Breakbulk Americas Attracts 5,000 Attendees, 300 Exhibitors to Houstons George R. Brown CC
November 4, 2014
Just more than a month ago, 5,000 attendees and 300 exhibitors gathered at Houston’s George R. Brown Convention Center to take part in the 25th anniversary of Breakbulk Americas 2014, which serves the breakbulk cargo logistics industry.
At the show, held Sept. 29-Oct. 1, project cargo and traditional breakbulk cargo owners had the opportunity to learn about the latest industry trends and to meet with specialized carriers, freight forwarders, ports/ terminals, packers and equipment companies that handle oversized cargoes requiring unique handling techniques.
Burkhalter, a heavy-lifting company that has exhibited at the show for several years, had a 20’x20’ booth on one of the main aisles.
“The U.S. is our key market,” said a booth representative. “Our customers are here. It’s a very well attended show. There’s also a lot of networking.”
Besides shipping companies and suppliers who supported them, there also were ports from all over the world scattered throughout the showfloor.
One of the biggest shipping ports in Europe, which is in Antwerp, Belgium, also is the site of one of Breakbulk’s other shows.
“Antwerp handles 15 million tons a year,” said a booth representative for the Port of Antwerp. “We have been exhibiting at this show since 2003.”
She added that the Breakbulk show in Antwerp was the fastest-grwoing one, with an increase of 1,000 attendees this year to more than 6,000.
Jeremy Luski, vice president, Event Operations & Registration Services for Breakbulk Events and Media, said the Breakbulk business has been booming, which has led the company to grow from just two shows to six in the past four years alone.
“This year’s show is fantastic,” he added. “The showfloor is hustling and bustling.”
Luski said he and the team work hard to keep the show relevant by doing things such as placing all education sessions on the showfloor. “We’re had great feedback that people don’t have to leave the showflloor,” he added.
They also launched Breakbulk TV, where interviews were held throughout the show, as well as podcasts were recorded onsite and there was a robust app for the event, which Luski said was a “fantastic technology to have.”
In addition to the busy showfloor, attendees joined networking activities including the Rickmers-Linie Charity Golf Tournament, the SSA Marine Welcome Reception in the exhibition hall, Port of Houston’s Port Night Party, Breakbulk VIP Shipper Club Luncheons, the Breakbulk BusinessRun and several networking dinners and receptions.
Next year’s Breakbulk Americas show will be held Oct. 5-8 back at the George R. Brown, but the following year the show is heading to Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Partner Voices
MGM Resorts is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse culture, not just among employees and guests but also within its supply chain. The company prioritizes procuring goods and services from businesses owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, LGBTQ individuals and those facing economic disadvantages. This commitment is integral to MGM Resorts' global procurement strategy.
Through its voluntary supplier diversity program, MGM Resorts actively identifies and connects certified diverse-owned suppliers to opportunities within its supply chain. The company is on track to spend at least 15% of its biddable procurement with diverse-owned businesses by 2025, demonstrating that supplier diversity is not only a social responsibility but also a strategic business imperative.
Supplier diversity isn’t just the right thing to do – it’s good for business. A diverse supply chain allows access to a broader range of perspectives and experience, helping to drive innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience, while strengthening communities. At MGM Resorts, engaging diverse suppliers ensures best-in-class experiences for guests and clients. Supplier diversity ensures a more resilient supply chain while supporting economic development in the communities in which it operates.
The impact of MGM Resorts' supplier diversity initiatives is significant. In 2023, these efforts supported over 3,500 jobs across more than 30 states, contributed over $214 million in income for diverse-owned businesses and generated more than $62 million in tax revenue. The story extends beyond the numbers – it reflects the tangible benefits brought to small and diverse-owned businesses, fostering economic empowerment in their communities.
MGM Resorts also supports the development and business skills of diverse-owned businesses through investment, mentorship and education. Through the MGM Resorts Supplier Diversity Mentorship Program, the company identifies, mentors and develops diverse-owned businesses to fill its future pipeline, while providing businesses with tools and resources to empower and uplift. Since 2017, the program has successfully graduated 105 diverse-owned businesses and is on track to achieve its goal of 150 graduates by 2025.
MGM Resorts’ commitment to supplier diversity not only enhances its business operations but also plays a crucial role in uplifting communities and fostering economic development. This approach reinforces the idea that diversity is a powerful driver of innovation and resilience, benefiting both the company and the wider community.
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