – 13:00 SESSION FIVE | Advancing global logistics in uncertain times (Official FIATA Region Europe Members’ session) Roundtable discussion items: • What are the most significant operational, regulatory, and market challenges facing companies today? • How are geopolitical developments and economic uncertainty reshaping supply chains and logistics operations in Europe and beyond? • How are association members supporting their members in navigating these challenges? What concrete programmes, tools, or initiatives are currently in place? • How can FIATA further complement and amplify these efforts at global level? Where would closer collaboration between FIATA and Region Europe members deliver the greatest value? Speakers: • Prof. Dr. Thomas Sim – President of FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), CEO Topocean • Ms. Antonella Straulino – Chair REU FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations), Head of International Relations FEDESPEDI • Dr. Stéphane Graber – Director General FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) • Ms. Andrea Tang – Legal Services Director FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) • Official delegates of FIATA Region Europe Association Members |
| 13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch – Champions Restaurant Then, the event participants are free and can prepare to leave for the Mogosoaia Palace, for the Romanian dinner. |
| 14:00 – 15:00 | FIATA High-level meeting with Presidents of the FIATA REU (Region Europe) Associations (closed meeting) |
| 15:00 – 15:15 | Networking tea/coffee and visit to the exhibition area – Constanta Foyer |
| 15:15 – 16:15 | High-level meeting with the Presidents of the SEEFF (South – East European Freight Forwarders) associations and FIATA (closed meeting) – Issuing a joint position statement |
| 17:30 – 22:00 | Romanian dinner – Mogosoaia Palace (14 km, 40 minutes – we leave the JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel at 16:30, by rented buses) |
DAY 3
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
| 10:00 – 16:00 | Excursion day (Prior registration required): Visiting the Palace of Parliament – the second largest administrative building in the world, holds the record for the heaviest and most expensive building in the world Visiting the National Orthodox Cathedral – the largest Orthodox church in the world in terms of volume and surface area Lunch at JW Marriott Bucharest Grand Hotel, Bucharest, Romania |
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